That Marvelous Maple Syrup

When I decided to give up high fructose corn syrup, my first thought was, "what will I put on my pancakes!?"  In case you didn't know, most commercial syrups are loaded down with high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup.  The Thrifty Mama has a great article on tips to get HFCS out of your diet http://www.thethriftymama.com/2011/07/high-fructose-corn-syrup.html.  The dangers and damage to your system is not worth dealing with it.  Again I ask, "what will I put on my pancakes!?"

I found a great substitute while eating at Cracker Barrel.  100% maple syrup!  Of course, you have to be wary of many commercial brands that claim to be pure maple syrup when actually it is junk flavored with pure maple syrup.  Whole Foods has a delicious organic maple syrup that comes in a jug for $18.99.  I know, a bit expensive, but it lasts a long time.  I purchase the Grade B maple syrup; Grade A is also available.  But the benefits of maple syrup is worth the additional expense.  In April of this year, the LA Times wrote an article discussing the many antioxidant properties found in maple syrup http://articles.latimes.com/2011/apr/05/news/la-heb-maple-syrup-superfood-20110405.  The Worlds Healthiest Food posted an article discussing the benefits of manganese and zinc which are nutrients in maple syrup http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=115. 

I use maple syrup on pancakes, in smoothies, in oatmeal and in iced tea.  I have to remind myself to only use a small amount.  Maple syrup is very sweet and a little bit goes a long way!  I suggest buying a small bottle to start off with to see if you like the taste.  I loved it the first time I tried it!  Trader Joes has organic maple syrup for $5.49.  Try it out!