With the search for "SUPERFOODS" claiming to heal and provide a renewed life, we are seeing more and more new foods and drinks appear. Being a Canadian myself, and having been discovered in Canada, I was intrigued by this new beverage. Especially since it reportedly has a hint of maple syrup flavour! So, I decided to give Maple Water a try!
What It Is
Maple sap is basically water drawn from the ground through the tree's roots and passes through the tree's circulatory system. During this process it absorbs about 46 various vitamins and minerals. It is pasteurized as opposed to being boiled and reduced to the sticky liquid we've come to know as maple syrup. There are approximately 11 or 12 companies throughout Canada and North Eastern America producing maple water. It is relatively new to the market, in fact so new that not much scientific data has been published to support or deny the claims of it's producers.
Claimed Benefits of Maple Water
Some of the claimed benefits of maple water include anti-inflammatory and bone strengthening properties. It is also reported to support thyroid health and regulate blood sugar levels. It's reportedly able to improve muscle function and is loaded with vitamins and minerals. DRINKmaple's website claims it's "The perfect way to hydrate and nourish your body the same way it nourishes the maple trees." I personally believe a maple tree's hydration needs and processes differ greatly from a human's body but am still open to maple water's hydration ability for the body.
Some of the nutrients found naturally in maple water have been shown to have anti-cancer properties. With the phytonutrients and vitamins and minerals which occur naturally in the maple tree's sap, it is possible it could be healthy. While it contains about 30% the daily recommended serving of the mineral manganese, many of us aren't deficient.
Maple Water As A Sports Drink?
I suppose it does have the ability to hydrate. My concern is one serving of maple water contains 3 grams of sugar. It appears to be more natural and less synthetic than Power and Gatoraid drinks. It contains substantially fewer calories as well. Maple water, to my surprise contains 25 fewer calories and 6 grams of sugar less than it's predecessor coconut water!
8 oz Maple Water
15 Calories
3 Grams of Sugar
8oz Unsweetened Coconut Water
40 Calories
9 Grams of sugar
8oz Gatorade
50 Calories
14 Grams of sugar
The average cost for a container of maple water will run you around $2.99 which is comparable to coconut water. It is a little more difficult to find than a sports drink and coconut water. It is available in nutrition stores, Trader Joe's and a few health food sections of local markets.
My Verdict
I LOVE MAPLE SYRUP! Pancakes are among my favorite foods! However, as I mentioned in my blog about coconut water, I don't believe it is a miracle food. We are always seeking the latest "super food" to increase our health and stamina. In theory, maple water sounds like it has a host of potential health benefits. I am not convinced our metabolism and circulatory system are compatible with that of the maple tree. With it being relatively new on the market, I think I will keep my money in my pocket until more concrete scientific research backs it's health claims.
I'm still not ready to give up my water with a lemon or other fruit or 100% natural seltzer water during my workouts. I found drinking it while I was working out, I was more thirsty because of the maple flavour. I found it was not able to quench my thirst and left a bit of a sweet aftertaste. So again, like the coconut water, I will pass on it and stick with water or 100% natural seltzer water.