U. S. researchers have found that Maple syrup can substantially slow the growth of cancerous cells in several cancers and help reduce the risk of diabetes.

13 new antioxidant compounds, that were not known to exist in syrup until now, have been found by Navindra Seeram of the University of Rhode Island. Several of these antioxidants newly identified in maple syrup are reported to have anti-cancer, anti-bacterial and anti-diabetic properties.

It was explained by the study that Maple syrup contains substantial quantities of abscises acid, a phytohormone known to stimulate insulin release through pancreatic cells and to increase sensitivity of fat cells to insulin, which makes it a potent weapon against metabolic syndrome and diabetes.

Seeram presented his findings on Canadian maple syrup at the American Chemical Society annual meeting in San Francisco.

Maple syrup can substantially slow the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate and lungs and to a lesser extent in the breast, colon and brain more effectively than blueberries, broccoli, tomatoes and carrots, a second study by researchers at the Universite du Quebec a Chicoutimi have suggested. (With Inputs from Agencies)