Maple water is a clear liquid obtained from maple trees for a short time in early spring. The maple water is also known as sap, and it goes through a natural process that infuses it with nutrients. 

In early spring, maple pulls water out of the ground and filters it through its roots. This water collects the nutrients stored in the tree throughout the winter and provides the hydration and nourishment that keep the tree growing and rejuvenating during the spring renewal period.

People who drink maple water can benefit from phytochemicals and hydration while enjoying the slightly sweet woody flavor.

Maple water has several advantages over other popular beverages in the market. Maple water contains half the calories found in coconut water and tastes milder.

Maple water is produced in several nations, including the United States. Hundreds of thousands of maple trees are grown in New York, Vermont, and several other states with cold winter climates. 

Table of Contents

Maple Water Production

extraction - maple water
Maple water extraction (source)

In an optimal season, a mature maple tree can produce about 758 liters of maple water in one season. But, as with all types of agriculture, there is no guarantee that maple trees will create such a vast amount.

When demand rises, varying temperatures can lead to shorter sap harvesting seasons and reduced product availability. In 2012, maple syrup production declined due to milder winters and a shorter bottling season. 

The situation for maple farmers looked better the following year, with increased maple syrup production by 70 percent due to lower temperatures in early spring, retention in the soil of maple trees, and a more extended tapping period.

Composition, calorie content, and nutritional value 

Organic water - Maple water
Drinkable organic maple water. Purchase Link

The natural electrolyte we’re talking about today has a unique and refreshing taste with sweet woody notes. 

Like all tree juices, the clear liquid is 90 percent plain water. The second highest amount component is sucrose (from 1 to 9%), due to which the drink has a pleasant sweet taste.

The amount of sugar is influenced by the period of sap collection, from which tree it is collected, and most importantly – where this maple grows.

It also contains:

  • vitamin C
  • tocopherol and retinol
  • organic acids – more citric, acetic, and malic, a little succinic, fumaric, abscisic
  • glucose
  • polyunsaturated fatty acids
  • minerals – potassium, iron, silicon, calcium, manganese, sodium, zinc, phosphorus
  • tannins
  • flavonoids
  • antioxidants
  • aldehydes.

One glass of the drink contains almost half of the daily intake of manganese for an adult. This element contributes to the rapid absorption of nutrients. Since 100 ml of maple water has only 12 kcal, it is perfect for diet food.

Benefits of Maple Water

Drinking maple water is especially useful during the winter period when the body is most susceptible to infection with viral diseases. 

After the cold weather, it is no less helpful since the body is exhausted. It needs recovery, which implies many vitamin complexes, macro-and microelements, and other valuable substances.

Maple water has found its use in medicine. It is used for treatment, prevention of diseases, and restoration of the body during rehabilitation.

The other beneficial features of maple water are as follows:

1. The life-giving power of electrolytes

According to Kiki Maple Sweet Water, one of Canada’s leading suppliers of this healthy drink, maple water contains over 80 trace minerals, including potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron, as well as B vitamins.

All these nutrients are needed for the normal functioning of the circulatory system and muscle tissue. They are also required for the development of bones and the production of energy. 

They are also beneficial for heart and nerve cells. The water is great to drink after exercise to replenish the loss of micronutrients due to increased sweating. 

2. Magic polyphenols

Maple water contains more than 50 polyphenols endowed by nature with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. 

Therefore, the risk of degenerative changes such as heart disease and cancer is reduced with regular drink consumption. 

The benefits of certain polyphenols for the thyroid gland have also been proven.

3. Low in natural sugars

maple sugar - maple water
Frost Ridge Maple Farm Powdered Granulated Organic Maple Sugar. Purchase Link

When consumed regularly, high-calorie drinks can cause serious harm to the human body. Remarkably, maple water is low in calories and sugars: compared to coconut water, it is two times less.

4. Stabilizes blood sugar levels

A new study has shown that the drink contains abscisic acid (ABA), responsible for insulin homeostasis and beneficial for type 2 diabetes and obesity patients.

5. Recommended for following diseases

Maple sap is indicated for patients suffering from the following diseases:

  • It has a diuretic consequence, so it is recommended for the genitourinary system.
  • It acts as a prophylactic agent in the fight against heart disease, thrombosis, and atherosclerotic conditions.
  • Maple water helps cleanse the blood and free the body from toxins and other harmful substances.
  • It helps fight against oncology and acute respiratory viral infections. A prominent role, in this case, is assigned to the presence of ascorbic acid and antioxidants in the water, which have an antimicrobial and bactericidal effect.
  • It is helpful for liver and bile diseases as it has a choleretic effect.
  • It aids in the rapid remedy of wounds, cuts, thermal and chemical burns. In this case, the water acts as an antibiotic. 
  • It stops the development of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease.
  • It helps in the treatment of diseases of the prostate gland. The content of zinc in the water helps to prevent the onset of the disease. 

6. Good for digestion

Maple water is a good source of oligosaccharides. It can be used as a good source of carbon for good bacteria in the gut (e.g., lactobacilli) that help digest food and strengthen the digestive system.

7. Contraindication

This drink may not cause significant harm to health, except in an allergic reaction. Another point to consider is the area’s ecological well-being where the water is collected.

People with diabetes need to be careful despite the apparent benefits of consuming maple water and not drinking large quantities of it. One or two glasses a day is more than enough.

8. For pregnant and breastfeeding women

Similarly, this healthy drink is not contraindicated during pregnancy. But if a pregnant woman has increased blood sugar or gestational diabetes mellitus begins to develop, she should not drink maple water.

You should use any juices, including maple, with caution during breastfeeding. First, you need to drink a few tablespoons of maple water and monitor the child’s stool and the presence/absence of skin rashes.

If there is no allergic reaction in your baby, then you can drink half a glass of juice two times a week.

9. For Children

When introducing maple water in children under three years old, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Some children need an increase in blood sugar; these mechanisms can harm others.

Pediatricians advise against experimenting with young children. The beginning of the drink intake after reaching the age of three should be slow and gradual to assess the reaction of the child’s body. Like all-natural ingredients, maple sap can trigger the development of allergies.

Harvest of Maple Water

Not all types of trees are suitable for collecting maple water. The most common product is obtained from the red, black, holly types of maples.

These species grow in the provinces of Canada, as well as in the north of the United States. 

Maples are common in the eastern part of Russia, but they have a completely different type and differ in their properties.

Storage 

For self-storage of juice, choose one of the following methods:

1. Sterilized and closed with a lid

You cannot store freshly extracted liquid for more than two days. After this period, it loses its qualities and can do more harm than good.

2. Boiled down to maple syrup

365 By Whole Foods Market, Organic Maple Syrup. Purchase Link

Another way to preserve and recycle is to make syrup. The liquid is poured into an enormous container, boiled over low heat for several hours. When the fluid decreases and acquires a dense structure, the fire is turned off, and the syrup is cooled and stored.

Conclusion

The maple water benefits and harms depend upon the amount and rules of intake. Moderate consumption is not harmful. 

Drink such as maple water and rice water has beneficial properties that have a hygienic effect on human health. You may want to check the benefits of rice water at the following link.

(Last Updated on October 27, 2021 by Sadrish Dabadi)

Ankur Pradhan holds a bachelor’s degree in education and health and three years of content writing experience. Addicted to online creative writing, she puts some of what she feels inside her stormy heart on paper. She loves nature, so she is trying to motivate people to switch to alternative energy sources through her articles.