Here's what it all boils down to...

If you take a trip to Bracebridge Ontario, you might notice a fair number of tapped trees in and around town. 

I’m one of those responsible, along with 8 other members of Dads of Muskoka (Follow us at facebook.com/BracebridgeDads/). That’s right - we make our own maple syrup.

Now, you might think that my thirst for maple-syrup-making stems from a deep and abiding love of crepes. But you’d only be half right, because while I DO enjoy crepes filled with yogurt and fresh fruit on the weekend, I’m more interested in the myriad health benefits that maple syrup provides.

I’m a big fan of antioxidants. Harrington’s Brain formula, for example, is absolutely full of them. Oxidative damage can produce free radicals in the body, which can do real and lasting damage. Antioxidants defend against this damage, and provide protection against cancer and heart disease - two of the top killers in our culture. They’re hugely important for your health! So stop me if you saw this one coming - Maple Syrup is an excellent source of antioxidants. In fact, it contains 63. 63!

Beyond this, maple syrup contains manganese, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), zinc and potassium. When combined with simple carbohydrates from sugar, it adds a boost of nutrition to any workout regimen. In my opinion, some maple sap right from the tree or a little maple syrup mixed with water should be the official energy drink of Canadian athletes.  

So get out there and tap some of your trees. Or, if you don’t have access to a deciduous forest, head to your local farmer's market and pick up a bottle of Canada No. 1. Healthy living: how sweet it is!

- Howie