This text is part of the special Health and well-being section
Two beloved Quebec foods, in addition to being tasty, have beneficial effects on metabolism, according to recent studies. Replacing refined sugar with maple syrup could thus mitigate the negative effects of a diet high in sugar. Cranberry, for its part, proves to be a natural support for the performance of running athletes.
In a series of three articles, a team from Laval University suggests that replacing part of refined sugar consumption with maple syrup has metabolic benefits. The last article in the series, published in November in the journal American Journal of P.hysiology-Endocrinology and Metabolismlifts part of the veil on the mechanisms underlying this hypothesis.
The research was carried out on a population of mice receiving a diet high in fat and sugar. “We found that when we replace part of their refined sugar intake with maple syrup (up to 25%), we observe fewer negative effects linked to excess sugar,” explains André Marette , lead author of the articles and professor at the Faculty of Medicine at Laval University. By negative effects, we mean metabolic problems such as obesity, diabetes, liver and cardiovascular diseases, and even certain forms of cancer.
The researchers first observed that consuming maple syrup rather than pure sucrose helped, in mice, to reduce the level of fat in the liver. “Lipids accumulate less there. However, a liver that fills with lipids becomes insulin resistant, which causes problems that can lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular complications,” underlines the professor who is also a researcher at the University Institute of Cardiology and Pneumology. de Québec (IUCPQ) and the Institute on Nutrition and Functional Foods (INAF).
The team also found that the rodents’ blood glucose levels increased less after taking maple syrup compared to refined sugar. “There is as much sucrose in maple syrup as in pure sugar, but it seems that certain elements present in the syrup contribute to better glucose management. » Elements which seem in particular to inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme present in the intestine, so that it absorbs less sugar.
Without yet having proof, the scientific literature leads researchers to believe that it is the polyphenols, numerous in maple syrup, which play a determining role in this protective mechanism. “We will very soon test certain polyphenols in maple syrup directly, in vitro, to see if they have this effect. [inhibiteur] on alpha-glucosidase. »
Until then, André Marette insists on the fact that maple syrup does not in itself constitute a cure for illnesses. “The important thing is to reduce our sugar consumption, regardless of the source. But since it is very difficult to ask people not to consume them, we suggest replacing the bad sugars with the good ones: maple syrup in the first place, but also honey and other natural sugars.
A clinical study carried out on human subjects should be published by André Marette and his team by the end of the year.
Cranberry, a natural dopant
It is on the basis of a conclusive study carried out on rodents that doctoral student Francis Parenteau and his professor Andreas Bergdahl studied the effect of common cranberries on the performance of a group of racing athletes.
The two researchers, from the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology at Concordia University, published their results at the end of 2023 in the journal Physical Activity and Nutrition : consumption of cranberry extract does improve the physiological markers of performance during running.
To demonstrate this, the team carried out its tests over distances of 400 meters and 1500 meters, with runners trained to run longer distances, such as the 5000 meters or the marathon. “We wanted to subject them to an exercise different from what their bodies were capable of, in order to isolate the effect of the cranberry,” explains Andreas Bergdahl, lead author of the article (Francis Parenteau is the author main).
The results demonstrated that cranberry supplements, taken by runners for 28 days in a row, limit the level of lactate in the blood after intense exercise (400 meters). However, this metabolite hinders performance. “With lactic production comes a decrease in pH which causes pain in the muscle,” emphasizes the professor.
On the other hand, over longer distances requiring endurance capacities (1500 meters), the consumption of this red fruit improves not only the oxygenation of the muscles, but also the running times, by 1.5%. . “This translates to a gain of 65 meters for a 1500 meter race. It is enormous. It can be the difference between finishing fifth in a race or winning a gold medal. »
During a follow-up study, the researchers were able to demonstrate that it is the concentration of polyphenols, very high in cranberries, which gives it its doping power. “They act at the level of the mitochondria, which are real energy production factories. Polyphenols stimulate these mitochondria to produce more. »
While the professor is thinking of continuing research with climbers, he is delighted with the cranberry’s place on the Quebec market, which is the leading producer in Canada. He hopes these discoveries will encourage the province to take advantage of this national product. “Whenever we hear about cranberries or cranberry juice, we think of urinary tract infections. With this research, we are opening up a whole new field of possibilities for athletes. »
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.