Consuming maple syrup may promote a healthy liver, new research suggests.

Scientists found that rats which digested pure maple syrup as part of their diets compared with those who had an equal amount of simple sugar syrup showed significantly better results in liver function tests.

Researchers found that the maple syrup diet caused genes involved in the production of harmful ammonia in the liver to be less active.

The laboratory rats had decreased levels of three liver enzymes in the blood – which are standard biomarkers for evaluating liver function.

The research, which was conducted by Keiko Abe at the University of Tokyo, suggests that maple syrup may play a role in liver health.

The liver is the second largest organ in the body which is responsible for processing what we eat and drink and turning it into energy and nutrients. It also filters harmful substances out of the blood.

Melissa Palmer, clinical professor and medical director of hepatology at New York University Plainview, said: “The liver is such an important organ in the body. It is actually a barometer for overall health.

“While more research needs to be done, these preliminary results are very promising and underscore the importance of a healthy diet. Even choosing a sweetener such as maple syrup may prove to be helpful when off-setting risk factors that could be detrimental to liver health.”