SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (AP) — Everyone knows that maple syrup is delicious, but not everyone knows it has potential health benefits too.

A team of University of Rhode Island scientists is hoping to change that with a nearly $500,000 federal grant they’ll use to promote the maple industry, stressing the sustainability and market value of the crop and its potential health benefits.

The initiative, called the Collaborative to Communicate Maple Benefits, will target New England, New York and New Jersey.

Navindra Seeram, professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences at URI, says maple food products have a unique compositional chemistry containing minerals, vitamins, amino acids and more than 67 bioactive natural plant compounds with potential health benefits.

His findings have shown that maple compounds may help stabilize blood glucose levels, fight inflammation and help fight wrinkles.