Honey is one of those pantry items that you can always have and benefit from. is. The opportunities are endless! Not only is honey versatile, but it’s often seen as a healthier option because it’s often used as a more natural alternative to processed (or refined) sugar. is it really good for you?
Made from hardworking bees and with minimal processing, honey is considered a natural sweetener and is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is often compared to resource-based refined sugar. However, it undergoes extensive processing that ultimately renders it devoid of nutritional value. But is honey automatically good for you just because it’s natural?
To learn more, we spoke with a professional nutritionist about honey’s benefits and potential side effects. Please check.
Nutrient content of honey
per nutrient 1 tablespoon honey (21 grams):
- calorie: 63.8
- obesity: 0 grams
- carbohydrates: 17.3 grams
- sugar: 17.2 grams
- Fructose: 8.6g
- Glucose: 7.5 grams
- Sucrose: 0.2g
- fiber: <0.5g
- protein: <0.5g
6 health benefits of honey
1. Honey has antibacterial properties
Have you ever been told to add a spoon or two of honey to your cup of tea when you’re feeling sick?
according to Mary Sabbath MS, RDN, LD“Honey has been found to have antimicrobial properties, which means it helps fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses.” British Journal of Surgery, honey has been found to be effective in treating infected wounds. ”
OK, if you’re dealing with open flesh wounds, you may not want to resort to this sweetener. It is promising for
2. Rich in antioxidants
Another benefit of including honey in your diet is powerful antioxidant Known to help your body in major ways.
“Honey is a rich source of antioxidants that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, which damage cells and lead to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a labile molecule that can contribute to disease,” Sabato says. Oxidative Medicine and Cell Lifespanthese antioxidant properties of honey have also been associated with reducing chronic inflammation.
in any other way natural sweetenerPure maple syrup, agave nectar, and date syrup provide your body with the same antioxidants you don’t get from eating processed sugars.
3. Soothes a sore throat
A sore throat is one of the most unpleasant parts of illness. But thankfully, if you feel like you’re swallowing a knife, honey might give you a little relief.
“Honey has been found to be an effective remedy for sore throats,” says Sabat. “According to a study published in a journal Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine Archiveshoney was found to be more effective than cough suppressants in relieving cough and sore throat symptoms in children.
4. Honey aids digestion
You may be using honey as a sweetener or for relief when sick, but you may not realize that it can improve digestion and gut health over time.
According to Sabat, “Honey has been shown to aid digestion by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut. The forefront of nutrition science It has been discovered that honey has prebiotic effects on gut health. ”
5. May Help Lower Blood Pressure
Multiple research studies have provided evidence of honey’s potential impact on cardiovascular health.according to International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Healthhoney has been found to help improve heart rate, regulate fat levels in the blood, and prevent the death of healthy cells in the body.
Another study published in clinical and experimental hypertension A study found that eating moderate amounts of honey lowered blood pressure in women over the age of 40.
6. It doesn’t spike blood sugar as much as other types of sugar
Substituting natural sweeteners for regular sugar can be a healthier choice, especially if you’re monitoring your blood sugar levels.
“Strictly speaking, sugar and honey are very similar in terms of calories and sugar content,” he says. Jesse Feder, RDN, CPT and My Crohn’s and Colitis Team“But interestingly, honey Helps treat diabetes, along with diabetes medication. Specifically, studies have found that because of its high fructose content, its consumption does not significantly raise blood sugar levels. Promotes Healthy Insulin Activity and blood sugar level.
3 possible negative effects of eating honey
1. Still high in calories
In some ways, the benefits or side effects of honey depend on your personal health goals.As mentioned above, this natural sweetener is not as effective in raising blood sugar as other forms of sugar.
However, “honey is still relatively high in calories, so it should be consumed in moderation,” says Sabat. 1 tablespoon Contains about 64 calories. ”
It’s also a natural sweetener, but still a sweetener. Honey contains 17 grams of sugar per tablespoon. If you’re looking for something with fewer calories than honey or other types of sugar, try a zero-calorie sweetener instead.
2. May cause allergic reactions
Honey has only a handful of potentially negative side effects, mayo clinic Warns of possible allergic reactions. Sabat also agreed, saying, “Some people are allergic to it and may experience symptoms such as hives, itching and swelling. In severe cases, allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis. This is a life-threatening allergic reaction and requires immediate medical attention.
3. There is still a risk of infant botulism
The last thing to know about the potential risks of eating honey is that it can be dangerous. children under 1 year old.
“Honey may contain spores of the bacteria that cause botulism, and these spores can grow and produce toxins in the intestines of young children, which can lead to serious illness and death. There is a possibility.”
Sign up for our newsletter!
