Is Honey Really Good For You?

How much sugar is in it?

When we try to avoid refined sugar, we try to find healthier alternatives, and honey is the most popular of them. There is much debate about its benefits (or harms), with some regarding it as the ultimate evil and others as perhaps the most beneficial dessert. In fact, both opinions are wrong, and we tell you why.

How much sugar is in honey?

In short, a lot. Fast carbohydrates account for 80-85% of the product, while honey’s sugar content is virtually identical to the white stuff we’re used to, so you can’t really talk about its harmlessness. Like regular white sugar, honey causes a spike in blood sugar levels, which contributes to feelings of hunger, and in the long term can lead to weight gain and chronic disease. But for those who use honey uncontrollably, the problem is serious. Like sugar, in small amounts (read here how much sugar you can eat a day without harming your figure) honey will not harm your body and will lift your mood, thanks to the release of serotonin in the blood.

Why is honey healthier than white sugar? 

The calories and high carbohydrate content makes sense, but if you can’t do without sweets, honey is still much healthier than sugar. The fact is, white sugar is a useless staple in your body: it contains no vitamins, minerals, or protein, only fast carbohydrates. Honey, at the same level of carbohydrate content, is rich in health benefits that counterbalance its sweetness.

Honey is a source of antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. They protect cells from damage by free radicals, improve skin health and counteract aging processes. The active ingredients in honey may have a positive effect on heart health by lowering “bad” cholesterol and strengthening the heart muscle. In addition, honey has a powerful antibacterial effect, which is excellent for strengthening the immune system and preventing inflammation.

Note that we are talking about natural honey with 100% organic composition. It is commonly available in specialty shops or from apiaries. Most of the honey on the supermarket shelves is of questionable composition, with many preservatives and additives. Honey is also a food allergen, so it is best to be cautious about what you eat.