Riya Baibhawi

Is Honey Good Or Bad For You?

Honey is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular sugar. This is largely due to it being nutrient-dense and having a large number of antioxidants. However, while some claim that it could be a nutritious ingredient, others claim it to be a high-sugar indulgence.

Honey is a naturally sweet, syrup-like substance that bees produce from the nectar of flowering plants. The bees collect the nectar and then consume, digest, and regurgitate it inside the beehive to produce honey. This honey is stored in wax structures called honeycombs, which are gathered by humans through the practice of beekeeping. Although the nutritional value of honey

depends upon its type, a single tablespoon (21 grams) of honey typically consists of 64 calories and 17 grams of carbs with little to no fat, fiber, and protein.

High-quality honey is rich in several important antioxidants- such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. Antioxidants are compounds that help fight disease-causing free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of oxidative cell damage. Research has shown that a diet which is high in antioxidants could help an individual prevent chronic diseases as well as mental health issues.

Swapping out regular sugar for high-quality honey in your diet may improve different aspects of heart health. Numerous studies have shown that it reduces several risk factors of heart disease.

For example, one 30-day study comparing the effects of table sugar and honey in 55 people found that honey helped decrease levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. It was also able to lower triglyceride levels by up to 19%.

In some forms of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, honey is applied directly to the skin to aid wound healing. This is thought to be due to its antibacterial properties and its ability to decrease the growth of microorganisms that could cause infection.

In one small study, applying <span>manuka honey</span> directly to diabetic foot ulcers was as effective as conventional wound dressings and promoted healing in 97% of ulcers. Similarly, another study of 30 people showed that adding honey to wound dressings enhanced healing in about 43% of diabetic foot ulcers after three months.

While honey is high in sugar, it is still better choice than refined sugar. Processed sugar brings little to the table, while honey is high in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. One study also suggests that using honey instead of table sugar may decrease triglycerides as well as total and "bad" LDL cholesterol to support your heart health. However, while honey may be a better option than refined sugar, it should still be consumed in moderation to prevent adverse effects on your health.

<h4>However, It May Contribute To Weight Gain</h4>

Honey is high in sugar and calories, packing almost 64 calories into a single tablespoon. While this may not seem so much, even a few servings per day could cause calories to stack up and contribute to obesity. Honey is also high in sugar, which is digested rapidly and can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and crash — resulting in increased hunger and potential long-term weight gain.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

honey benefits

diet & nutrition

manuka honey

daily diet

healthy diet

Making These Lifestyle Changes Can Ease Your Lower Back Pain

Seasonal Allergies Troubling You? Try These Natural Antihistamines

Should You Eat Eggs If You Have Diabetes?

Nutrition

10 Exercises You Can Do While Walking

10 Healthy Savoury Pancakes To Have For Breakfast

10 Herbal Tea Mixes For Winters

10 Habits To Ensure Your Teeth Health

10 Detox Juices You Should Try

10 Low Impact Exercises For Weight Loss

10 Foods That Should Be Part Of A Runners Diet

10 Gym Exercises Basketball Players Should Do

10 Light Foods You Can Eat Before Exercises

10 Ways To Beat The Sleep Spell In Office

10 Tips To Help Muscle Recovery

6-6-6 Walking Routine Can Help You Stay Fit

10 Breathing Exercises To Try When You’re Feeling Anxious

10 Ways To Beat Morning Fatigue

10 Type Of Squats You Can Do For Weight Loss

Soaked vs. Roasted Chickpeas: Which One is Healthier?

10 Ways For Busy People To Stay Active

10 High-Calorie Foods to Watch Out For At Gatherings

10 Brain Exercises to Improve Your Focus and Memory

Creative Ways to Complete Your 10,000 Steps Indoors

10 Best Carb Choices for Managing Type 2 Diabetes

10 White Foods to Avoid for Better Weight Loss Results

10 Delicious Mediterranean Diet Dinners: Low-Carb and High-Protein Options

Healthy and Protein-Packed Late-Night Snacks to Satisfy Your Cravings

10 Negative Habits That Drain Your Mind’s Power

10 Brain-Boosting Activities to Sharpen Your Mind

10 Protein-Rich Breakfast Dishes To Try

10 Signs Your Heart Is Healthy

10 Foods To Improve Your Brain Health

10 Foods That Boost Your Metabolism

10 Exercise To Improve Grip Strength

10 Staple Foods To Make Eating Healthy Easier

10 Foods You Should Eat If You Are Weight-Training

10 Basics Rules Of Weight Training

10 Ways To Deal With Winter Dry Skin

Workout Week: 10 Back Exercises To Do At Gym

10 Healthy Chicken Recipes For Winter

10 Morning Habits That Can Make You Sick

10 Superfood To Help You Build Immunity

10 Cardio Exercises To Lose Belly Fat

Honey is often marketed as a healthier alternative to regular sugar. This is largely due to it being nutrient-dense and having a large number of antioxidants. However, while some claim that it could be a nutritious ingredient, others claim it to be a high-sugar indulgence.What Is Honey?Honey is a naturally sweet, syrup-like substance that bees produce from the nectar of flowering plants. The bees collect the nectar and then consume, digest, and regurgitate it inside the beehive to produce honey. This honey is stored in wax structures called honeycombs, which are gathered by humans through the practice of beekeeping. Although the nutritional value of honeydepends upon its type, a single tablespoon (21 grams) of honey typically consists of 64 calories and 17 grams of carbs with little to no fat, fiber, and protein.What are the benefits of honey?High in AntioxidantsHigh-quality honey is rich in several important antioxidants- such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. Antioxidants are compounds that help fight disease-causing free radicals, thereby reducing your risk of oxidative cell damage. Research has shown that a diet which is high in antioxidants could help an individual prevent chronic diseases as well as mental health issues.May Improve Heart HealthSwapping out regular sugar for high-quality honey in your diet may improve different aspects of heart health. Numerous studies have shown that it reduces several risk factors of heart disease.For example, one 30-day study comparing the effects of table sugar and honey in 55 people found that honey helped decrease levels of total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. It was also able to lower triglyceride levels by up to 19%.Promotes Wound HealingIn some forms of traditional medicine, such as Ayurveda, honey is applied directly to the skin to aid wound healing. This is thought to be due to its antibacterial properties and its ability to decrease the growth of microorganisms that could cause infection.In one small study, applying manuka honey directly to diabetic foot ulcers was as effective as conventional wound dressings and promoted healing in 97% of ulcers. Similarly, another study of 30 people showed that adding honey to wound dressings enhanced healing in about 43% of diabetic foot ulcers after three months.Better Than Refined SugarWhile honey is high in sugar, it is still better choice than refined sugar. Processed sugar brings little to the table, while honey is high in antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. One study also suggests that using honey instead of table sugar may decrease triglycerides as well as total and "bad" LDL cholesterol to support your heart health. However, while honey may be a better option than refined sugar, it should still be consumed in moderation to prevent adverse effects on your health.However, It May Contribute To Weight GainHoney is high in sugar and calories, packing almost 64 calories into a single tablespoon. While this may not seem so much, even a few servings per day could cause calories to stack up and contribute to obesity. Honey is also high in sugar, which is digested rapidly and can cause your blood sugar levels to spike and crash — resulting in increased hunger and potential long-term weight gain.