Improves heart health and prevents diabetes.. 7 reasons to eat honey instead of regular sugar
In addition to its delicious taste which can be used in many recipes, the health benefits of honey make us seriously consider using it as a natural alternative to sugar.
The benefits of honey that motivate us to use it instead of sugar
Honey is a syrupy liquid made by honey bees from the nectar of plants.
It is a food loved around the world for its sweetness and is used in many foods and recipes.
The smell, color, and taste of honey vary depending on the type of flower it is made from, so there are countless types of honey.
Honey is essentially pure sugar without fat, with only trace amounts of protein and fiber, and contains loads of nutrients, but most people don't usually consume enough honey to be an important dietary source of vitamins and minerals.
Here are the unique health benefits of honey that motivate us to use it in place of sugar.
iStock/ The benefits of honey that motivate us to use it instead of sugar
iStock/ The benefits of honey that motivate us to use it instead of sugar
1- Supports gut health
Honey does amazing things in the gut. A recent scientific review of the use of honey in complementary medicine, published in the journal Integrative Medicine Insights published in 2017, found that honey has the properties of prebiotics.
These properties help beneficial bacteria to ferment in the intestines, which helps the body develop stronger immune functions.
This premium food is also used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea and has proven effective as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori, a common cause of stomach ulcers.
2- It acts as an antioxidant
Raw honey contains a range of compounds that act as antioxidants, and some of these compounds contain phytochemicals such as flavonoids and ascorbic acid, known as vitamin C.
According to MindBodyGreen, these antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which contribute to the aging process and the development of chronic diseases.
In fact, scientists have found that a diet rich in foods full of antioxidants, such as honey, can reduce one's risk of developing chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.
3- Helps control infections
The phenolic substances present in honey play a role in making it a wonderful antioxidant, and these compounds are also useful in controlling inflammation.
These properties, according to the American Natural News website, can help reduce tissue inflammation in the lung, throat, and even the brain and raw honey contains ingredients that fight inflammation in the hippocampus, which is the part responsible for memory in the brain.
4- It acts as an antimicrobial
In addition, honey is a powerful natural antimicrobial agent, as it contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is often used as a disinfectant.
In addition, it has a low pH, which means that honey can help kill harmful bacteria and fungi inside the body, and it can also prevent the growth of yeast or bacteria microbes, and these properties make honey useful in wound healing.
iStock/ Benefits of honey on an empty stomach
iStock/ Benefits of honey on an empty stomach
5- Better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar
When it comes to managing your blood sugar, honey may offer some subtle benefits over regular sugar.
Although honey raises blood sugar levels just like other types of sugar, the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
According to the US Medical Line, researchers found that honey may increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation.
Thus honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for diabetics, but it is still necessary to eat it in moderation.
6- May Improve Heart Health
According to a review published by the US National Library of Medicine in 2020, honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood lipid levels, regulate the heartbeat, and prevent the death of healthy cells—all factors that can improve heart function and health.
Additionally, raw honey typically contains propolis, a type of resin produced by bees from sap-producing trees and similar plants. Propolis may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
7- It relieves cough in children
Coughing is a common problem for children with an upper respiratory infection. This infection can affect sleep and quality of life for both children and parents.
However, common cough medicines are not always effective and can have side effects, and interestingly honey may be a good alternative, with evidence to suggest it is an effective treatment option.
One 2017 National Library of Medicine study of honey and coughs in children found that honey appears to be more effective than diphenhydramine for treating cough symptoms, and may also help reduce the duration of a cough.
However, never give honey to children under one year of age due to the risk of food poisoning