In an era of rising interest to maintain healthy weight, the question has been whether honey is a healthier alternative to table sugar. Table sugar has been substituted with honey in a variety of food products as concerns regarding sugar consumption increases. The answer to the above question is not too sweet as the sweetener.
For over 5000 years humans have been using honey as a sweetener being the only natural sweetener prior to the industrial production of sugar. Recent interest in honey consumption has seen a rise owning to its perceived health benefits. A closer look at the components of honey is necessary in understanding the nutrient composition and whether it confers health benefits.
The main component of honey are sugars. They also contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids and numerous polyphenols (antioxidant plant compounds). Contrary to popular belief, honey does not have significant amount of nutrients and bioactive compounds to confer any significant health benefits.
For honey to make a significant difference in health, one must consume honey in higher amounts that the negative health impact from the sugars will outweigh the potential health benefits from other nutrients.
As a matter of fact, honey is higher in calories compared to refined sugar per serving. A teaspoon of honey contains 21 calories compared to 16 calories per teaspoon of sugar. This puts consumers at risk of increased calories with the impression of perceived health benefits. Honey is classified by the U.S Food and Drug Administration as an added sugar. Cutting back on all forms of added sugar is an important lifestyle change for an overall health and wellbeing.
When it comes to children below the age of one, honey is a ‘sweet risk’. Honey may contain spores that cause botulism. Botulism is a life-threatening illness caused by toxins that attack the nerves. It is therefore not recommended for children below the age of one. Additionally, remember that honey is sugar and avoiding it for your children will help prevent tooth decay.
Anytime you consume honey, enjoy the sweet taste of this food nature has to offer but be mindful of overconsumption due to perceived health and nutritional benefits.
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Written by Dominic Bassah
Last page review: 23/12/2021
Next page review: 31/12/2024