The answer? Honey and sugar are both carbohydrates, consisting of the two types of sugar: Glucose and fructose, both of which are broken down quickly by the body and can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Overeating added sugars, including honey, can pose other health risks.
Like sugar, honey is high in carbs and can raise blood sugar levels. It is also high in calories. However, the antioxidants in honey may help with healing and allergy relief, among other uses.
Honey and diabetes
Honey may be a healthful substitute for refined sugars. However, people should use it in moderation. It, too, can cause blood sugar levels to spike, especially when a person uses honey in addition to, rather than instead of, another form of sugar.
From a calorie and sugar content perspective, the differences between sugar and honey are minimal, however, overall, honey contains slightly more health benefits than table sugar from its potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Both provide sweetness and have their place in your kitchen. However, research suggests that honey may have more health benefits than other forms of regular sugar, like granulated and cane.
Honey contains vital nutrients
Honey is a brown, sticky, sugar-saturated solution made by bees. Health benefits of eating a spoonful of honey everyday include diabetes management, cancer management, better heart health, and other benefits.
The anti-inflammatory effect of honey can also contribute to its overall prebiotic potential, as many conditions in the gut (regardless of infection state) involve inflammation of the bowels.
Honey is still a form of sugar and intake should be moderate. The American Heart Association recommends that women get no more than 100 calories a day from added sugars; men no more than 150 calories a day. This is a little over two tablespoons for women and three tablespoons for men.
According to a few scientific articles, Manuka honey may reduce inflammation in your digestive system, which could reduce symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). However, honey contains a lot of fructose. Fructose is a FODMAP, and can trigger IBS symptoms.
“Honey should be treated like all added sugars, something to include in your diet carefully and kept to a minimum,” Keating says. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) per day; women and children, no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) daily.
Honey caused elevation of insulin compared to sucrose after different intervals and lower elevation of PGL in diabetics. Honey consumption resulted in more hyperglycemia in these patients but without diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperglycemic hyperosmolar state (HHS).
The sugar contained in honey increases the level of insulin in the blood, which then releases serotonin. Serotonin is further transformed into melatonin, a hormone that promotes quality sleep. Honey is a strong antiseptic, so it's recommended to eat a spoonful of honey on an empty stomach.
Honey can lower blood pressure
Honey is considered a great ingredient to help control blood pressure. But when taken in excess, it can also put you at the risk of low blood pressure or hypotension. In the long run, this can affect the functioning of your heart.
Possible Side Effects of Manuka Honey
These may include: Allergic reaction, especially in people who are allergic to bees. A rise in blood sugar if large quantities are consumed. Effects on certain chemotherapy drugs and interactions with various other medicines.
Manuka honey is known to have anti-inflammatory properties which can help to reduce bloating and inflammation in the gut, especially when taken orally. Manuka honey is packed with antioxidants, which reduce the oxidants (or waste substances) found in our body, and in turn, reduce inflammation.
Honey may contain probiotics that have been transmitted from the guts of honey bees during the process of making honey and may remain alive for a certain period [16]. Thus, both honey bees and honey may provide potential probiotics for future use.
Stevia was previously banned by the FDA due to earlier studies that suggested it may cause cancer. Fortunately, this was amended in 2008, which paved the way for food manufacturers to reintroduce this sweetener. Today, stevia is found in all types of foods and beverages.
Doctors usually suggest drinking at least 50gms honey with lukewarm water early in the morning. It cleanses the digestive system and helps provide energy. Also for breakfast, you can eat a tablespoon of honey with fruits and milk or even apply on bread.