A maximum of two teaspoons a day (15g) is a good portion size of manuka honey, as while it has many impressive health benefits, it is still high in sugar. If you are using manuka honey as part of a balanced diet, try drizzling it over porridge, overnight oats or natural yogurt.
Manuka honey nutrition facts
One tablespoon of raw Manuka honey contains 60 calories, 18 g carbohydrates, and 16 g sugar.
“Considerable evidence from experimental studies shows that the honey may provide benefits in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Although there are further studies to be conducted to confirm, it's believed that premium Mānuka honey also contains proteins, salts, acids and oils that can enhance the health aspects of this natural sweetener over refined sugar.
Manuka honey has under half the sugar of processed honey, at 7.81g per tbsp (to regular honey's 17.2g). It has a deeper taste than the honey you might be familiar with and makes a beautifully earthy substitute.
Manuka honey is exclusively from New Zealand and boasts more medicinal properties than other honey. Manuka honey may treat inflammatory skin conditions, heal wounds, and improve oral health. Do not use manuka honey if you have diabetes, an allergy to bees, or are under the age of one.
Honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar, too. The glycemic index measures how quickly a carbohydrate raises blood sugar levels. Honey has a GI score of 58, and sugar has a GI value of 60. That means honey (like all carbohydrates) raises blood sugar quickly, but not quite as fast as sugar.
Manuka honey boasts many natural, beneficial properties that make it healthy too. Eating it regularly in small amounts (a spoonful a day) is recommended. If you're using it as an alternative to sugar and natural sweeteners, manuka honey is absolutely the best option.
Honey contains mostly sugar, as well as a mix of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants. In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent.
Generally speaking, yes, it's OK to eat honey if you have diabetes. But you should consume it in moderation. Although honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than table sugar, it still contains sugar. And any type of sugar will raise your blood glucose levels.
Moreover, acetylcholine present in Manuka honey lowers blood pressure and improves blood circulation, choline has a protective effect on the liver and increases the secretion of bile.
Honey significantly increased insulin (0.41 ± 0.06 ng/ml), decreased hyperglycemia (12.3 ± 3.1 mmol/L), and fructosamine (304.5 ± 10.1 μmol/L).
For one teaspoon of Manuka honey, you'd be looking at closer to 20 calories and 5.6 grams of both carbs and sugar.
And they both contain two primary sugars: fructose and glucose. But white sugar is 100% sugars (50% fructose and 50% glucose), while raw honey is about 85% sugars with fructose and glucose ratios that vary with each honey variety. The remaining 15% of honey is water, pollen and trace nutrients.
Some honeys also boost production of special cells that can repair tissue damaged by infection. Manuka honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can help easepain and inflammation.
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.
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.
Manuka honey consumed before bedtime can help the body to release melatonin into the brain which is necessary for a deep sleep and helps to reduce the risk of more serious sleep-related health issues.
Although you can add it to smoothies, oatmeal or yoghurt, the best way to take Manuka Honey is straight from the jar. It is recommended to take it once in the morning and once at night. It is safe to have 2 to 4 teaspoons (10 to 20 mL) of Manuka Honey daily, but always remember to moderate how much you consume.
Usually the doctors recommend honey to be taken empty stomach early in the morning as it gives an instant kick and energy boost which is enough to counter an entire day. Also, while going to bed, a spoonful of honey not only gives a good night's sleep but also helps in digestion and relaxation of mind and body.
Sugar-free diets encourage people to avoid table sugar (sucrose), sweeteners such as honey and maple syrup, refined flours, condiments, soft drinks, sweets and some fruits such as bananas. Some also recommend eliminating or restricting dairy products.
Honey should never be consumed with non-vegetarian items, especially fish and meat. Nor should honey be eaten one hour before and one hour after eating these things. Consuming honey with meat and fish is considered harmful for health since this can lead to white spots and other stomach-related problems.
It can increase your blood sugar level
Honey also has sugar and carbohydrates—that too in large amounts. So when you go overboard with honey, your blood sugar level tends to shoot up. If you are diabetic, you can see an abnormal rise in your blood sugar levels with can be dangerous.