Why is honey good for you?
It’s no secret that honey has been used in various cultures for thousands of years, and even today it can be found in nearly every grocery store around the world. And yet, despite its widespread availability, many people still don’t know what all the fuss about this sweet stuff really is. Luckily, there are many health benefits of honey to help you answer that question once and for all! Let’s take a look at five of the best benefits of honey so you can see why it’s good for you.
What Is Honey Good For
Honey is often described as a superfood, with claims of its health benefits ranging from treating sore throats to enhancing athletic performance. However, honey does have its place in a healthy diet. It’s naturally low in fat and calories, making it ideal for people watching their weight; it also has antioxidant properties, which can help lower your risk of heart disease. But while honey is definitely more healthful than white sugar or high-fructose corn syrup (the typical sweeteners found in processed foods), it’s far from calorie-free—about 64 calories per tablespoon—and should be consumed in moderation.
What Makes Honey So Good For You
Honey has been used since ancient times as both a medicinal and health food. Is honey good for you because of its nutritional value, or is it simply a sweet treat we eat because it tastes delicious? The answer may lie somewhere in between; many of honey’s health benefits are largely due to its simplicity. Honey contains only two ingredients: sugar (40%) and water (60%). There’s no cholesterol, artificial colorings or flavorings, and very little fat. In addition to containing natural antioxidants that help your body fight off infections and disease, honey also contains more antioxidants than most fruits do—even more than blueberries.
Does Honey Help With Weight Loss
Honey, like maple syrup and agave nectar, contains natural sugars. For that reason, many people assume it’s not particularly healthy or low in calories. However, honey also contains trace minerals and vitamins that are essential to overall health. Eating honey in moderation can actually help with weight loss if its used as an alternative sweetener. Just be sure to stick to raw or minimally processed honey varieties to avoid possible additives and chemicals such as corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup.
Other Benefits Of Honey
There are many health benefits to eating honey. Honey contains melatonin, which helps people sleep well at night. It also contains vitamins and antioxidants, as well as some anti-inflammatory properties that help people feel better overall. In fact, a study in India showed that honey could be used to cure eczema. Keep in mind, however, that most of these studies are still early and haven’t been replicated enough times to be considered conclusive; but there’s no harm in giving honey a try!
Can Honey Help Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
Honey and other sweeteners, including sugar and high-fructose corn syrup, contain varying amounts of fructose (fruit sugar), which may lead to a large increase in triglycerides — another type of fat that circulates in your blood — as well as an increase in small LDL particles. Some research suggests that regularly consuming high levels of fructose can change how your body responds to sugars and starches in food. Over time, it could lead to insulin resistance, a condition that often precedes diabetes. Bottom line: In addition to being packed with calories, honey has ingredients similar to those found in table sugar and corn syrup. So try swapping it out for these healthier sweeteners when possible.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Honey
Honey isn’t just a delicious, natural sweetener that can be used in all sorts of cooking. It’s also a powerful health supplement, and has been used to treat everything from colds to cancer. Are there any side effects of honey? There are some downsides to honey that have emerged as scientists have begun investigating its medicinal properties; but it’s important to keep in mind that all natural supplements come with certain risks and side effects. What those side effects are depends on many factors including your overall health, your diet and how often you consume honey. If you’re going to try using honey as a treatment or supplement, we recommend speaking with your doctor first.
How To Use Honey For Its Health Benefits
Honey can be used in cooking and baking, though if you use honey in a baked good, expect it to brown quickly. Honey contains fructose and glucose, which caramelize when baked. When cooking with honey, don’t heat it over 300 degrees Fahrenheit or boil it. Also keep in mind that high temperatures break down certain enzymes and other compounds in honey that give its unique flavor and smell. A great way to incorporate honey into your diet is by drizzling it on top of oatmeal or granola. You can also use it as a topping on toast or pizza as well as substitute it for sugar while baking; just remember to reduce all liquid ingredients by 1/4 cup (50 ml). Another reason why honey is healthy: It has natural antibacterial properties!