Honey is considered an all-natural sweetener that’s better for you than granulated sugar. But is honey’s health halo really what it’s advertised to be? Like regular sugar, maple syrup, coconut sugar or corn syrup, honey is still an added sugar. However, some studies suggest that honey may have some health benefits when consumed in moderation.
Read on to find out what the honey buzz is about (pun intended!) , plus its nutritional value, health benefits and ways to incorporate it into a healthy diet.
Grab a cup and let’s spill your tea on honey!
Potential health benefits of honey
You can reduce chronic inflammation
Honey is rich in antioxidants, compounds that can help neutralize free radical damage to your body’s cells. If left unchecked, this damage can lead to nasty chronic inflammation, which can increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Fortunately, honey is rich in polyphenols, a naturally occurring compound that fights inflammation like an antioxidant.
You can improve your heart health
Considering that honey is an added sugar, you may be surprised to learn that it may have some potential benefits for heart health. Speaking of sugar, the American Heart Association recommends limiting your added sugar intake to 6 percent of your total daily calories (about 6 teaspoons for women and 9 teaspoons for men). But that doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether. While you’re consuming added sugars, consider consuming honey more frequently. Studies have shown that consuming about 2 tablespoons of honey a day for 8 weeks can lower heart disease risk factors such as total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and fasting triglycerides.
You can optimally energize your workouts
Simple carbohydrates are the main source of fuel for athletes during strenuous exercise. With 17 grams of sugar per tablespoon, honey is a delicious way to get them. Research suggests that honey may be just as effective at improving performance and preventing fatigue when compared to other portable carbohydrate sources, such as sports gels. What’s more, it can also boost your immune system and ward off the effects of strenuous exercise.
You can improve gut health
Gut health has a profound effect on your overall health. A thriving gut microbiome contains a variety of different bacterial strains, with more beneficial than harmful bacteria. Preliminary research suggests that the antimicrobial properties of honey may have the potential to promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria while reducing the number of infection-causing bacteria.
Another way to make sure you’re keeping beneficial gut bacteria at bay? Energize them in the form of prebiotics, which are also found in honey.