Honey is nothing but a sticky and sugary food substance produced by bees. Precisely, it is a group activity of repeated consumption, digestion, and excretion that takes place inside the beehive.The composition of the honey produced depends on the flower the bees harvested in.
Honey has been a natural source of sugar for centuries and can still be obtained from the same sources. Our grannies always made us eat honey saying that it's healthy. However, certain nutritionists have something to add to that. Let’s try to find out.
Honey Is Beneficial
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This thick yellowish liquid is nothing less than a magic drug. If you are planning on losing weight, you can dwell on this product. Honey has an endless number of benefits which makes it a must have food.
#1. Honey contains various vitamins and minerals such as iron, riboflavin, copper, manganese, selenium, and fluoride. It is rich in antioxidants.It is also an excellent source of amino acids and enzymes.
#2. Raw honey is said to boost the immune system because it contains bee pollen. The bee pollen works as the food for a young bee and has all the nutrients required by the human body. It is known as a super food because half of its proteins are present in the form of free amino acids that can be directly used by the body.
#3. Honey has always been synonymous with weight loss. Every dietician, yoga expert or the gym trainer advice on switching from sugar to honey. It is because honey is naturally sweet and contain loads of fructose. The calorie count is much lower when compared to sugar. Consuming honey with warm water, lemon juice or even cinnamon helps in reducing weight and improving metabolism.
Honey Can Be Fattening
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Having said that, we would like to mention that nutritionists don't find honey as healthy as our mothers do. Here is what they have to say.
#1. Honey contains carbohydrates in the form of fructose, glucose, maltose, and sucrose. Studies revealed an increase in HbA1c (a marker of blood glucose levels) upon consumption of honey, which is unhealthy for the body.
#2. Consuming honey in moderation doesn’t cause much harm, but if consumed in excess would lead to rising in sugar levels; as 80% of its composition is sugar. Intake of more than required quantity can result in the spike in blood sugar level.
#3. Because of the high amounts of sugar that it contains, people who have diabetes are not advised to consume honey. After all, sugar is sugar; be it natural or processed.
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However, things aren’t that bad and can be taken care of by following certain measures. It is already said that if consumed in the right amounts, honey is incapable of causing any harm to the body. Instead of consuming it through out the day. Take a spoon full of it in the night helps in reducing insomnia. Honey has amazing antibacterial, antifungal components which make it ideal for treating minor wounds and infections. If taken in limited quantities, honey can work as an excellent substitute for sugar with the same taste and very few calories.
Did you know about the other side of honey? Is there something that you would want to add? Well, make full use of the comments' box below and let us know. We are listening.
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