Honey Health Benefits – Good or Bad?

Honey is a sweetener, but do you know about the many health benefits this natural food wonder can provide for you?

Why is Honey Good For You?

Did you know that honey is a natural antioxidant? Like green tea and blueberries, honey contains polyphenols and flavonoids. They help to reduce inflammation in your body, reduce hypertension, and lower your blood pressure. The darker the color, the higher the level of antioxidants.

Let’s start with a quick introduction to polyphenols. “Polyphenols” are a category of chemicals that are commonly and abundantly found in natural plants. They are also found in fruits, vegetables, tea, and olive oil. Polyphenols are excellent antioxidants. Antioxidants help combat and reduce cell damage.

Flavonoids are a group of plant chemicals (phytonutrients) commonly found in fruits and vegetables. They are the reason why some fruits and vegetables display characteristically vivid colours. Flavonoids are also excellent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory health benefits. Flavonoids also provide anti-viral, anti-cancer, and anti-allergic health benefits.

Some of the health benefits of honey include:

• Lowering the risk for type 2 diabetes: Polyphenols may boost your body’s sensitivity to insulin. May also slow down the rate your body digests and absorbs sugar.

• Natural anti-inflammatory: Being an antioxidant with the abilities to combat and reduce cell damage, polyphenols help to reduce the amount muscle and joint swelling.

• Cholesterol control; Improve cardiovascular health; Decrease blood pressure: Helps decrease LDL (low density lipoproteins, also known as “bad cholesterol”). Helps increase the amount of HDL (high density lipoproteins, the “good cholesterol”).

• Weight control: Helps to increase the amount of HDL in your body and helps to reduce cardiovascular strain. Increase in HDL can also reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders. This can lead to a more active and healthier lifestyle.

Honey contains valuable vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Since there are many different types of honey, the type of polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids, and associated compounds will vary.

A Word of Caution.

Honey may be the healthier alternative to refined sugars because it does not raise blood sugar levels as quickly. Although honey provides an abundance of health benefits, it is still high in calories and sugar. It is sweeter than refined sugar, so you may use less of it. However, honey does have slightly more calories per teaspoon when compared to refined sugar. Therefore, honey should be consumed in moderation in order to really take advantage of its health benefits.