Honey and its healing properties: Nutritionist's explanation
Illustrative photo (Freepik)
Honey is a natural product rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can help the body by providing a range of nutrients, especially during the cold and flu season, according to the Mirror.
Caloric content
Honey has high caloric content and energy value, as it consists of about 80% sugar.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, one tablespoon of honey contains about 64 calories, 17 grams of carbohydrates, and 17 grams of sugar.
Honey contains calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, selenium, vitamin C, and folic acid, but it does not contain fats, proteins, fiber, or cholesterol.
What's in honey
According to dietitian Maya Vadivelu, studies have shown that honey has more antioxidants and is a better source of potassium and some minerals compared to regular sugar.
Clinical dietitian Elizabeth Politi also mentioned that honey is a better option for sweetening because it contains antioxidants such as phenolic acid and flavonoids. However, it should be consumed in moderation.
Furthermore, she said that honey may help prevent heart diseases as it is a source of antioxidants.
Diego Garson, a professional dietitian from the University of Miami's healthcare system, said that consuming about two tablespoons of honey per day can lower levels of bad cholesterol.
Dark or light honey?
Experts from the National Honey Board in the United States have said that darker honey has a higher antioxidant content than lighter honey.
Honey also contains ingredients that can combat certain microbes and fungi.
Potential harm
There can be possible allergic reactions, including hives, itching, or swelling. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can cause anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Honey can be dangerous for children under one year old, as it may contain bacterial spores that cause botulism, and these spores can grow and produce toxins in the infant's intestines, leading to a serious illness.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
