Not All Sugars are Equal
"Honey is water super-saturated with sugar.”
“Honey is not healthier than any other concentrated sugar product.”
“Sugar is sugar.”
These are some of the many common misconceptions we may know in regards to honey. Especially when talking about honey as a sugar substitute. But the truth is that not all sugars are equal. We’ve all heard phrases such as “there are good calories and bad calories” of course, or “not all fats are equal.” And yet the idea that “all sugars are not created equal” sometimes seems to not hold the same weight to those who have never taken the time to see the differences. People need to know that there is good sugar, bad sugar and even some dangerous sugars. There are so many fake sweeteners, some of which have names that you can even pronounce.
Bees' Sugar is Unique
Think about that for a moment. Which other sugars can claim that they are anabolic, medicinal, antiseptic, gentle on blood sugar, friendliest to our liver, the most ideal fuel for burning body fats, and has many healing effects? None, except honey. Taste aside many believe bee's sugar is the best, nature-given sugar for our body, yet probably most forgotten and neglected sweetener.
The doctors never fail to tell us that our body is unable to utilize refined sugars. This is because they are void of all nutrients and our body tissues in fact must relinquish precious vitamins and minerals to detoxify and eliminate them from our system. This can often lead to nutrient deficiencies and the gradual deterioration of our cells and organs. You may also know that our bodies need some sugars too, and good sugar, honey ideally, can provide a positive supply of liver glycogen for healthy effects of brain metabolism.
Fast Facts about Honey
Bees use the nectar they collect from flowers to create honey. This thick substance is typically consumed in liquid form and can range in color from pale yellow to dark brown.
Honey is composed primarily of water and two sugars: fructose and glucose. It also contains trace amounts of:
- enzymes
- amino acids
- B vitamins
- vitamin C
- minerals
- antioxidants
Many of the antioxidants found in honey are classified as flavonoids. Flavonoids have anti-inflammatory properties, which may provide some health benefits.
The exact nutritional makeup of honey varies based on its origin. There are more than 300 varieties of honey. Each variety of honey has a distinct color and flavor.
Honey can help kill germs and promote healing of minor cuts and burns.
What are the benefits of honey?
Honey is higher in fructose than glucose. Fructose is sweeter than glucose, so you may be able to use a smaller amount of honey in your food or drink without sacrificing sweetness. The trace amounts of vitamins and minerals found in honey may also have added health benefits.
Raw, unpasteurized honey contains trace amounts of local pollen, which may help desensitize allergic reactions.
Honey also provides additional health benefits:
- It may help kill off germs because it has antimicrobial properties.
- When used as a salve in gel form, it may help promote healing in wounds and minor burns.
- It may also help ease coughing and sore throats.
Start Discovering Honey's Capabilities
Bees play a critical role as pollinators for many agricultural crops in maintaining a balanced eco-system, but they also have the ability to create the sticky sweet substance we know as honey that if consumed can provide many health benefits. The healthful substances in honey may be minute in quantity, but overtime, when consumed daily will provide a powerful accumulative effect in our health and body immunity.
If you have never quite known honey or couldn't think of the golden liquid as more than just sugar and calories, then just remember these powerful truths related to sugar and open up a whole new perspective that could bring a huge impact on your daily dieting habits.
Honey Isn't Just Sugar!
