Honey is often advertised as a healthier alternative to regular sugar, due to its many health benefits and antioxidant content. However, some people think that honey is just a type of sugar that is high in calories. This article will tell you whether honey is good or bad for you. Honey is a thick, sweet liquid that bees produce from the nectar of flowers. Bees collect the nectar, eat it, digest it, and spit it out in their hive to make honey. Honey is stored in beehives made of wax, which humans call honeycombs, and harvested by beekeepers. There are many different types of honey, http://ufabet999.app depending on the type of flower, extraction method, and heat treatment.
Benefits of Honey
1. Rich in a variety of antioxidants,
such as phenolic acids and flavonoids, which may promote better health. Antioxidants help fight disease-causing free radicals, reducing the risk of cell damage. They play an important role in health and disease, with some research suggesting that they may help prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. In addition, several studies have found that consuming certain types of honey, such as buckwheat honey, may increase antioxidant levels in the blood.
2. It may improve several aspects of heart health,
as it has been shown to reduce several risk factors for heart disease. For example, a 30-day study that compared the effects of table sugar and honey in 55 people found that honey reduced total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, while increasing “good” HDL cholesterol. It also reduced triglyceride levels by up to 19%. Additionally, animal studies have found that supplementing with honey may help reduce systolic blood pressure (the top number), another major risk factor for heart disease.
3. Helps heal wounds.
This is believed to be due to honey’s antibacterial properties and ability to reduce the growth of microbes that can cause infection. In one small study, applying manuka honey directly to a diabetic foot ulcer was as effective as a traditional bandage and helped heal the ulcer by 97%. Similarly, another study in 30 people showed that adding honey to a bandage increased the healing of a diabetic foot ulcer by about 43% after three months. Meanwhile, other research suggests that honey may be a useful treatment for skin conditions such as psoriasis, dermatitis, and herpes.
4. A better alternative to white sugar.
While white sugar only provides calories, honey provides antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids. Additionally, studies suggest that using honey instead of white sugar may help lower triglyceride levels, as well as total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, supporting heart health. However, while honey is a better alternative than white sugar, it should be consumed in moderation to prevent negative health effects.
5. Honey is high in sugar and calories,
with about 64 calories per tablespoon (21 grams). While that may not seem like a lot, eating even a small amount per day can add up to calories. In the long run, it can lead to weight gain, especially if other dietary changes aren’t made to compensate.