Video Summary
What’s better for you – honey or sugar?
Some will say honey is better for your health because it’s more natural. But then again, sugar cane is also natural.
So, what’s the difference between the two, and is one a more healthy option?
Similarities
- They are both carbohydrates. This means 1 gram has 4 calories, similar to protein. While 1 gram of fat has 9 calories.
- Both contain two forms of sugar: glucose and fructose.
- The proportions of glucose and fructose in honey and sugar slightly differ: sugar is 50% fructose and 50% glucose while honey contains 40% fructose and 30% glucose
The remainder of the 30% of honey consists of water, pollen, and small amounts of minerals & vitamins, including magnesium and potassium.
These additional components may be responsible for some of the health benefits of honey.
The Negatives
- Both Are Carbs
They will increase your blood sugar levels, especially when consumed by themselves and in high dosages. This isn’t good if you already have high blood sugar levels, pre-diabetic or diabetic. - High Glycemic Index
Sugar has a glycemic index of 65; while honey has a glycemic index is 58. As you can see, they are very similar.
Ideally, you would eat lower glycemic foods since it’ll keep your blood sugar stable, mood, and energy levels stable, and having healthy blood sugar levels is extremely important for every aspect of your health – body, brain, muscles, fat loss, mood, longevity etc.
And I’ve got more details about proven ways to naturally have healthy blood sugar levels, while still eating carbs.
The Positives (of Honey)
Now, are there any positives to eating sugar or honey?
Well, when it comes to sugar the answer is NO – so I don’t waste any more time on this one food.
But, what about honey?
In ancient times it’s been used as both a sweetener and natural medicine.
- Honey does have nutrients that sugar does not, but only trace amounts of amino acids, antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, and vitamins
- Honey has been used as a cough suppressant for people who have bronchitis.
- It’s even been used for wound healing as a safe treatment for chronic wounds, ulcers, and burns.
- Honey also seems easier to digest than sugar, due to the naturally added enzymes from the bees because the sugars are already partially broken down.
The Negatives (of Honey)
Now, there are a couple of disadvantages of honey:
- It has more calories than sugar; 64 vs 49 calories per tablespoon.
- It’s not safe to give honey to babies younger than 12 months because bacterial spores can cause infant botulism, a rare but potentially life-threatening disease.
Bottom Line
If you had to pick one sweetener, pick honey over sugar. Choose dark honey if possible, raw varieties are best because they contain more nutrients, antioxidants, and enzymes.
However, keep in mind that at the end of the day, it all gets converted to the same thing, it’s extra empty calories that cause high blood sugar and insulin levels.
Here are the best, fastest, and easiest ways to have youthful and healthy blood sugar levels – so, make sure you take a look.