Is honey better than sugar for our health? We know they are two types of sweeteners that are very often used, and we know that what is spread in society is that honey is the best natural sweetener for health. Is that right? lets see our explanation about Honey Vs Sugar, differences, benefits and disadvantages.
Ok, on this occasion we will explain the comparison of honey and sugar, where is the difference between the two, the health benefits that are provided and what are the disadvantages. Read on for this article to the end!
Honey Vs Sugar, Which is Better?
Honey and sugar are both sweeteners that are usually added to daily meals and snacks. However, there are significant differences between the two, both in terms of taste, texture and even from the nutritional value they contain.
In this article we will explain about the benefits and disadvantages of honey and sugar for our health. So that we know how facts about both (facts about honey and facts about sugar)
Similarities and differences
Honey is a carbohydrate and sugar is like that, so both are carbohydrates, which consist of two types of sugars namely glucose and fructose.
Refined fructose added to food as a sweetener has been linked to several health problems, where once it enters the body it is metabolized by the liver and usually processed fructose causes:
- Fatty liver disease
- Obesity
- Diabetes.
Fructose and glucose are both broken down quickly by our bodies, so consuming both excessively can cause blood sugar spikes. This is dangerous for diabetics.
But we need to note, that the proportions of glucose and fructose in honey and sugar are different.
- Sugar: 50% fructose and 50% Glucose
- Honey: 40% fructose and 30% glucose
While the remaining 30% of honey is:
- Water
- Pollen
- Minerals, including potassium and magnesium
Well, this is an additional component that present in honey and not in sugar, it is responsible for the health benefits of honey. That’s why when we consume honey, we get health benefits there, not the same as consuming sugar.
Sugar is higher on the glycemic index than honey (this is one of a sugar disadvantage from the other side). That is, if we consume sugar, it can increase blood sugar levels faster than consuming honey. Why? because sugar is higher in fructose content and zero minerals.
However, honey contains slightly more calories than sugar. That is why, if both are consumed in excessive amounts, they can lead to weight gain.
See too: 14 Foods to Avoid (or Limit) on a Low-Carb Diet
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey has been used since ancient times as food and as a medicine that heals health.
What is honey? This is a thick liquid produced by honey bees with different colors according to the food the honey bees eat. The color can range from straw yellow to dark brown. The bee is a magical insect, it collects nectar from various types of flowers and then mixes it with enzymes to make honey, then it stores it in the beehive chambers to keep it fresh.
So what are the benefits of consuming honey, consuming honey has been associated with several health benefits, including:
1. More nutrients and less processed than sugar
Honey differs from one another in terms of nutrition, this is different because it depends on the origin of the nectar taken by the bees themselves. In general, honey contains small amounts of local pollen and other substances. These include amino acids, enzymes, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
However, some studies have shown that honey that is darker in color is better than honey that is lighter in color. This is because the darker (darker) honey contains more antioxidants than the lighter one.
In addition, the advantage of honey over sugar is that honey is less processed than sugar. Raw honey has even more antioxidants and is better for consumption than pasteurized honey.
2. As a cough medicine
Honey is also useful as a cough suppressant, consuming honey for those who have a cough can relieve the throat and accelerate healing. In fact, consuming raw honey is a natural way to treat coughs easily.
A 2007 study showed that black honey consumed by children with bronchitis experienced a better reduction than taking a placebo. However, the reduction is still categorized as small. While recent research says that honey can reduce coughing and this is better than not taking drugs at all. Indeed, there are some medicines that can be more effective in treating coughs, but they are not natural or mixed with other chemicals.
3. Relieves Allergies
Furthermore, the benefits of honey is to treat allergies. Locally produced honey is said to treat winter allergies. But clinical trials have not shown any such improvement.
There was a study on this subject in 2011, where in this study found people with birch pollen allergies who consumed homey birch pollen experienced health improvements such as:
- Experience up to 60% reduction in symptoms
- Reduces severe symptoms by up to 70% resulting in fewer severe days
- 2 times more days without symptoms
In addition, those who consume honey can also show a reduction of antihistamines by up to 50% compared to the contra group.
4. Topical use
Honey is also good for topical use, so not only for drinking but also good for external treatment such as for diseases and beauty.
Also see: Incredible Benefits of Himalayan Salt
The antimicrobial properties of honey have shown that smearing honey on the skin has several benefits, including:
- Heals wounds: Honey has been scientifically recognized as a great remedy for wound healing including treating burns, chronic wounds and ulcers.
- Seborrheic dermatitis: It is known that applying raw honey to the skin with seborrheic dermatitis can improve the patient’s health. Seborrheic dermatitis is a condition where the skin becomes itchy and flaky. In addition, using honey regularly on the scalp can also prevent hair loss, this has also been proven by research.
5. Honey is easier to digest
If we make a comparison with sugar, honey is easier for the body to digest.
Based on its composition, the sugar must be digested before breaking. While honey has been added to enzymes by bees, this causes that the honey has been partially broken down before being digested.
Do you want to have various types of honey to maintain health? There are various honey products available for purchase online.
Disadvantages of Honey and The Risk
Although it contains many health benefits, honey also has its drawbacks. Among the most common deficiencies of madi are:
1. High in calories
One tablespoon of honey contains about 64 calories, this is more than the calorie content in sugar which is only 49 calories for the level of one tablespoon.
2. Risk of infant botulism
Giving honey to babies under 12 months is completely unsafe. Spores of honey bacteria can cause a health condition called infant botulism. This is a rare disease but can be life-threatening for the baby.
Well, the spores that cause infant botulism are apparently harmless in older children and in adults. To find out about botulism, here are some of the symptoms of botulism in babies under 12 months.
- constipation in babies,
- general weakness,
- Weak cry
3. Effect of blood sugar and disease risk
Furthermore, the disadvantages and disadvantages of honey are the potential for disease and blood sugar. This condition is especially a problem for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
If there is too much honey, this can also be a problem and can increase diabetes in those with excellent health. Consuming honey in excess can increase the risk of:
- weight gain,
- Heart disease,
- Type 2 diabetes
Health Benefits of Sugar
Sugar is a sweetener that is commonly used as well, it is taken from sugar cane plants that are processed or from sugar beets. It was originally derived from natural ingredients, but to produce sugar as it is today, it must go through a process and there are even many processes needed to produce granulated sugar. There are several types of sugar, including:
- Brown
- Muscovado
- Pwdered
- turninado,
- raw,
- and white sugar
All of these types of sugar contain or are composed of fructose and glucose. They are bonded to each other and are known as sucrose. Sugar contains only fructose and glucose and no additional nutrients like those found in honey.
However, brown sugar may contain less minerals because it is mixed with a by-product known as molasses. So, brown sugar is the result of: White sugar + Molasses so that the color becomes brown.
Read also: Sugar Wax Recipe for Your Skin, DIY
There are several benefits associated with consuming sugar, including:
1. Low in calories compared to honey
One tablespoon of sugar contains only 49 calories, which is less than the 64 calories of honey.
2. Cheap and longer shelf life
Excess sugar is also caused by the cheap price, easy to get and can be stored longer. In addition, sugar is also an additive in various foods and makes food tastier.
Disadvantages and Risks of Sugar
Sugar also has risks and disadvantages in using it. Among the disadvantages of consuming sugar include:
1. Higher glycemic index than honey
Consuming will provide a rapid input of glucose in the body because it is digested faster or is said to be a food with a high glycemic index. It will quickly produce glucose when eaten and quickly provide a spike in blood sugar, if this is not properly processed by insulin it will accumulate in the blood which is called blood sugar or diabetes.
See too: Black Tea Benefits for Health and Side Effects
Finally, consuming a lot of sugar makes the body sluggish, weak, sleepy and so on.
2. High risk of heart disease and diabetes
Consuming high foods can lead to weight gain, more risk for heart disease and diabetes.
3. Worse for liver health
Why sugar is worse for the liver, this is because the day has to metabolize refined fructose. So, consuming too much sugar or sugar-rich foods can potentially lead to problems related to liver function.
So, consuming too much sugar can potentially lead to several diseases such as: fatty liver disease, cholesterol, and obesity.
4. Tooth decay
A person with a high-sugar diet will have more potential for tooth decay such as cavities and others.
Everyone should avoid or limit sugar to prevent problems with their teeth.
5. Changes in gut bacteria
The next sugar deficiency is affecting gut bacteria, this causes less healthy gut bacteria and can increase chronic disease. So, be careful with sugar because it can damage the good bacteria in the gut, without good bacteria, a person will easily experience various diseases.
6. More difficult to digest than honey
Honey is a liquid from nectar and processed with bee enzymes and this does not undergo much process in producing honey. However, it is different with sugar which undergoes many processes to obtain the final result. Sugar is a food ingredient that is difficult to digest by the intestines when compared to honey.
Which is the Best (Honey Vs Sugar)?
Honey Vs Sugar, where is the best one? If you consume honey or sugar in large quantities, the possible adverse effects are the same between the two. If you consume too much honey or too much sugar, chances are someone will experience health problems such as:
- Increased risk of chronic disease
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of dental disease, and
- Soaring blood sugar
So, in daily use, both should be consumed in moderation. However, honey is a natural product that has many advantages and health benefits. It is mostly observed when used in response to allergies, coughs, it also provides benefits when used topically and it does not affect blood sugar levels. While sugar is not used topically.
Well, until now we may be able to see that honey is better than sugar. Although there are advantages and disadvantages to each. The author’s own opinion sees that the health benefits of honey are greater and the risks are also smaller. Well, if you choose honey or want to store honey at home as a natural ingredient for various purposes, then choose honey that is darker in color, raw honey (unprocessed), because this type is richer in enzymes, rich in antioxidants and more nutrients. .
