Introduction
Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is a popular ingredient in many recipes and is often used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar. While honey is generally considered to be a healthy food, there are some surprising side effects of eating honey that you may not be aware of. In this article, we will discuss some of the potential side effects of eating honey, according to dietitians. We will also provide tips on how to safely enjoy honey in your diet.
Surprising Side Effects of Eating Honey, According to Dietitians
Honey is a natural sweetener that has been used for centuries. It’s a popular ingredient in many recipes and is often used as a substitute for sugar. But did you know that eating honey can have some surprising side effects? Here’s what dietitians have to say about the potential benefits and risks of eating honey.
Benefits of Eating Honey
Eating honey can provide a number of health benefits. It’s a natural source of antioxidants, which can help protect your body from damage caused by free radicals. It also contains antibacterial and antifungal properties, which can help fight off infections. Honey is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, potassium, and magnesium.
Honey is also a great source of energy. It contains natural sugars, which can give you a boost when you need it. It’s also a great way to sweeten foods without adding extra calories. And because it’s a natural sweetener, it won’t cause a spike in your blood sugar levels like processed sugars can.
Risks of Eating Honey
Although honey is generally considered safe to eat, there are some potential risks associated with it. Eating too much honey can lead to weight gain, as it’s high in calories. It can also cause digestive issues, such as bloating and gas. And because it contains natural sugars, it can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels if you eat too much.
Honey can also contain bacteria, which can be dangerous if consumed in large amounts. It’s important to make sure that the honey you buy is pasteurized, as this will help reduce the risk of food-borne illnesses. Additionally, honey should not be given to infants under the age of one, as it can contain botulism spores.
Bottom Line
Eating honey can provide a number of health benefits, including providing antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks associated with eating too much honey, such as weight gain, digestive issues, and food-borne illnesses. If you’re going to eat honey, make sure it’s pasteurized and don’t give it to infants under the age of one.
While you probably have a jar of honey on hand to sweeten tea and you might already know that honey can help soothe a sore throat, this sweet, syrupy condiment actually has other surprising side effects on your health you might not be aware of. We asked registered dietitians and other experts about the benefits and drawbacks of including honey in a healthy diet. Keep reading to find out some great things about this superfood and a couple of reasons to think twice about picking up the jar next time you hit up the grocery store. Plus, don’t miss The #1 Best Juice to Drink Every Day, Says Science.
Lisa Andrews, MEd, RD, LD, Owner of Sound Bites Nutrition, says that one of honey’s surprising side effects is that it can help reduce inflammation. “Honey contains anti-inflammatory properties by lowering prostaglandin levels in the blood.” According to a study from the International Journal of Research and Review, Kaliandra natural honey, which hasn’t been processed or filtered, was shown to reduce dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and prostaglandin levels thus attesting to its anti-inflammatory benefits.
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As a kid, you probably were given a cup of warm tea with honey when you were sick with a cough. Well, there’s a reason for that. “Consuming honey may aid in reducing symptoms of upper respiratory infections including cough frequency and cough severity,” says Andrews. In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, studies showed that honey worked just as well, if not better, than popular cough medicines with the ingredient dextromethorphan. Plus, always remember to never give honey to a child younger than 1, due to rare incidences of botulism.
O’Connor adds that honey can help alleviate symptoms of some gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea, constipation, and ulcers. The Mayo Clinic backs this up, citing evidence that suggests it may even help reduce anxiety.
You may have heard of skincare products protecting against free radicals, but so can some foods that you eat. “Honey is understood to provide antioxidant benefits by protecting the body from free radical damage,” says Heather Sachs, MS RD, Director, Regulatory Affairs at Blue Apron. “Free radicals are atoms or molecules that can cause damage to your body’s cells.”
Add some honey to your yogurt, oatmeal, or smoothie to reap the cardiovascular benefits of antioxidants. “Most people don’t know that honey is actually an amazing source of antioxidants. Just make sure you’re getting high-quality, minimally processed honey,” says Breanna Woods, MS RD, registered dietitian for Blogilates. “Antioxidants protect the cells from free radical damage and prevent a variety of diseases, including heart disease.”
Nicole Lindel, RD and Everlywell Advisor suggests you keep an eye on your honey intake because it can cause some damage to the teeth. Similar to other types of sugars, honey can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Fructose is the main sugar found in honey. With that in mind, it can be dangerous for those with fatty liver disease. “Fructose is metabolized differently than other sources of energy,” says Lindel. “It is metabolized by the liver, which may be problematic for those with fatty liver disease. Individuals with fatty liver disease are typically advised to avoid alcohol and limit fructose intake for this reason.”
As we’ve previously reported, this long-touted remedy is actually a myth. “Unfortunately, [eating local honey] does not help with allergies because the pollens that bees collect are usually from flowers, which are not as potent and don’t provoke your immune system like other pollens (i.e. trees, grasses, and weeds) which cause ‘classic’ seasonal allergy symptoms,” said Lakiea Wright, MD, an allergist at Women’s Hospital in Boston and medical director at Thermo Fisher Scientific. In fact, this remedy may actually backfire. “In some cases, eating local raw honey may contribute to allergic symptoms because if you are highly sensitized, ingesting pollens in small amounts can cause local symptoms like an itchy mouth,” says Dr. Wright.
Casey Clark