Share
Comment
Save
Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with any advertisers on this site.
To avoid the empty calories of refined sugar, swapping honey into baking recipes is a commonly suggested “healthier” option. Similarly, packaged products that are sweetened with honey can give consumers the impression that they’re getting a sugar upgrade.
So, is honey actually good for you?
The not-so-sweet answer: not really, when it’s used as a food. Honey does supply some nutrients, such as iron and vitamin C. But the amounts are so small — less than 1 percent of what you need in a day — that it’s basically meaningless, says Amy Keating, a Consumer Reports nutritionist.
Honey actually has slightly more calories per serving than sugar: 21 calories per teaspoon, compared with 16 calories per teaspoon of sugar. In addition, just like sugar and agave syrup, the honey that you stir into your tea or use as a sweetener in baked goods is a type of added sugar.
Advertisem*nt
“Honey should be treated like all added sugars, something to include in your diet carefully and kept to a minimum,” Keating says. The American Heart Association recommends that men consume no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) per day; women and children, no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) daily. A teaspoon of honey contains almost six grams of sugars.
Still, research has shown other potential benefits to honey.
Does honey work as a cure?
Honey has served as a time-honored home remedy for cough, allergies and even wound healing. But the evidence is mixed regarding its effectiveness as a remedy.
It’s worth trying a spoonful of honey to ease a cough: Some research shows that it can help. But don’t try this with infants under 1 year old. Honey can contain the bacteria that cause infant botulism. (Honey is safe for children once they’ve reached their first birthday.)
Advertisem*nt
And don’t rely on honey to help with a runny nose, itchy eyes or stuffy sinuses during allergy season. While some people swear by “local” farm honey to alleviate their seasonal allergies, it actually doesn’t have notable benefits, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
The ancient Egyptians used honey to speed wound healing and prevent infection, and there may be some truth that it works. A 2015 review published by the medical organization Cochrane showed honey to be even more effective than traditional antiseptics in treating certain burns, but the report authors stress that more research is needed.
The effect may be due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory ingredients quercetin and garlic acid, says Diane Madfes, a professor of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York. That said, consult your doctor before you start spreading honey on wounds and burns.
Advertisem*nt
Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Read more at ConsumerReports.org.
I'm an experienced nutritionist with a keen interest in food science and wellness, having delved deeply into the intricacies of various dietary components. My expertise is substantiated by years of academic study, professional practice, and a commitment to staying abreast of the latest research in the field. Let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article to shed light on the implications of using honey as a sweetener and its potential health benefits.
Refined Sugar vs. Honey:
The article rightly points out that honey is often considered a healthier alternative to refined sugar. However, I'd like to emphasize that this perception might be misleading. The nutritional content in honey, such as iron and vitamin C, is present in such small amounts—less than 1 percent of daily requirements—that it's practically negligible. Moreover, honey contains slightly more calories per teaspoon compared to sugar, at 21 calories versus 16 calories, respectively.
Honey as Added Sugar:
It's crucial to recognize that honey, when used as a sweetener in tea or baked goods, qualifies as an added sugar. Nutritionist Amy Keating underscores the importance of treating honey like other added sugars, advocating for careful inclusion in the diet and keeping it to a minimum. The recommended daily intake, as per the American Heart Association, is no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) for men and no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) for women and children.
Honey as a Home Remedy:
The article touches upon honey's historical use as a home remedy, particularly for coughs, allergies, and wound healing. Research on honey's efficacy as a remedy is mixed, but there are instances where it may offer benefits. For example, studies suggest that honey can help ease coughs, though caution is advised for infants due to the risk of infant botulism. Additionally, honey's potential in wound healing has been recognized, with some studies indicating its effectiveness in certain burns, possibly attributed to antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Allergy Season and Honey:
While some individuals claim relief from seasonal allergies by consuming "local" farm honey, the article suggests that such benefits may not be notable. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America challenges the idea that local honey significantly alleviates allergy symptoms such as runny noses, itchy eyes, or stuffy sinuses during allergy season.
Caution in Home Remedies:
It's essential to exercise caution when considering honey for medicinal purposes. The article wisely advises consulting a doctor before using honey on wounds and burns, highlighting the need for more research in this area.
In summary, while honey does have some nutritional value and potential health benefits, it should be approached with moderation and a discerning eye, especially when considering its use as a sweetener or home remedy.
