Yes, contained within our table of some healthier eating alternatives is the suggestion of choosing all-natural honey in lieu of sugar. One of our readers pushed back saying it all breaks down to glucose in the body so “same-same.”
What is the white granulated sugar on your table?
It is sucrose, a carbohydrate composed of 12 atoms of carbon, 22 atoms of hydrogen, and 11 atoms of oxygen (C12H22O11). Sucrose is actually two simpler sugars—fructose and glucose—stuck together.
What is naturally made honey?
Honey contains fructose, glucose…and more. The “more” includes enzymes, amino acids, trace amounts of minerals and vitamins, organic acids, and antioxidants. The combination of the “more” ingredients varies from hive to hive and location to location. Thus, the look, consistency, flavor, and health impact all vary.
The body needs the glucose found in either source to function, so which source is better? We suggest honey. Why?
For the health advocates out there, numerous nutritional studies suggest that honey:
- Reduces the risk of heart-related ailments
- Improves cholesterol levels
- Reduces allergies
- Promotes burn and wound healing due to its antibacterial and anti-fungal properties
For the connoisseurs out there, worldwide sources of honey vary in color, consistency, smell, and taste—a never-ending exploration for those with exploratory palates.
For the gardeners and naturalists out there, do you want to see more or less employment of our busy bee workers?
For the climate activists out there, compare these two factories. Which do you consider better for the planet?
OR
Note: In recent years, the world’s bee population has dropped dramatically. Estimates suggest as much as a third of our food supply depends on bee pollination. We need to employ more bees!
And, for the behavioralists out there, watch carefully when those around you eat sugar versus all-natural honey. Consumption behaviors are typically more thoughtful and metered when eating honey. Many will pour sugar into a cup of tea or coffee with abandon, while others stir in a teaspoon of honey. You can buy sugar-laden yogurt, or add a bit of honey to plain greek yogurt. It is just too easy to over-consume sugar; the use of honey as an alternative slows most people down, typically resulting in the consumption of fewer calories.
Looking for more insights on how to live better through healthier eating? Subscribe to our LBLY newsletter below!
Header Image Copyright: kosolovskyy