Honey is a natural product known since ancient times not only for its nutritional value but also for its many health benefits.
In fact, honey contains more than 200 different substances that are extremely useful to our bodies, although its composition depends mainly on the type of plant from which it comes.
Properties and benefits of honey
Honey, taken in appropriate amounts and regularly, can be a true natural remedy for various health problems.
Among the best known and most studied properties of honey is its antibacterial property; in fact, it can inhibit the growth of several species of bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori responsible for some types of gastritis and
some bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.
These properties of it in addition to its antifungal properties make it an excellent remedy for accelerating the healing of ulcers or skin wounds, especially when applied directly to the area to be treated.
It also has several beneficial effects on heart health, thanks to its ability to reduce triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, and on gut health, thanks to its prebiotic properties that can support the growth of “good” bacteria in our intestines.
Composition and nutritional values of honey.
Values per 100g of product are:
- Calories 304 Kcal
- Water 18 g
- Protein 0.6 g
- Lipids 0 g
- Carbohydrates 80.3 g
- Iron 0.5 mg
- Calcium 5 mg
- Sodium 11 mg
- Potassium 51 mg
In addition, honey contains many other substances useful for our bodies such as vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants.
Among the main carbohydrates contained in honey are two simple sugars: glucose and fructose. These sugars make it a highly energizing food that can also be used by athletes before, during or after physical activity.
Difference between sugar and honey
Honey, being very sweet, is often used as an ingredient in various cake and cookie recipes or as a sweetener within drinks or yogurt.
Honey has a higher sweetening power than common white or brown sugar and a lower caloric amount; in fact, per 100g the two foods turn out to have 392 Kcal and 380 Kcal respectively, making it possible to consume less.
In addition, honey turns out to have a lower glycemic index than sugar (about 50 GI compared to 60 GI of white sugar), so it raises blood sugar levels more slowly.
However, honey is difficult to dose, so the risk is overuse resulting in high sugar consumption and increased caloric intake in the diet.
Contraindications on honey consumption
The consumption of honey does not actually involve any particular side effects. It is possible, however, for an allergic reaction to occur due to cross-association with pollen or bee venom.
In addition, honey should be consumed with particular care by those with diabetes or hyperglycemia and also by those on a low-calorie diet.
These individuals are strongly advised to consult their primary care physician or nutritionist before consuming excessive amounts of honey.
In addition, it is not recommended for consumption in children under one year of age to avoid possible infections (particularly from Clostriudium botulinum) and possible consequences of excessive sugar intake.
Recommended portion size
The recommended portion for a healthy person who does not follow dietary regimens and has no blood sugar problems is about 20g per day, which corresponds to about one tablespoon.
In addition, it is advisable to consume an organic or raw honey that has not undergone industrial processing.
