Today it is said loud that White sugar is one of the worst ingredients in the diet. It is commonly called “empty calories”. The most common replacement we reach for is honeybecause it seems natural and effectively sweetens tea, cake or salad. However, does honey have less calories than sugar and is healthier than it? Certainly both provide energy, but it turns out that they differ not only in taste.
Honey has a number of properties beneficial to the body, but it is also caloric. A teaspoon that weighs about 12 grams (honey has a greater proper burden), provides almost 40 kcal (i.e. in 100 grams of honey there is about 340 kcal). For comparison – a teaspoon of refined sugar weighing about 5 grams is 20 kcal.
Why is honey recommended in a daily diet by food specialists, not sugar? Because he is much healthier than him – he has a lower glycemic index (releases glucose into the blood more slowly) and supports immunity. Sugar only provides calories, and it can also cause disease.
Honey, due to its caloric content, should not be used in excess. In particular, people on a slimming diet must be careful – although the product is healthier than sugar, eaten in too large quantities, it can still cause weight gain.
Sugar has slightly less calories than honey, and yet it is not indicated in the daily menu. All because it is devoid of almost any valuable nutrients (it does not contain any vitamins and minerals). Honey provides them much more to the body, so it is recommended as a valuable product in the diet. In addition honey is sweeter than sugar, Therefore, a similar level of sweets of the dish or drink will be achieved using a much smaller portion.
How do honey and sugar affect health? Excessive sugar intake can lead to carbohydrate disorders and even type 2 diabetes. Honey may have a lower glycemic index than sugar (although still high), which is important for people struggling with insulin resistance. The glycemic index of white sugar is about 68, and IG honey ranges depending on its type. The average is about 58, but in the case of dark honeydew – it can be up to 85. The lowest is characterized by acacia honey (IG <55) and that's what everyone should reach for threatened with diabetes.
Eating sugar, which provides only calories, can lead to obesity. A large dose in the diet is conducive to the accumulation of fat, which is later difficult to burn. Additionally, Sugar in a daily diet can result in teeth problems. It is one of the most common causes of caries.
In turn, honey, eaten in reasonable quantities, supports the proper functioning of the body. Not only strengthens immunity, but can even help in the weight loss process.
Honey is not only empty calories, like sugar. Depending on the type, it can not only have different taste, but also other nutritional values and health -promoting properties. However, it usually contains vitamins (B group and vitamin C) and minerals (including potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron). It also provides enzymes improving digestive processes. The composition also includes strong antioxidants. It’s them delay cell aging and reduce the risk of many civilization diseases (including tumors).
Honey also has antibacterial, anti -inflammatory and thus supporting immunity. What’s more, it regenerates the sick throat and soothes the cough. It is especially recommended during the season of reduced immunity and infection.
Due to the fact that its smaller amount can sweeten tea or dish, Honey can also favor slimming (especially as a substitute for white sugar). The natural product contains fructose, which keeps the feeling of satiety longer than glucose contained in ordinary sugar. In addition, honey clearly detoxifies the body, protecting the liver and kidneys.
Even if honey is more caloric than sugar, it will provide the body with more nutrients. Eaten in reasonable portions should not harm health, but just support them.
Source: NowowoPoje.pl, Advancedfood.pl