There is an age old debate that continues to this day, is honey better than sugar? Experts and nutritionists have provided a wealth of information to substantiate their claims that honey is the winner, but is this so? Let’s take a look.
Both sweeteners are natural and contain both glucose and fructose, however, sugar is typically processed more heavily than honey. Throughout the process of manufacturing and refining, the natural and organic properties found in sugar become destroyed. The sugar cane, in its natural state, is stripped of its organic protein, nitrogen elements, vitamins and healthy enzymes due to the excessive heat that is required.
Honey, on the other hand, goes through minimal heat exposure throughout its processing time. Honey maintains its healthy antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that are found in its natural state. These properties are not found in regular table sugar.
Caloric Content
In one tablespoon of sugar there are almost 50 calories, while one tablespoon of natural honey contains about 65 calories. Many argue on the sweetness factor and claim that less honey is needed because it is sweeter than sugar, but the verdict is still out and a person’s preference is the biggest factor on sweetness determination. Honey is more expensive than sugar; therefore people typically use less of the product than sugar and as a result, consume less calories.
In one can of soda, there are approximately ten tablespoons of sugar. Diet soda seems to be the better choice, but many varieties do contain some degree of sweetener or fructose ingredient.
Lack of Vitamins and Nutrients
Honey has a naturally occurring sweetener that contains both minerals and vitamins, while sugar does not. Sugar is known for its ‘empty calorie’ content and does not have much to offer in terms of nutrition. Honey is the smarter choice when you are paying attention to the vitamins you consume and trying to avoid empty calories.
Honey is all-natural and comes in a variety of flavors, including a line of floral tastes that are advertised as promoting healthy heart and lungs. Many health-conscious users are opting to keep a bottle of honey on the breakfast table instead of the traditional bowl of sugar.
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey offers three key benefits over sugar. Honey’s health benefits include:
- Natural energy booster
- Immunity enhancer
- Natural remedy for ailments
You may have heard that a spoon of honey added to tea or warm water can cure just about anything. While that statement may be a bit over exaggerated, some of the claim can be substantiated. Studies show that honey’s antioxidant properties make it a wonderful choice for curing the common cold, boosting energy and healing cuts and surface abrasions. Move over Neosporin, make room for the bees.
