Honey has been used for centuries for various medical functions, including wound healing and the treatment of various ailments, including bacterial infections. Besides containing the sugars fructose and glucose, honey also has several nutrients, including iron and manganese. Honey consumption has been associated with several benefits, including reducing blood sugar levels.
Blood Sugar
All carbohydrates are broken down to glucose in the body, which stimulates the release of the hormone insulin from the pancreas. Insulin's main job is to transport excess glucose from the blood to your cells, where it's used as energy. This enables blood glucose levels to stay within a healthy range. Normal fasting blood sugar should be less than 100 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter), according to the Mayo Clinic. Long-term elevated blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and increase your risk of organ damage.
Comparing Different Sugars
Scientists at Nutri-Kinetics studied the impact of different sugars on blood sugar levels. Subjects consumed 75 g of sucrose, fructose or honey with 250 ml of water. They discovered that the honey group showed lower blood sugar readings after consumption compared with those in the sucrose group. The findings were reported in the July-August 1990 issue of "Journal of Manipulative Physiology Therapy."
Lowers Blood Sugar
Honey might lower blood glucose levels in those with high lipid levels, according to a study performed by scientists at the Islamic Establishment for Education in the United Arab Emirates. They discovered that patients consuming 75 g of honey with 250 ml of water for 15 days experienced decreases in blood glucose levels compared with those who had dextrose or sucrose, according to research published in the 2004 issue of the "Journal of Medicinal Food."
Caution
Honey might be effective for reducing blood sugar levels. However, keep in mind that honey contains carbohydrates, which in excess can lead to weight gain. Use honey in moderation and count the carbs toward your daily calorie amount, according to the Mayo Clinic.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes; March 2011
- "Journal of Manipulative Physiology Therapy"; Differential Effects of Honey, Sucrose, and Fructose on Blood Sugar Levels; P. Shambaugh et al.; July-August 1990
- "Journal of Medicinal Food"; Natural Honey Lowers Plasma Glucose, C-Reactive Protein, Homocysteine, and Blood Lipids Healthy, Diabetic, and Hyperlipidemic Subjects: Comparison With Dextrose and Sucrose; N.S. Al-Waili; Spring 2004
- MayoClinic.com; Diabetes; November 2010
