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Dextrose & Honey

Oct 17, 2011 | By Brian Willett
Dextrose & Honey
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Although carbohydrates are sometimes regarded as detrimental for dieters, this type of nutrient offers nutritional benefits, as it is the primary source of energy for your body. Thus, high-carbohydrate diets are often employed by athletes wishing to maximize energy levels and performance. Many carbohydrate-rich foods exist, such as dextrose and honey. While both are rich sources of carbohydrates, the two have nutritional differences that may make one more preferable than the other for your personal needs.

Calories

Dextrose and honey are both calorie-dense foods, but dextrose is slightly higher in calories. A 40-gram serving of dextrose, which comes in powdered form, contains 146 calories, while 2 tablespoons, or 42 grams, of honey -- a thick liquid -- contains 128 calories. Unless you rely on dextrose and honey for a significant portion of your calories, the difference of 18 calories in these serving sizes is unlikely to affect your health, as there are 3,500 calories in one pound.

Carbohydrates

Each 2-tablespoon serving of honey contains about 35 grams of carbohydrates, while a 40-gram serving of dextrose contains 36 grams of carbohydrates. Consuming carbohydrates before exercise is helpful for fueling your activities, because the nutrient provides energy. Additionally, research from the December 2010 issue of "International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism" suggests that eating carbohydrates after exercise can aid in muscle recovery.

Sugars

Both honey and dextrose are composed nearly entirely of sugar. A 2-tablespoon serving of honey provides 34.5 grams of sugar, while a 40-gram serving of dextrose contains 35 grams of sugar. While sugar does provide energy, it tends to be short-lived. Additionally, a study published in the April 2010 edition of "The Journal of the American Medical Association" indicates that high-sugar diets may induce high cholesterol levels. Thus, consuming large quantities of dextrose and honey may not be ideal for your cardiovascular health.

Fat

Neither dextrose nor honey provides any dietary fat. Dietary fat contains more calories on a gram-per-gram basis than both carbohydrates and protein, but it's vital for overall health. Dietary fat is needed for the absorption of certain vitamins, and it aids in proper brain development and growth. Dietary fat can also provide you with energy for activities lasting longer than 20 minutes.

Protein

Neither honey nor dextrose provide protein. Protein is vital for the growth, maintenance and repair of your body's cells and tissues, such as skin and muscle. Unlike carbohydrates and fat, a primary role of protein is not to provide energy. However, in the absence of adequate carbohydrate and fat intake, your body can burn protein for energy.

Vitamins and Minerals

Neither honey nor dextrose are significant sources of vitamins or minerals.

References

Article reviewed by demand25069 Last updated on: Oct 17, 2011

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