Accelerate Natural Energy

Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners known to man. For many years it has been said to be healthier than sugar because it is natural. Unfortunately, although honey has some very unique and beneficial properties, it is not a smart alternative to table sugar.

To get technical, we can refer to the glycemic index. The glycemic index measures the effect of a food on blood sugar levels. The higher the foods rating, the greater effect it has on our blood sugar. Generally, having high blood sugar levels is much harder on our bodies. Clover honey, the popular choice of U.S. consumers, has a glycemic idex rating of 69 and sugar (sucrose) has a glycemic index rating of around 65. That means, per serving, honey has a larger effect on blood sugar than table sugar. Therefore, if the glycemic index is used to rate the healthiness of honey, it is a less healthy than sugar.

There are some advantages to honey. Honey contains vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and has antibacterial properties–sugar has none of these. The antioxidants and antibacterial properties are especially useful in fighting sickness. Honey also has a very rich flavor. You might be able to get away with using less honey than you would sugar, which would mean you consume less calories and have a lower net effect on blood sugar.

In the end it’s necessary to remember that sugar is sugar and that it should be eaten only sparingly. I’ve always loved the flavor of honey, so I tend to opt for honey when I’m craving something sweet. Keep in the back of your head that just because honey is natural, doesn’t give you a reason to reach for it over table sugar.