In addition to being used as a natural sweetener, honey can also be used to strengthen the immune system, improve digestive capacity and even relieve constipation. In addition, honey is considered antiseptic, antioxidant, anti-rheumatic, diuretic, digestive, expectorant and soothing.
However, honey can be fattening because it is sweet and has almost the same calories as white sugar. A tablespoon of sugar has about 60 calories and the same measure of honey has 55 calories.
Despite this, it is the only naturally sweet food that contains proteins and minerals, which are important for health, bringing the following benefits:
- Fight constipation, as it helps the intestine to move; Combat poor digestion and gastric ulcers, because it has enzymes that facilitate digestion; Relieve bronchitis, asthma and sore throat, due to their antibiotic and antiseptic characteristics; Honey with propolis: relieves symptoms of pharyngitis, tonsillitis, flu and cold. Propolis works as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, immune system stimulator, healing and tissue regenerator; Honey with cinnamon: combats poor digestion, which can occur after a high-fat meal. A good tip is to make a tea and add a teaspoon of honey with cinnamon to facilitate digestion. Honey with lemon: prevents the appearance of colds and flu, as the lemon has vitamin C that strengthens the immune system.
Thus, honey should be consumed in small amounts and should be avoided in cases of diabetes. Also know the agave syrup, a type of natural honey that is less fattening than sugar.
Honey benefits for skin
The benefits of honey for the skin are to make the skin softer, more uniform and without blemishes. To have these benefits it is important to pass the crystallized honey twice a week on the skin, massage well and leave it for 10 minutes, then wash it off with warm water. See how to make a honey face mask.
Nutritional information of honey
The table below shows the nutritional information for 100 g and for 1 teaspoon of honey.
| Nutrients | 100 g of honey | 1 teaspoon of honey (6g) |
| Calories (kcal) | 312 | 18 |
| Protein | 0.5 | 0.03 |
| Carbohydrates | 78 | 4.68 |
| Fat | 0 | 0 |
| Sodium | 12 | 0.72 |
| Potassium | 51 | 3.06 |
| Phosphor | 19 | 1.14 |
| Water | 17.2 | 1.03 |
| Iron | 0.7 | 0.042 |
| Magnesium | 6 | 0.36 |
| Fructose | 38.2 | 2.29 |
| Glucose | 31.28 | 1.87 |
| Maltose | 7.31 | 0.43 |
| Sucrose | 1.31 | 0.07 |
It is important to remember that honey is not recommended for young children, between 1 and 3 years old, due to the possibility that the intestine, still immature, does not prevent the entry of small microorganisms, present in honey, which can cause infections.
Contraindications for honey
Honey is a contraindicated food in some situations such as:
- Children under 1 year of age: Until the first year of age as the child's digestive system may not be fully developed and mature, thus not defending itself efficiently from foreign bodies. It exists until the first year of life and the possibility of serious intoxications with a bacterium commonly found in honey called Clostridium botulinum . Diabetics: Diabetics should avoid honey, as it has a lot of simple sugar that quickly raises blood glucose. Honey sugar is one of the types of carbohydrates that the diabetic should avoid. Allergic: Sensitive people with a tendency to allergies can develop allergic reactions manifesting gastric discomfort and even stomach pain, due to pollen grains present in honey.
Despite these contraindications to the use of honey, and thanks to its therapeutic potential, honey must be on the shelves of food and not in the medicine cabinet and consumed frequently as long as there is no contraindication. See more at When honey should not be used.
