Is Honey Good for Diabetics
There is a lot of conflicting information out there about whether honey is good for diabetics or not. Some people say that it is, while others maintain that it isn’t. So, what’s the truth? Is honey good for diabetics or not?
Diabetics
Well, to answer that question, we first need to understand what diabetes is. Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when there is too much sugar in the blood. The body either doesn’t produce enough insulin to process the sugar, or the cells become resistant to the insulin and can’t use it properly.
Types of Diabetes
There are two types of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce insulin at all. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in children or young adults. People with Type 1 diabetes need to take insulin injections for the rest of their lives.
Type 2 diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to the insulin. This type of diabetes is usually diagnosed in adults over the age of 40, but it is becoming more and more common in children and young adults as well. People with Type 2 diabetes can often control their blood sugar levels with diet and exercise, but some may also need to take medication.
Gestational diabetes
There is also a third type of diabetes called gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes only occurs during pregnancy and usually goes away after the baby is born.
The Effects of Diabetes
Diabetes can cause a lot of different health problems if it isn’t managed properly. Some of these problems include heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputations.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Some common symptoms of diabetes include:
-Fatigue
-Blurred vision
-Frequent urination
-Increased thirst
-Weight loss
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
Honey
Now that we know a little bit more about diabetes, let’s take a look at honey. Honey is a sweetener that is made by bees from the nectar of flowers. It has been used for centuries as a sweetener and medicinal remedy.
Nutritional Facts of Honey
Honey is made up of approximately 80% sugar and 20% water. It also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The sugar in honey is mostly fructose and glucose. Fructose is a type of sugar that is metabolized differently than other sugars. It is absorbed directly into the liver where it is then turned into glycogen. Glycogen is a storage form of energy that the body can use when it needs it.
Glucose is a type of sugar that is metabolized by every cell in the body. It is used for energy or stored as fat if there is too much of it.
Honey also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, B vitamins, calcium, iron, and potassium.
Honey contains antioxidants that can help to protect the body from damage. These antioxidants can help to reduce the risk of some chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
One tablespoon of honey contains:
-64 calories
-17 grams of sugar
-0 grams of fat
-0 grams of protein
Honey also contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
The Benefits of Honey
Honey has a number of potential health benefits. These benefits include:
Antioxidants:
Honey contains antioxidants that can help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
Anti-inflammatory:
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Antibacterial:
Honey has antibacterial properties that make it effective in treating wounds and infections.
Weight loss:
Some studies have shown that honey can help with weight loss when it is used in place of other, more processed sugars.
Glycemic index
Now that we know what diabetes is, let’s talk about the glycemic index (GI). The GI is a way of ranking foods based on how much they raise blood sugar levels. Foods with a high GI raise blood sugar levels more than foods with a low GI. Foods with a GI of 70 or more are considered high, while those with a GI of 55 or less are considered low.
The glycemic index of honey varies depending on the type of honey and how it is processed. Most types of honey have a GI between 30 and 50. However, some types of honey, such as acacia honey, can have a GI as low as 16. This means that acacia honey doesn’t cause blood sugar levels to spike as much as other types of honey.
Is Honey Good for people with Diabetes?
Now that we know what diabetes is and how the glycemic index works, let’s answer the question: is honey good for diabetics?
The answer is yes! Honey can be a great sweetener for diabetics because it doesn’t cause blood sugar levels. One study found that honey lowered blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. Another study found that honey may help improve insulin sensitivity.
Now that we know what diabetes is, let’s take a look at the benefits of honey for diabetics.
1. Honey can help to control blood sugar levels.
Honey contains both glucose and fructose, which are natural sugars. The body breaks down these sugars and uses them for energy. When the body breaks down glucose, it releases insulin into the bloodstream. This helps to keep blood sugar levels under control.
2. Honey can help to reduce inflammation.
Diabetes often causes inflammation in the body. This can lead to a number of complications such as heart disease and kidney disease. Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce this inflammation and protect against these complications.
3. Honey can help to boost the immune system.
Diabetics are more susceptible to infections and illnesses because their bodies are not able to fight off bacteria and viruses as effectively. Honey can help to boost the immune system and protect against these infections.
4. Honey can help to improve wound healing.
Diabetics often have difficulty healing wounds. This is because diabetes causes poor circulation and nerve damage. Honey has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that can help to speed up the healing process.
5. Honey can help to lower cholesterol levels.
High cholesterol levels are a common complication of diabetes. Honey can help to lower cholesterol levels and protect against heart disease.
6. Honey can help to protect against cancer.
Diabetes puts you at a higher risk for developing certain types of cancer, such as pancreatic cancer. Honey has anti-cancer properties that can help to protect against these cancers.
7. Honey can help to improve digestion.
Diabetes often causes digestive problems such as constipation and diarrhea. Honey can help to improve digestion and relieve these symptoms.
8. Honey can help to increase energy levels.
Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, which the body converts into energy. This can help to increase energy levels and improve stamina.
9. Honey can help to reduce stress levels.
Stress is a common trigger for diabetes flare-ups. Honey can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health.
10. Honey can help to promote healthy skin.
Diabetes often causes skin problems such as dryness, itchiness, and infections. Honey can help to moisturize the skin and protect against these problems.
However, it’s important to note that these studies were small and more research is needed to confirm the benefits of honey for diabetics. Additionally, honey should not be used as a replacement for other treatments or medications prescribed by a doctor.
The negative effect of Honey on Diabetics
Even though honey has a lot of potential benefits for diabetics, there are also some risks associated with it. One of the biggest concerns is that honey can contain high levels of sugar. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise, which can be dangerous for diabetics.
Additionally, some people may be allergic to honey. This can cause a number of symptoms such as itching, swelling, and difficulty breathing. If you’re allergic to honey, it’s important to avoid it altogether.
Finally, honey should not be given to children under the age of one because their immune systems are not developed enough to handle it.
Final Thoughts
If you have diabetes, you should choose honey that has a low glycemic index. This type of honey will slowly release sugar into your bloodstream, which helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. You can find low glycemic honey at most health food stores.
Honey is a natural product that contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It can be a healthy alternative to processed sugars.
There is some evidence to suggest that it may be helpful, but more research is needed. If you have diabetes, speak to your doctor before adding honey to your diet.
However, it’s important to remember that honey is still a sugar and should be consumed in moderation. When used in moderation, honey can be a healthy sweetener for diabetics.