Honey is a syrup-like liquid that bees make from the nectar of plants. This food is loved all over the world for its sweetness and taste and is used in many recipes.
The smell, color and taste of honey depend on the type of flowers with which the bees made it. There are so many combinations. Honey has certain health benefits because it contains nutrients. But most people do not consume enough honey for it to be a significant choice of vitamins and minerals.
Table of nutritional values of honey per 100 grams
| Energy value | 304 kcal |
| Proteins | 0.3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 82.4 grams |
| Fibers | 0.2 grams |
| Fats | 0 g |
| Sugar | 82 g |
How many calories does honey have?
A portion of 100 grams of honey has 304 calories.
There are over 320 different types of honey - they differ in color, smell and taste. Honey mainly has sugar, as well as a combination of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants.
Some of the types of honey are:
- Sunflower honey
- Acacia honey
- Meadow honey
- Forest honey
- Linden honey
- Rapeseed honey
- Rosehip honey
- Sage honey
- Chestnut honey
How many carbohydrates does honey have?
Honey has 82.4 grams of carbohydrates per 100 grams.
The glycemic index of honey is approximately 60. So a teaspoon of honey has a glycemic index of about 3.5. And a teaspoon of white sugar has a glycemic index of 65. Despite this difference, people who have to watch their blood sugar levels (like diabetics) should avoid honey.
How much protein does honey have?
Honey has 0.3 grams of protein in a 100 gram serving.
Honey has a negligible amount of protein so it cannot significantly contribute to the daily intake of this nutrient. If you want to eat foods with a high level of protein, you should eat meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
How much fiber does honey have?
Honey has 0.2 grams of fiber in a 100 gram serving.
Honey has a negligible amount of fiber so it cannot significantly contribute to the daily intake of this nutrient. If you want to eat foods with a high level of fiber, you should eat beans, broccoli, berries, cereals, apples, etc.
How much fat does honey have?
Honey has 0 grams of fat in a 100 gram serving.
Honey does not contain fat.
How much sugar does honey have?
Honey has 82 grams of sugar in a 100 gram serving.
Honey is a natural source of sugar. The sweetness in honey comes from 2 types of sugar: fructose and glucose. Honey has a higher level of fructose than glucose. Fructose is sweeter, so you can use less honey to sweeten food or drinks.
Honey and health
Honey is a good source of antioxidants
Raw honey has a number of plant chemicals that have an antioxidant role. Some types of honey have the same amount of antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help protect the body from free radicals. In this way, the body is protected from aging and chronic diseases.
Honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties
Research has shown that propolis in raw honey helps with bacterial and fungal infections.
There is a wide range of applications for honey - it can be used topically or in food. The effectiveness of honey in fighting bacteria and fungi depends on the species, but some are particularly successful in fighting Candida infection.
Honey speeds up wound healing.
One 2018 study found that honey has antimicrobial properties. Also, a 2017 study revealed the potential impact of honey on wound healing. Please note that the honey used for testing is medicinal honey. This means that the honey passed the inspection and was sterile. Do not apply store-bought honey to burns or other injuries. Always consult a doctor first.
Honey is rich in phytonutrients.
Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that protect them. For example, some phytonutrients provide protection against insects or protect plants from ultraviolet radiation.
The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its effectiveness in fighting bacteria and fungi. The phytonutrients in raw honey are thought to have immune-boosting and cancer-fighting benefits. If the honey is highly processed, the level of phytonutrients may be reduced.
Honey helps digestion.
Honey is sometimes used for digestive problems such as diarrhea, although research suggests that its effects are limited. Honey can be useful in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection. This bacteria often causes stomach ulcers.
Honey also contains useful prebiotics, which means that it nourishes the "good" bacteria that live in the intestines. This is a key element for good digestion and overall health.
Honey has a positive effect on the brain.
Raw honey is thought to have a positive effect on the brain. Polyphenols in honey may be effective against inflammation of the hippocampus, the part of the brain associated with memory.
The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of honey can actually help many parts of the body, not just the brain.
Honey and weight loss
Honey has sugar. But when compared to processed sugar, honey also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Processed sugar is considered "empty calories," meaning it has no health benefits when eaten. For this reason, excessive sugar intake causes weight gain. On the other hand, honey can help with weight loss because it is a good source of nutrients if consumed in small amounts.
One study found that athletes who ate foods high in fructose, such as honey, were able to burn more fat and had more energy. Honey acts as a fuel that influences the liver to produce glucose. This glucose keeps the brain's sugar levels high and forces the brain to release more fat-burning hormones.
Most people have trouble losing weight because they eat too much sugar and processed foods. When we eat honey, the body begins to burn more fat. So, when we replace sugar with honey, the brain will feel less need for sweets.
