Honey in Diabetes: Sugar is seen as the biggest enemy of a diabetic patient. For this reason, they have to look to alternatives like honey, and jaggery to add sweetness to their tea or sweets. But the question arises are they a healthy option? Today we will try to know whether including honey in the diet is a good option for diabetic patien
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder and one of the most important aspects of managing diabetes is dietary restriction and a focus on physical activity. Experts say that our diet mainly consists of 3 major macronutrients – Carbohydrates, Fats, and Proteins. Carbohydrate restriction is one of the most important steps during diet management for diabetics.
Is honey healthy for diabetics?
Compared to white sugar, honey contains more fructose than glucose, with equal parts of both types of sugar. The amount of carbohydrates in 1 teaspoon of honey is more than that of white sugar. The advantage of honey is that it has a lower glycemic peak than white sugar. You can use small amounts to get sweetness in your diet, so your blood sugar will rise less.
There is data to suggest that use in moderation may improve cholesterol levels. Since honey is rich in antioxidants, it can be helpful for people with diabetes. However, more extensive research is needed before this recommendation can be made for switching to honey instead of white sugar. Therefore it is important to consume in moderation with careful monitoring of blood sugar levels.
Overall people need to monitor what they eat and how much they eat. Until we have conclusive reports on honey, it is best to limit it to small amounts.