While both provide a deliciously sweet note to your favorite foods, honey enjoys a few distinct advantages over processed sugars in the form of sucrose or high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). What makes the sticky amber substance superior? Here are a couple things to keep in mind the next time you’re preparing a meal or reaching for something sweet.

Why Use Honey Instead of Sugar?

1. It Has Additional Nutrients

The ratio of sugars in sucrose is roughly half fructose and half glucose, while HFCS is commonly 55% fructose and 45% glucose. Honey has a similar makeup at 40% fructose and 30% glucose, though each honey will have different ratios depending on the nectar source. The remaining 30% includes water, small amounts of vitamins, organic (amino) acids, phyto-nutrients, mineral elements, and several enzymes added by the bees. It’s also packed with antioxidants, which help combat the harmful free radicals responsible for diseases like cancer and heart disease. 

 

2. Honey is Digested and Utilized Differently

 Consumption of honey compared to sucrose or HFCS results in:

-A lower insulin response and lower blood glucose levels

-Higher levels of HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol)

-Lower triglycerides

-Increased fat metabolism at rest

-Reduced intracellular oxidative stress

Because of the balanced nature of the sugar ratios in honey, it allows the fructose to regulate the glucose intake into the liver and serves as an accelerator for glucose conversion to liver glycogen, which is the primary fuel reservoir for the brain.  This process also prevents a large glucose load from entering circulation and causing a sharp increase in blood sugar. Liver glycogen plays a crucial role in stabilizing the blood glucose concentration during rest as well. 

Fructose metabolized on its own is immediately converted to trioses that then form triglycerides. Fructose consumed in balance with glucose, as it is in honey, lowers triglyceride formation.

 There is much more detailed information and explanations available on the topic, but we won’t dig any deeper here. If interested, “The Honey Revolution-Restoring the Health of Future Generations” by Ron Fessenden, MD, MPH, and Mike McInness, MRPS is the primary source for this information and is a very interesting read.

 

If you’re seeking delicious honey to replace sucrose, HFCS, or artificial sweeteners in your diet, turn to Register Family Farm in Freeport, FL. The family-operated and veteran-owned bee farm is proud to offer a variety of delicious products that will elevate your diet and add rich flavor to your meals. They offer a variety of products ranging from wildflower to tupelo honey, along with gift baskets packed with sweet treats. Visit the website for information or call (850) 392-7404 to speak with a member of the team.