What Are the Side Effects of Honey? - #9023

Okay, so honey—it’s often praised like it’s the healthiest thing you can eat, but there are some side notes to keep in mind when adding it to your daily routine. Starting with the sugar content: yeah, honey is natural, but natural doesn’t always mean zero risk, especially if you’re thinking about blood sugar management. It’s got glucose and fructose, similar to table sugar. So if you’re watching your blood sugar or aiming to avoid diabetes, honey’s not entirely harmless. It can indeed cause spikes.

How much is safe? Well, the World Health Organization suggests keeping all added sugars, under 25 grams a day. That’s about 6 teaspoons, which can add up quick if you’re not careful. Replacing refined sugar with honey might feel healthier, but overdoing it can still mess with your blood sugar levels. About raw vs. processed honey—the raw stuff usually has more enzymes and nutrients, but both can raise your blood sugar. No free pass there.

Now, about the “raw honey might have bacteria” thing. It’s true raw honey could have Clostridium botulinum. That’s problematic for infants since their digestive systems aren’t mature enough to handle it. But for adults, the risk is mostly theoretical unless your immune system’s way down. Pasteurization can help reduce bacteria but may cut down some beneficial enzymes. For pregnant women or immune-compromised folks, sticking with processed honey might be safer.

As for allergies—yeah, they can happen. Not super common, but the pollen in some honeys can trigger reactions like itching or swelling. If you notice these symptoms, a quick allergy test can pinpoint if honey’s the culprit. Specific flower-based honeys might be less irritable, but that’s hit or miss and depends on personal tolerance.

Overconsumption concerns, in terms of calories—honey can pack on the pounds, especially with all that fructose. I’d recommend sticking to no more than one teaspoon per meal. Balance is key—pair it with fibrous foods like whole grains or nuts that slow sugar absorption.

And lastly, in the realm of meds, honey hasn’t been flagged for severe interactions yet, but always a good move to check with your doctor, especially if you’re on meds for diabetes or are dealing with gastrointestinal issues. So, overall, enjoy honey, but treat it like a luxury, not a staple.