To begin, both of these sweeteners contain glucose and fructose. However, for sugar, in the process of manufacturing, the organic acids, protein, nitrogen elements, enzymes and vitamins in the sugar cane are destroyed, whereas honey, a natural sweetener, subjects only to minimal heating. Also, honey has certain beneficial antioxidant and antimicrobial properties which are not present in table sugar.
Here are some honey nutrition facts that will make you feel good about eating honey vs sugar:
Calories
One tablespoon of table sugar or sucrose contains 46 calories, while one tablespoon of natural sweetener honey has 64 calories. Though honey may have more calories, we actually need to use less of it since it is sweeter than table sugar. As a result, you may in fact consume even less amount of calories that you would with sugar. And in the long run even though honey is more expensive, it may be more economical than table sugar.
Healthier Glycemic Index
Compared to table sugar, honey has a healthier Glycemic Index (GI) which measures the negative impact of a given food on the blood-glucose level. The lower the GI rating, the slower the absorption and infusion of sugars into the bloodstream and hence a more gradual and healthier digestion process.
Minerals and Vitamins
Unlike honey, table sugar lacks minerals and vitamins (hence it's been often called empty calories); they draw upon the body's nutrients to be metabolized into the system. When these nutrients are all used up, metabolizing of undesirable cholesterol and fatty acid is impeded, contributing to higher cholesterol and promoting obesity due to higher fatty acid on the organs and tissues. So the message is, if you are watching your weight, honey will be a smarter choice than sugar.
Health and Weight
That's the reason why it's not uncommon for obese people to experience malnutrition and a lot of other medical problems. It's important to note that raw honey does not contain any unhealthy chemicals because it is not processed. It's very clear that honey is the better choice if you are concerned about your health and weight.
Flavour and Taste
In addition to the differences in nutrition, honey doesn't taste the same as plain sugar. Actually, many people prefer the flavour of honey instead of table sugar. Even though they both are sweet, bee honey has a more unique flavour especially when it's added to various beverages and foods. There is such a wide range of floral varieties in honey that most types of raw honey taste differently.
Some of the Benefits of Honey vs Sugar.
Healthier
Honey has many nutrients it which makes it a healthier choice compared to factory-made, over-processed table sugar or artificial sweeteners that don't contain any vitamins and minerals or other important nutrients. Honey is really bee sugar that comes in a natural liquid form. Honey does not contain any cholesterol and studies have shown when small amounts of honey are added to the diet it can assist in keeping cholesterol levels under control.
Vitamins
Honey contains several vitamins such as B6, niacin, thiamine, and riboflavin. It also has some important amino acids, as well as minerals which include iron, copper, calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc. This natural sweetener also contains natural antioxidants that help to fight cancer.
Lower Glycemic Index
It's a very healthy food choice because it has a lower glycemic index which means that the sugars in honey will be slowly absorbed into the body's bloodstream resulting in better digestion. Consuming large amounts of high-glycemic foods will most likely produce a higher insulin release in the body due to the pancreas being induced to process the rapid glucose surge in the blood.
Energy and Strength
Honey is a wonderful healthy source of natural carbohydrates which gives energy and strength to your body. It's also noted for its effectiveness for increasing the endurance and overall performance of athletes because it reduces fatigue in their muscles. The natural fructose and glucose have a significant role in reducing low energy levels during exercise because they are easily and quickly absorbed into the body's bloodstream.
Conclusion: Benefits of Honey vs Sugar
Today, you can find many different types of personal care products on the market that contain honey. There are lots of baby care, skin care, hair care, facial scrubs, hand lotions, and moisturizers that contain this natural sweetener. Honey contains hygroscopic properties which make it perfect for using in cosmetic products because it keeps skin more hydrated and fresher looking. Its natural anti-microbial and antioxidant properties help the skin cells to rejuvenate, so skin feels softer and looks better.
Notes:
Healthier Glycemic Index - The Glycemic Index (GI) is a numerical scale used to indicate how fast and how high a particular food can raise our blood glucose (blood sugar) level. A food with a low GI will typically prompt a moderate rise in blood glucose, while a food with a high GI may cause our blood glucose level to increase above the optimal level.
