Honey

[jrnyback2life]

Hi folks i have come up with a question that i don't have a clue about the answer though my initial instinct is that its a no no in this way of eating.

I have heard many good benefits from honey and pure honey tends to be a natural substance and mixed with things it creates added benefits for people.

Any thoughts and understandings how it exists in our way of eating? Does it process in our bodies like sugar does? Would a tablespoon a day with some other things be something that an atkinizee would not benefit from in her attempt to lose weight?

Thanks for any ideas

[spazzyhilo]

Re: Honey

from what I understand about honey is thats its pretty much pure sugar, therefore making it a no no.

[montanaman]

Re: Honey

I found one once a long time ago that was mostly sugar alcohol. Haven't seen it since.

[kate58]

Re: Honey

Honey is just sugar, more than 99% sugar. Honey actually has more calories per teaspoon than sugar does. It contains sugars levulose and dextrose, no sucrose, but it's all just sugar. In fact those sugars are even more rapidly absorbed, so you get a bigger and faster blood glucose spike than you would with pure sugar. Whatever benefits are claimed for it - and there are many claims, but little enough proof - are more than outweighed by it's negative effects.

That's a long winded way of saying NO honey honey!

[not2late]

Re: Honey

Just adding to what Kate has written. I think the health benefits of honey are specifically for "raw" honey---honey that has not been pasteurized. Some people believe pasteurizing honey (and even things like milk) destroy enzymes and other valuable nutrients. That's why people take bee products like bee pollen, royal jelly and bee propolis (but even they are suspect because some people claim manufacturers cheat!)

Raw honey is hard to find in the US due to all the food safety laws. It's like unpasteurized milk and milk products---very hard to find unless you know a farmer.

[jrnyback2life]

Re: Honey

Yeah i pretty much guessed that it was a no, i have no clue why i thought it metabolized differently than regular sugar as to not effect your blood sugar. For some reason i just drew a blank.

Thanks for the replies, if anyone has any other information that they have found please feel free to post it. I am not sure if it is raw honey they are speaking about or not most of the sites i have come across all say pure honey or honey.

[josephina]

Re: Honey

In New Zealand we have Manuka Honey which has been scientifically tested, and it does have valid health benefits particularly for wound healing (taken internally or externally). However to claim these benefits, manufacturers have to have it tested to discern the UMF (Unique Manuka Factor). It certainly is more than just sugar, and its 'goodness' comes from the Manuka bush. I don't know how to add a link, but if you google Manuka honey you can find alot of info. I miss my honey, but low carb is more important to me right now!

If I ever manage to get thru all the rungs, I will be adding it back in for medicinal purposes!

[matawguro]

Re: Honey

I hate it when marketing hype equates 100% natural with it being 100% healthy.

Arsenic is 100% natural but you won't see me taking it.