Honey, a natural product obtained by bees from the nectar of flowers, is one of the world’s oldest and most revered sweeteners. Apart from its delicious taste, honey is also known for its many health benefits.
Does honey raise or lower blood pressure?
Although honey is a food rich in natural sugars, it has not been shown to have any significant effect on blood pressure by itself. However, moderate consumption of honey, especially when used as an alternative to processed sugars, can contribute to a healthy lifestyle, which may have long-term positive effects on blood pressure due to its antioxidant content.
It is important to note that while honey has benefits, it is also a high-calorie food and should be consumed in moderation, especially for those watching their calorie intake.
What to consider when buying healthy honey and honey
Raw, unprocessed, organic honey is generally considered the healthiest option. This is because it has not been subjected to pasteurization or filtering processes, which means it retains all of its natural nutrients and enzymes.
When you go to buy honey, you should pay attention to these things:
Source: It is better to choose locally obtained honey, as it is more likely to contain local pollen, which can help those with seasonal allergies.
Raw and Unpasteurized: Raw and unpasteurized honey retains all of its natural nutrients and enzymes.
Organic: Organic honey is produced without the use of pesticides, making it safe for consumption.
Remember, the claim that honey raises blood pressure is not true if consumed in moderation.
Advantages of honey
Antioxidants: Honey is rich in antioxidants that can help protect the body from free radicals.
Healing: Honey has been shown to have healing and antimicrobial properties, which makes it useful for treating wounds and burns.
Digestion: Honey can aid digestion and is a common remedy for colic.
Energy: Honey is an excellent source of quick energy due to its high content of natural sugars.
We recommend that you read our article with all the benefits and prohibitions of honey.
Precautions in eating honey
Honey also has some contraindications and some precautions should be taken:
Children under 1 year old: Infants under the age of one year should not consume honey because of the risk of infant botulism.
Allergy: Some people may be allergic to honey and may experience symptoms like itchy throat, swollen mouth or shortness of breath after consuming it.
Diabetes: Although honey is a natural sugar, it is still a sugar and can raise blood sugar levels. People with diabetes should consume it in moderation and under medical supervision.
And here’s our material on whether honey raises blood pressure.