sugar vs honey ~another perspective

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Honey vs. Sugar

Honey is a great alternative to sugar and retains most of its properties unlike

sugar when processed. With refined sugar, in the process of manufacturing, the

protein, nitrogen elements, organic acids, enzymes and vitamins in the sugar

cane are destroyed while with honey no real processing is required and nothing g

is loss from heating it. Honey also offers incredible antioxidant, antiseptic,

antimicrobial and cleansing properties for our bodies and health.

Even though both honey and sugar are sweeteners and both contain glucose and

fructose, honey is the ideal liver fuel because it contains a nearly 1:1 ratio

of fructose to glucose. Fructose " unlocks " the enzyme from the liver cell's

nucleus that is necessary for the incorporation of glucose into glycogen (the

form in which sugar is stored in the liver and muscle cells). Honey also may

promote better blood sugar control. Proper fueling of the liver is central to

optimal glucose metabolism during sleep and exercise.

When we eat sugar our bodies have to use a special enzyme in our pancreas called

insulin to convert the sugars to glucose which then can be absorbed by the cells

in our bodies to provide us with energy. However, with honey the bees have

already added a special enzyme to the nectar that divides the sucrose into

glucose and fructose.

These are two simple sugars that our body cells can absorb directly. Hence,

compared to processed 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.

Because honey is sweeter than sugar, the total calories intake is lower as less

honey is needed to sweeten the same quantity of food items (cereals, cakes,

pies, tea, coffee, etc). Therefore, if you are watching your weight or trying to

loose weight, honey will be a smarter choice than refine sugar.

Also, the wonderful taste of honey is so unique that is why it is used in

several recipes such as honey bread, honey chicken recipes, chicken honey

mustard, honey glazed chicken, and honey baked chicken to name a few.

When using honey in a crystallized form like with organic honey crystal you get

the benefits of honey without the sticky mess that is sometimes an issue with

honey.

With organic honey crystal you can add a taste of honey to your favorite

cookies, breakfast cereal, cakes, pies, rolls, coatings, dressings, and even to

sweeten your coffee or tea! by just replacing sugar 1:1 for a delicious sweet

honey flavor.