Honey vs Sugar: Health Benefits of Honey
By Lexi Herrin
There are several ways to improve your health and one of those is by using healthy alternatives. Some use alternatives such as almond milk, tofu, and several other alternatives either for medical reasons or by personal choice. One of the changes that you can make is swapping out sugar for honey. Although neither are wonderful for you, honey is the healthier alternative filled with nutrients and antioxidants, improvements in cholesterol, and lowering triglycerides.
Nutrients and Antioxidants
One of the good things about honey is that high quality honey is rich in antioxidants and some nutrients. It has been linked in some research that the antioxidants in honey can reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and some types of cancer. It may also promote eye health. Honey also contains several types of nutrients although you would have to consume several pounds of honey to fulfill the daily nutrient requirement.
Healthier Than Sugar
Honey can be less bad for you than sugar, especially for diabetics. While honey can decrease the risk for heart disease, it can also increase blood sugar levels, just not as much as sugar does. Honey can also lower what is known as bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. Although honey does have a few health benefits, it should still be consumed with caution because it does increase blood sugar levels, just not as much as regular refined sugar does.
Improves Cholesterol and Lowers Triglycerides
LDL cholesterol is what is known as "bad" cholesterol. High levels of LDL cholesterol can strongly increase the risk for heart disease. It also plays a major role in the fatty buildup in your arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes known as atherosclerosis. Honey has been known to help reduce LDL cholesterol and increase the good cholesterol known as HDL cholesterol. Elevated blood triglycerides have also been linked to increased risk of heart disease. Triglyceride levels tend to increase while on a high sugar and carb diet. However, multiple studies have linked regular honey consumption to lower triglyceride levels and in some cases, even weight loss.
Honey is one of the healthier alternatives that can improve your overall health. If you are looking to improve your overall health, find out more from your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic. They've got walk-in visits, extended hours, and affordable prices without the hassle of insurance. If you are concerned about your family's health, find out more at The Joint Chiropractic today.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Goodlettsville, Tenn.