Few know the side effects of honey Since much has been spread that honey offers numerous health benefits. It contains antioxidants and some other important minerals. In fact, it is marketed as a healthy alternative to sugar.
But lately, there have been mixed opinions about honey. Although many consider it nutritious, others think otherwise. Honey can cause allergies, infant botulism, weight gain, and raise blood sugar levels.
If you want to know what are the side effects of honey, read on! Here we will tell you 7 ways honey can cause harm.
What are the side effects of honey?
Honey is known to be the healthiest alternative to sugar. But as we all know, even the most organic forms of honey contain sugar, and too much of it can do more harm than good. Honey is mainly made up of water, fructose and glucose. These are some of the side effects of honey what you should know:
1. It can lead to weight gain
One tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories. It has a relatively high calorie content. Although this may not seem like much, a number of tablespoons of this type every day for a long time can add up. This is especially true if one is not making other lifestyle changes accordingly.
Honey is an added sugar. It is a sugar that is added to other foods and drinks during processing. Frequent intake of added sugars has been associated with weight gain. Reduced intake of added sugars, in general, was associated with less weight gain.
According to the WHO, it is important to keep your daily sugar intake below 10% of total calories.
2. It can cause allergies
Although allergies to honey are rare, increased intake of foods that contain honey as a key ingredient can put one at risk.
People allergic to pollen may also be allergic to honey. Honey allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition. It is characterized by skin rashes, facial swelling, nausea, vomiting, and shock.
This allergy is believed to be caused by propolis, a substance used by bees while building honeycombs. Propolis is a contact allergen.
3. Can cause infant botulism
Infant botulism occurs when a baby ingests a bacterial spore that produces a toxin inside the body. It’s one of the side effects of honeydue to the presence of C. botulinum in honey, which is a bacterial strain.
Research recommends not giving honey to babies under one year of age. Although most cases of infant botulism cannot be prevented (since related bacteria are also present in dust and soil), they are not harmful either.
It is only when the bacterial spore produces a toxin in the baby’s digestive system that there is a problem. This is more likely to happen with honey. Therefore, babies under the age of 1 should stay away from any and all products/supplements that contain honey (even in small amounts).
Infant botulism can result in disruption of motor and autonomic functions in the baby. Symptoms may include constipation, limpness, drooping eyelids, loss of facial expressions and head control, weak cry, and respiratory failure.
4. Can Raise Blood Sugar Levels
Although honey might be a better alternative to table sugar, it still contains sugar. Studies state that people with diabetes should take honey with caution.
Prolonged intake of honey can increase the levels of hemoglobin A1C (hemoglobin bound to glucose) in the blood. High levels of hemoglobin A1C can mean a higher risk of diabetes.
Honey can have similar effects to table sugar and high fructose corn syrup (a harmful additive). In one study, all three ingredients raised triglyceride levels and altered glucose response in similar ways. However, some studies also claim the anti-diabetic effects of honey.
Honey may not be harmful for people with diabetes. It may also have certain beneficial effects. But if you’re dealing with diabetes complications, we recommend talking to your doctor before including it in your diet to avoid the side effects of honey.
5. Can cause diarrhea
Honey can cause diarrhea. Contains fructose in excess of glucose. This can lead to incomplete absorption of fructose in the body, which could cause diarrhea.
6. Can Cause Food Poisoning
Honey naturally contains microbes. These include bacteria, yeasts, and molds, which come from dust, air, dirt, and pollen. But since honey has antimicrobial properties, these microbes are generally not a cause for concern.
However, there is a possibility that the honey may have secondary contamination. This can come from human processing, containers, wind, and dust. Although this is rare, it is important to exercise caution. If you have a history of food poisoning, avoid honey or buy it only from a reputable seller.
7. May Promote Tooth Decay
Honey contains sugar and is sticky. This can lead to tooth decay in the long run if one does not rinse their mouth properly after consuming honey.
Honey can cause cavities in children, even more so if they use pacifiers dipped in honey. The sugar in honey can provide food for oral bacteria, encouraging their growth.
Some believe that natural sugars like honey can have similar cavity-producing effects as refined sugar. However, research in this regard is lacking.
Honey has been linked to health benefits such as improved heart health, wound healing, and antioxidant status of the blood. However, consuming too much can cause adverse effects due to its high sugar and calorie content. Therefore, it is best to use honey to replace other forms of sugar and enjoy it in moderation.
If you have any specific medical conditions, consult your doctor before consuming honey.