How many calories are in honey and what is its use

For many, honey is one of the most favorite sweets. It is natural and does not contain any taste enhancers, it is useful for our health, but, at the same time, it is distinguished by high caloric content. Let's try to figure out how many calories in honey, and what benefit it can bring to the body.

Honey and Diet

So, let's start with the answer to the first question. The amount of calories in honey depends on its kind. The average caloric content of the product is 327 kcal per 100 g. In linden honey, it does not exceed 380 kcal per 100 g. In honey from meadow flowers, the amount of calories can vary from 380 to 415 kcal per 100 g. These calories give honey not sugar, but glucose , Which it contains.

Of course, those who strictly follow their diet, do not eat honey in huge quantities. Therefore, it will be useful to know how many calories are in a teaspoon of honey. Since it contains about 8 g of honey, the calorific value in this case is 26 kcal. In a tablespoon of honey, based on the amount of about 17 g, we can assume the presence of 56 kcal.

Despite how many calories are in honey, it is more suitable for a diet than sugar. This is evidenced by a recent experiment, conducted at the University of California. The volunteers who participated in it used honey for a month, but they did not gain weight. The scientists noticed that the participants of the experiment had a faster saturation, and the craving for sweets decreased noticeably.

It's all about the composition of this product. How many calories in honey does not affect the rate of fat deposition. The whole thing is in the so-called glycemic index. This is the name for the indicator that reveals the rate of splitting of the product in the body and its conversion into glucose. The larger its value, the more the pancreas produces insulin, which creates in the body stores of sugar "just in case". These reserves later become fat. In honey, the glycemic index is 55 units, and for sugar 61. Therefore, when dieting honey is more useful. Plus it is also in the fact that it has various minerals and vitamins, which is not present in sugar (that is why the name "empty calories" was behind it). Therefore, sugar uses the internal reserves of the body for splitting, and when these stocks are consumed, processes begin that raise the level of cholesterol, which creates the prerequisites for obesity.

Benefit for health

So, how many calories in honey, we learned. Now let's try to figure out what it is useful for us. In total, it contains about 300 different substances. Among them are such useful components as protein, carotene, B vitamins, vitamin C, organic acids, nitrogenous compounds, essential oils. Thanks to this "cocktail" honey has a therapeutic effect on our body. It increases the appetite and motility of the gastrointestinal tract, is an excellent assistant for dysbiosis, provides a normal sleep and helps with sclerosis. The energy value of honey makes it an excellent remedy for anemia and nervous disorders.

Different varieties of the product can be used for different diseases. So, linden honey is best for a cold and will help reduce the temperature. Sunflower honey strengthens the effectiveness of thyroid treatment. Acacia honey has an anti-inflammatory effect. This product from buckwheat will help normalize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys, as well as with increasing hemoglobin levels in the blood.

Honey can also be taken externally. It is used to accelerate the regeneration of tissues, remove inflammation, disinfection. As you can see, how many calories in a spoon of honey does not mean that it is just a "dangerous" and sweet product.

How much honey is recommended per day? For adults - about 100 grams, for children it's enough for 40-50 g. Those who are actively involved in sports can increase this amount to 200 g. The main thing is to consume honey moderately.