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Honey is roughly 80% sugar and 20% water, different honeys will have different amount of sugar. It has some nutrients so its not as bad as pure sugar but just because it is a "natural" sugar does not make it healthier
> its not as bad as pure sugar
It's worse. Honey contains more sugar by volume then table sugar does.
The trace nutrients in honey are trace so don't matter. It's added sugar, it's no better then any other added sugar.
Can you also explain a bit what quitting sugar means?
Does it mean just quitting all the sweet stuff?
Do you also have to look at naturally occurring sugar and stay away from it too? Like if Apples have sugar, you make sure that you don't eat too much of them as well?
Quitting all sugar would be bad for your health, you need a tiny bit. Fruit is ok because it has so many other nutrients compared to the amount of sugar and fruit has fiber which reduces the insulin spike you get from sugar.
I would say the impact of sugar depends on the dish as a whole. If it is low on nutritients and factory made with added sugar then that sugar is most likely bad. If you cook a meal at home and add a pinch of sugar for balance of flavour, then that sugar is probably fine because that meal is more likely to be nutritios.
A bit of honey now and then is fine in my opinion but if you are trying to quit sugar then honey is basically just sugar in another form so it will affect you similarly to pure sugar. If you crave something sweet, try to get your fix from fruits instead.
It may be old info, i was taught it a long time ago, and complex carbs (oligosaccharides and polysaccharides) are technically considered sugars which is what i may be remembering but our brain loves glucose and some sugar is required for your blood to function properly.
To expand a bit on the earlier statement, you can cut out added sugar completely, and you can get healthy natural sugar from oats or nuts for example.
Natural sugars is still sugar and your liver doesn’t distinguish between types of sugar. The small amounts of glucose we need daily we can get them either from vegetables or our liver is actually capable of producing them. You should educate yourself better instead of spreading misinformation
>Quitting all sugar would be bad for your health, you need a tiny bit.
Really? Can you explain with evidence?
Personally I eat sugar in whole fruit and would recommend anyone do the same, as the fiber and other nutrition offers enough benefits to make the fructose worth it. But this is the first I'm hearing that a person needs any amount of sugar at all for their health.
Ive heard it a long time ago that some sugar or rather glucose is required for proper function of the brain (and central nervous system) and for your blood. Trying to look for sources online only mention added sugar but there i did find this
> “Added sugars contribute additional calories and zero nutrients to food,” they add. But even the AHA do not recommend cutting out sugar completely.
[https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288088#Tips-to-reduce-sugar-intake](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288088#Tips-to-reduce-sugar-intake)
OK but note that in the context of OP's question about "Quitting sugar" and then reading what they wrote, it is clear that they mean added sugar such a sucrose, and perhaps even fructose, the sugar found in fruit, but definitely not glucose which all carbs become when consumed. If they had meant that, they would have said "carbs", not "sugar".
I do not believe I have ever seen credible sources claim that the body needs fructose or sucrose to property function. Glucose is probably best consumed in small amounts, although even in the nearly complete absence of carbs the body can convert fat into energy and protein into glucose.
The sugar fractions in honey are about the same as HFCS 55 which is used in soda. Your liver doesn't care if the sugar comes from bees or corn, it's free glucose and fructose. Honey/maple syrup/agave are not different from HFCS.
If you have a sugar craving a piece of fruit is a good distraction. The sugar in fruit is trapped within cellulose so it digests like a complex carb not free sugar.
If soda is your sin give seltzer a try, you can make it yourself with a sodastream to keep cost low.
Also keep in mind <5% (6tsp if you eat 2000 calories) of your calories from added sugar has no impact on your health so you don't need to go all the way to zero. Like salt when you eat too much sugar you desensitize your taste buds to it which means you tend to use more in the future.
If 15ml honey is the only added sugar you're consuming and it stops you craving anything with added sugar/sweeteners, I would consider that a success and not be worried about any negatives from the honey.
If you're still craving sugar and having to use your willpower to avoid foods and drinks with added sugar, I would suggest going cold turkey until the cravings stop. That's just what works for me though
The AHA recommends no more than 24 grams of added sugar per day for women. I'm insulin resistant, so what I do is aim for no more than 30 grams in a week. That means I can still have an occasional treat, but it really does have to be rare. If I grab a cookie at a staff meeting, fine, but that's it for the week. I also avoid all sweeteners (including honey, agave, and maple syrup), dried fruit, and fruit juices. If I have any of those, they get included the count.
WHO recommends no more than 50 grams of added sugar per day for the average adult, so AHA's recommendation is quite conservative in comparison.
Obviously these are upper limits. They aren't saying we need added sugar at all.
https://www.ages.at/en/human/nutrition-food/nutrition-recommendations/who-sugar-recommendations
IT DOES NOT RECOMMEND TO CONSUME THIS AMOUNT BUT IF WE CONSUME ADDED SUGAR NOT TO GO BEYOND THAT QUANTITY. Jeez…. FACEPALM
YOU ARE INSULIN RESISTANT AND YOU STILL CONSUME SUGAR? DONT BE SURPRISED WHEN HEART ATTACK HITS “suddenly “
Lol, read the original comment, and then your response, and then their response again; and ask yourself: who misinterpreted the quote "recommends no more" as meaning "recommends" ... This was you, and you alone.
The articles speak for themselves, but for the record, I say I'm insulin resistant because I had one A1c result that was barely outside of the normal range. My doctor was unconcerned, but because I have a lot of diabetes in my family, I'm being extra cautious and limiting sugar beyond what's recommended. My last A1c was back to normal again. Lipid panel and BMI have always been perfect, but thanks for your concern about my heart.
And you should do that, however nobody recommends to be consuming added sugar. Especially on insulin resistant people. The “recommendation” boundaries come from the food industry. What we should be eating is ZERO added sugars
Dude, I literally told you my source. If you took two seconds to Google "aha sugar recommendation," you would see for yourself. But here, I did for you.
https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much#:~:text=AHA%20Sugar%20Recommendation&text=Men%20should%20consume%20no%20more,32%20grams)%20of%20added%20sugar!
Jeez, do you even know how to read? It doesn’t say that it is recommended to consume that much added sugar, but when we consume the recommended quantity is up to that… Jeez no wonder why so many diabetics still consume tons of sugar if they are like you and can’t understand such a simple text….
I said NO MORE THAN. That limit literally allows me one cookie or piece of dark chocolate a week. It's pretty clear you're the one who doesn't know how to read.
There was a lab study with rats showing sugar is more addicting than cocaine. Supplement your food with Glutamine it reduces the desire for sugar due to its ability to quickly convert to glucose shutting down the craving signal from the brain. It also helps to maintain the balance of serotonin which in addition to mood also influences appetite signals
Despite what others say honey is way better than refined sugar. In fact it’s probably the healthiest sugar u can eat. It’s rich in antioxidants and:
“Researchers have found that honey may increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There’s also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.”
Honey won't be as bad as table sugar; but cutting table sugar and replacing it with honey won't do you much good. What you need to do is practice moderation. Train your taste buds to be content with less sweetness in everything that you ingest; you can do this gradually and you won't even feel it. Good luck.
From my experience…
After escaping from the added sugar jail, I only allow a tsp of honey. Mostly before going to bed. It improves my sleeping
As for chocolate - I eat only 90% bitter
Now - no cravings for sugars…
Some citations:
Honey contains a wide variety of antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids which can protect against premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Also, honey can assist with wound and burn healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects when applied to damaged skin.- **Georgios Christos Bakolas** **Master Science in Sport Nutrition**
Honey has many bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, that showcase cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging capabilities. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties and can effectively speed up recovery from infections - **Christos Sittas** **MSc in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences**
# 11 Impressive Health Benefits of Honey
[https://naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-honey/](https://naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-honey/)
The first thing I'd say is you probably were eating foods that had sugar in them, but they also probably had lots of fat too. If you think about it, there are no natural foods that have high amounts of both, so it's a massive dopamine hit for your brain to get both in one food. Ice cream is a perfect example, it has lots of sugar and lots of fat. That makes it highly addictive. So cutting out the sugar is a good thing, but I bet when you quit the sugar you are also quitting foods like ice cream which also contain lots of fat.
I don't think pure sugar gives you quite the hit that sugar and fat together do. I also think that sugar is not as bad as people think, if it's truly just sugar that's being consumed. I think sugar and salt have both become a scapegoat for an unhealthy diet. People need something to blame, so sugar and salt have become the devil. I'm not saying they're health foods, but a little sugar on your oatmeal or some salt sprinkled on your food is not the reason that people are fat and sick.
I'm sure that's true, fat has a glycemic index of zero. I wasn't talking about the blood sugar impact at all, I was referring to what that combination does to the brain and how it makes the body crave more.
I wouldn’t just replace the sugar you are used to consuming with honey if your goal is quitting sugar. Honey will still give your body tons of glucose if you’re simply replacing and the benefits from honey are when it’s in its raw form and is never heated up (or at least boiled). You could replace for one week if sugar is a strong addiction of yours since honey is not readily available in many foods like refined sugar is. To cut back you really have to just bite the bullet and do it incrementally. Look at the nutrition facts of what you are consuming. Your body with definitely crave it less the more you cut back.
I would try substituting the refined sugar to natural sources at the same times you usually have them. For example with a cup of tea or coffee you could have two pieces of dates. With the other qualities of fiber and nutrients this is a better option than to go with artificial sweeteners. As the majority of folks have suggested bee honey is also a good alternative.
I stopped sugar a few years ago and replaced with honey. Good honey with no added sugar. I know honey is still sugar, but it doesnt have added sugar mixed in.
And now im about 66% xylitol and 33% honey in my daily consumption.
No one else mentioned xylitol, so there you go.
Honey is sugar just in liquid form. You haen't quite sugar and the body at the digestive stage doesn't know any difference between sugar and sugar. Sorry.
There’s a film documentary on prime Amazon called the sugar Film. Based on an experiment with one man volunteering, eating 42 teaspoons of sugars every day of so called healthy foods for 30 days and the effects that it does to the body and the addiction and negative affects. A must watch.
Natural sugars are much better than refined sugars. Fruits and honey can help you with cravings and have other nutrients so the body treats the sugars in those differently than refined sugars
#### About participation in the comments of /r/nutrition Discussion in this subreddit should be rooted in science rather than "cuz I sed" or entertainment pieces. Always be wary of unsupported and poorly supported claims and especially those which are wrapped in any manner of hostility. You should provide peer reviewed sources to support your claims when debating and confine that debate to the science, not opinions of other people. **Good** - it is grounded in science and includes citation of peer reviewed sources. Debate is a civil and respectful exchange focusing on actual science and avoids commentary about others **Bad** - it utilizes generalizations, assumptions, infotainment sources, no sources, or complaints without specifics about agenda, bias, or funding. At best, these rise to an extremely weak basis for science based discussion. Also, off topic discussion **Ugly** - (removal or ban territory) it involves attacks / antagonism / hostility towards individuals or groups, downvote complaining, trolling, crusading, shaming, refutation of all science, or claims that all research / science is a conspiracy *Please vote accordingly and report any uglies* --- *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/nutrition) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Honey is roughly 80% sugar and 20% water, different honeys will have different amount of sugar. It has some nutrients so its not as bad as pure sugar but just because it is a "natural" sugar does not make it healthier
> its not as bad as pure sugar It's worse. Honey contains more sugar by volume then table sugar does. The trace nutrients in honey are trace so don't matter. It's added sugar, it's no better then any other added sugar.
Can you also explain a bit what quitting sugar means? Does it mean just quitting all the sweet stuff? Do you also have to look at naturally occurring sugar and stay away from it too? Like if Apples have sugar, you make sure that you don't eat too much of them as well?
Quitting all sugar would be bad for your health, you need a tiny bit. Fruit is ok because it has so many other nutrients compared to the amount of sugar and fruit has fiber which reduces the insulin spike you get from sugar. I would say the impact of sugar depends on the dish as a whole. If it is low on nutritients and factory made with added sugar then that sugar is most likely bad. If you cook a meal at home and add a pinch of sugar for balance of flavour, then that sugar is probably fine because that meal is more likely to be nutritios. A bit of honey now and then is fine in my opinion but if you are trying to quit sugar then honey is basically just sugar in another form so it will affect you similarly to pure sugar. If you crave something sweet, try to get your fix from fruits instead.
Thank you for the detailed explanation. That makes it clear. I always had the wrong idea I guess then.
Why exactly is it bad for the health if someone quits all sugar and why do we need a tiny bit? Huh?
It may be old info, i was taught it a long time ago, and complex carbs (oligosaccharides and polysaccharides) are technically considered sugars which is what i may be remembering but our brain loves glucose and some sugar is required for your blood to function properly. To expand a bit on the earlier statement, you can cut out added sugar completely, and you can get healthy natural sugar from oats or nuts for example.
Natural sugars is still sugar and your liver doesn’t distinguish between types of sugar. The small amounts of glucose we need daily we can get them either from vegetables or our liver is actually capable of producing them. You should educate yourself better instead of spreading misinformation
>Quitting all sugar would be bad for your health, you need a tiny bit. Really? Can you explain with evidence? Personally I eat sugar in whole fruit and would recommend anyone do the same, as the fiber and other nutrition offers enough benefits to make the fructose worth it. But this is the first I'm hearing that a person needs any amount of sugar at all for their health.
Ive heard it a long time ago that some sugar or rather glucose is required for proper function of the brain (and central nervous system) and for your blood. Trying to look for sources online only mention added sugar but there i did find this > “Added sugars contribute additional calories and zero nutrients to food,” they add. But even the AHA do not recommend cutting out sugar completely. [https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288088#Tips-to-reduce-sugar-intake](https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/288088#Tips-to-reduce-sugar-intake)
OK but note that in the context of OP's question about "Quitting sugar" and then reading what they wrote, it is clear that they mean added sugar such a sucrose, and perhaps even fructose, the sugar found in fruit, but definitely not glucose which all carbs become when consumed. If they had meant that, they would have said "carbs", not "sugar". I do not believe I have ever seen credible sources claim that the body needs fructose or sucrose to property function. Glucose is probably best consumed in small amounts, although even in the nearly complete absence of carbs the body can convert fat into energy and protein into glucose.
The sugar fractions in honey are about the same as HFCS 55 which is used in soda. Your liver doesn't care if the sugar comes from bees or corn, it's free glucose and fructose. Honey/maple syrup/agave are not different from HFCS. If you have a sugar craving a piece of fruit is a good distraction. The sugar in fruit is trapped within cellulose so it digests like a complex carb not free sugar. If soda is your sin give seltzer a try, you can make it yourself with a sodastream to keep cost low. Also keep in mind <5% (6tsp if you eat 2000 calories) of your calories from added sugar has no impact on your health so you don't need to go all the way to zero. Like salt when you eat too much sugar you desensitize your taste buds to it which means you tend to use more in the future.
If 15ml honey is the only added sugar you're consuming and it stops you craving anything with added sugar/sweeteners, I would consider that a success and not be worried about any negatives from the honey. If you're still craving sugar and having to use your willpower to avoid foods and drinks with added sugar, I would suggest going cold turkey until the cravings stop. That's just what works for me though
Are you diabetic?
Try allulose! Honey is worse than sugar, please read up on the glycemic index
What is your existing problem with sugar? Have to know what the behavior is to know how to correct it.
The AHA recommends no more than 24 grams of added sugar per day for women. I'm insulin resistant, so what I do is aim for no more than 30 grams in a week. That means I can still have an occasional treat, but it really does have to be rare. If I grab a cookie at a staff meeting, fine, but that's it for the week. I also avoid all sweeteners (including honey, agave, and maple syrup), dried fruit, and fruit juices. If I have any of those, they get included the count.
I doubt anyone recommends 24 grams of added sugar per day, get your facts straight
WHO recommends no more than 50 grams of added sugar per day for the average adult, so AHA's recommendation is quite conservative in comparison. Obviously these are upper limits. They aren't saying we need added sugar at all. https://www.ages.at/en/human/nutrition-food/nutrition-recommendations/who-sugar-recommendations
IT DOES NOT RECOMMEND TO CONSUME THIS AMOUNT BUT IF WE CONSUME ADDED SUGAR NOT TO GO BEYOND THAT QUANTITY. Jeez…. FACEPALM YOU ARE INSULIN RESISTANT AND YOU STILL CONSUME SUGAR? DONT BE SURPRISED WHEN HEART ATTACK HITS “suddenly “
Lol, read the original comment, and then your response, and then their response again; and ask yourself: who misinterpreted the quote "recommends no more" as meaning "recommends" ... This was you, and you alone.
The articles speak for themselves, but for the record, I say I'm insulin resistant because I had one A1c result that was barely outside of the normal range. My doctor was unconcerned, but because I have a lot of diabetes in my family, I'm being extra cautious and limiting sugar beyond what's recommended. My last A1c was back to normal again. Lipid panel and BMI have always been perfect, but thanks for your concern about my heart.
And you should do that, however nobody recommends to be consuming added sugar. Especially on insulin resistant people. The “recommendation” boundaries come from the food industry. What we should be eating is ZERO added sugars
Dude, I literally told you my source. If you took two seconds to Google "aha sugar recommendation," you would see for yourself. But here, I did for you. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/sugar/how-much-sugar-is-too-much#:~:text=AHA%20Sugar%20Recommendation&text=Men%20should%20consume%20no%20more,32%20grams)%20of%20added%20sugar!
Jeez, do you even know how to read? It doesn’t say that it is recommended to consume that much added sugar, but when we consume the recommended quantity is up to that… Jeez no wonder why so many diabetics still consume tons of sugar if they are like you and can’t understand such a simple text….
I said NO MORE THAN. That limit literally allows me one cookie or piece of dark chocolate a week. It's pretty clear you're the one who doesn't know how to read.
There was a lab study with rats showing sugar is more addicting than cocaine. Supplement your food with Glutamine it reduces the desire for sugar due to its ability to quickly convert to glucose shutting down the craving signal from the brain. It also helps to maintain the balance of serotonin which in addition to mood also influences appetite signals
Honey is sugar...
Despite what others say honey is way better than refined sugar. In fact it’s probably the healthiest sugar u can eat. It’s rich in antioxidants and: “Researchers have found that honey may increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There’s also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.”
Honey won't be as bad as table sugar; but cutting table sugar and replacing it with honey won't do you much good. What you need to do is practice moderation. Train your taste buds to be content with less sweetness in everything that you ingest; you can do this gradually and you won't even feel it. Good luck.
From my experience… After escaping from the added sugar jail, I only allow a tsp of honey. Mostly before going to bed. It improves my sleeping As for chocolate - I eat only 90% bitter Now - no cravings for sugars… Some citations: Honey contains a wide variety of antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids which can protect against premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart diseases. Also, honey can assist with wound and burn healing because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects when applied to damaged skin.- **Georgios Christos Bakolas** **Master Science in Sport Nutrition** Honey has many bioactive compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, that showcase cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and free radical scavenging capabilities. In addition, it has antimicrobial properties and can effectively speed up recovery from infections - **Christos Sittas** **MSc in Nutrition and Exercise Sciences** # 11 Impressive Health Benefits of Honey [https://naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-honey/](https://naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-honey/)
Same. I add a small drizzle to my smoothie to balance it out. 90%? "Those are rookie numbers" need 95% ;)
You have to rid it from your house completely.
The first thing I'd say is you probably were eating foods that had sugar in them, but they also probably had lots of fat too. If you think about it, there are no natural foods that have high amounts of both, so it's a massive dopamine hit for your brain to get both in one food. Ice cream is a perfect example, it has lots of sugar and lots of fat. That makes it highly addictive. So cutting out the sugar is a good thing, but I bet when you quit the sugar you are also quitting foods like ice cream which also contain lots of fat. I don't think pure sugar gives you quite the hit that sugar and fat together do. I also think that sugar is not as bad as people think, if it's truly just sugar that's being consumed. I think sugar and salt have both become a scapegoat for an unhealthy diet. People need something to blame, so sugar and salt have become the devil. I'm not saying they're health foods, but a little sugar on your oatmeal or some salt sprinkled on your food is not the reason that people are fat and sick.
contrary to that i believe consuming fat together with sugar lessens the negative impact of sugar making it process more slowly by the body.
I'm sure that's true, fat has a glycemic index of zero. I wasn't talking about the blood sugar impact at all, I was referring to what that combination does to the brain and how it makes the body crave more.
What's your favorite sugary food?
r/sugarfree
I wouldn’t just replace the sugar you are used to consuming with honey if your goal is quitting sugar. Honey will still give your body tons of glucose if you’re simply replacing and the benefits from honey are when it’s in its raw form and is never heated up (or at least boiled). You could replace for one week if sugar is a strong addiction of yours since honey is not readily available in many foods like refined sugar is. To cut back you really have to just bite the bullet and do it incrementally. Look at the nutrition facts of what you are consuming. Your body with definitely crave it less the more you cut back.
I would try substituting the refined sugar to natural sources at the same times you usually have them. For example with a cup of tea or coffee you could have two pieces of dates. With the other qualities of fiber and nutrients this is a better option than to go with artificial sweeteners. As the majority of folks have suggested bee honey is also a good alternative.
I stopped sugar a few years ago and replaced with honey. Good honey with no added sugar. I know honey is still sugar, but it doesnt have added sugar mixed in. And now im about 66% xylitol and 33% honey in my daily consumption. No one else mentioned xylitol, so there you go.
Check out the cook book “Whole 30”for a sugar free diet guide.
Grapes.
Honey is sugar just in liquid form. You haen't quite sugar and the body at the digestive stage doesn't know any difference between sugar and sugar. Sorry.
There’s a film documentary on prime Amazon called the sugar Film. Based on an experiment with one man volunteering, eating 42 teaspoons of sugars every day of so called healthy foods for 30 days and the effects that it does to the body and the addiction and negative affects. A must watch.
Natural sugars are much better than refined sugars. Fruits and honey can help you with cravings and have other nutrients so the body treats the sugars in those differently than refined sugars
you will have to pry sugar from my cold dead hands
Quitting refined sugar is dumb. Carbs aren’t bad for you. Too many calories are what’s bad for you. Stop listening to people like Eddie Abbew.