The major difference between honey and sugar is largely due to how they are formed.
Sugar (composed of 99% sucrose) is a result of a combination between the glucose and fructose molecules that are normally extracted from sugar cane. The making of sugar involves processes such as concentration and denaturalization. These heating processes will destroy valuable nutrients such as protein, organic acid and other enzymes.
Honey, on the other hand, is a natural sweetener composed of 86% glucose-fructose combination, and not a single human touch interfered in the process of making honey. In other words, the making of honey is purely undoctored. Plus, the components of honey influence its healing and antibacterial properties.
In addition to that, honey does not contain any harmful chemicals. Almost all nutrients in honey can be absorbed by the body, except for a very small portion that will be discharged.
As for sugar, since it is produced as a result of various processes, not only will the nutrients be lost along the way, but throughout these processes, harmful elements such as hydrochloric, phosphoric and sulphuric acids will make their way in.
One big difference between honey and sugar is probably in terms of their calorie contents. One tablespoon of honey contains approximately 30% more calories compared to the same amount of sugar. However, since honey is sweeter, you won't feel like eating it too much.
Plys, the components of honey influence its healing and antibacterial properties.
So how exactly does sugar affect your health?
1) Sugar actually depresses your immune system by reducing the amount of white blood cells in the body. The exposure of white blood cells to high levels of sugar in the bloodstream decreases its ability to prevent bacteria and other kinds of infections. In addition, sugar makes the body acidic, which makes it more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infection.
2) Sugar is categorized as high-glycemic food. This means that it causes the blood sugar level to increase and this in turn disturbs the insulin level. The difference between honey and sugar is especially significant for diabetics.
3) Sweetened food and beverages that contain a high amount of sugar can also cause one to gain weight since it contain large amounts of sugar that can be easily absorbed by the body. As for honey, even though it is assimilated into the bloodstream very quickly, it contains minerals and enzymes and therefore does not disturb the body's mineral balance as sugar does.
So as you can see, the difference between honey and sugar is more than just their distinct tastes.
Honey is prized for its great healing quality and properties, and its health benefits are just amazing.
If you've been so accustomed to sugar as a food sweetener in your daily diet, don't be too overwhelmed by all this (although I completely understand why you are).
Remember, the secret to achieving a healthier lifestyle is by making small changes everyday!
