There are many sweeteners on the market, and even more consumers hunting for the one that will provide improved taste without any guilt or health problems.  The question is, does such a sweeteners exist? In a search to answer that question, we find ourselves examining one of nature’s finest creations: honey.

It should come as no surprise that likely the healthiest sweetener on earth is that sticky substance made by one of nature’s leading pests. However, it turns out bees are impressive biochemical manufacturers and their naturally occurring nectar just so happens to be incredibly healthy.   

Honey is a simple carbohydrate comprised of glucose and fructose, as well as the invert sugars levulose and dextrose. Unlike many refined sugars, honey also contain trace proteins, vitamins, enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and the minerals  magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. These metabolic cofactors that comprise honey’s nutritional profile are a key to its health advantages.

 While the glucose derived from honey is the same in molecular construction as that derived from table sugar, honey includes the vitamins, minerals, and enzymes required in its metabolism so that it does not deplete the body of nutrients. The sugars in honey are also predigested by the enzymes invertase, amylase and catalase – enzymes produced by bees which break the sugars down into glucose and fructose, In contrast to sucrose (table sugar), honey doesn’t require our enzymes to break it down and has a healthier glycemic index (GI) rating than other sweeteners. Studies have shown honey to actually improve the bodies ability to digest glucose and is tolerated easier by diabetics with glucose intolerance.

Honey has anti-bacterial properties and according to a study published in Science Daily was more effective than conventional antibiotics at killing the bacteria that cause chronic sinus infections. Another laboratory study on unpasteurized honey indicated antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus, a common bacteria that can cause infections in open wounds. Reports also indicate honey to effective at inhibiting candida albicans.

Honey also  contains many phytonutrients with cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties, such as caffeic acid methyl caffeate – a substance shown to prevent colon cancer by inhibiting the activity to certain enzymes.

Consuming honey daily raises blood levels of protective polyphenolic antioxidant compounds in humans, according to research presented at the American Chemical Society.

Honey has been well documented as an anti-septic and in more than 600 cases, medical journals have cited honeys employment to treat wounds.

Honey may even assist weight loss. According to a year-long animal study covering, rats fed a honey-based diet showed lower weight gain and percentage of body fat, decreased anxiety, improved spatial

With all that said, honey is a sweetener – and while honey is being rediscovered as a health remedy for many ailments - eating any simple sugar in excess can have negative health effects. So next time you’re in the baking aisle, reach for the honey bear instead of the sugar and start enjoying bees wonderful handiwork in your life.