Sugar is omnipresent on our plates: drinks, desserts or prepared meals, it is difficult to get rid of. However, there are alternatives to white sugar that are healthier and easier to find. Thanks to its sweetening power and its natural properties, honey is one of these options.
Honey vs white sugar: what are the differences?
To compare these two products, it is important to understand where they come from. White sugar, or sucrose, is extracted primarily from two plant sources: sugar cane and sugar beets. These two sources of sugar are then refined, therefore transformed, to produce the white sugar that we commonly use. Honey, for its part, is an entirely natural product, made by bees from flower nectar. It has antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It has also been used for centuries in natural remedies to soothe sore throats, treat minor wounds and support the immune system. In stores, some honeys are of better quality, so be careful to choose them carefully.
Nutritional composition
White sugar, or sucrose, is a simple carbohydrate composed of 50% glucose and 50% fructose. It therefore contains no essential nutrients aside from empty calories, meaning it provides energy but provides no other nutritional benefits. White sugar is devoid of any health benefits. Fructose is even one of the main causes of obesity. Honey, on the other hand, is a mixture of glucose, fructose, water and small amounts of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Since honey is sweeter than white sugar, you will need a smaller amount of honey to sweeten a drink or food.
Effect on blood sugar
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly a food increases blood sugar. White sugar has a high glycemic index, close to 100, and therefore causes a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. While this is useful for giving yourself a quick boost of energy, it is also problematic, particularly for people with diabetes or those looking to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Honey, although it also contains glucose and fructose, has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, close to 50. Thus, the rise in blood sugar is more gradual.
Honey, a miracle solution?
Be careful, honey is not a miracle solution. Despite its benefits, it remains sugar free, meaning all sugars added to foods. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), free sugars, which therefore include honey and sugar, should not represent more than 10% of total daily energy intake, and it is even recommended to aim for less than 5% for better health. Whether it’s honey or white sugar, excessive consumption of these sugars leads to health problems, including an increased risk of disease and general poor health. It is therefore essential to consume both in moderation but above all to favor a balanced diet, including foods rich in natural sugars such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.
