Calories in Honey: A Nutritional Powerhouse

When used in moderation, the calories in honey can enhance a balanced diet and provide some surprising benefits. However, due to its high sugar and calorie content, honey should not be used in excess, especially if you have diabetes. This is the latest information on scientific studies and nutrition data on honey.

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Nutrients and Calories in Honey

The following honey nutrition facts are provided by the USDA for 1 tablespoon (21 grams) of honey.

• Calories: 64
• Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 0mg
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 17g
• Protein: 0.1g
• Potassium: 10.9mg
• Iron: 0.1mg
• Calcium: 1.3mg

Calories in Honey: Carbohydrates (image via Pexels/Roman Odinstov)

Carbohydrates

The calories in honey come from sugar and other carbohydrates. Around half of the sugar in honey is fructose and the other half is glucose. Honey is thought to have a glycemic index of about 60. The glycemic load of a teaspoon is around 3.5. Table sugar (sucrose) has a glycemic index of 65 as a point of comparison.

Fats

Honey contains no fat.

Protein

Protein is present in honey in trace amounts, but not enough to meet your daily needs.

Minerals and vitamins

B vitamins, calcium, copper, iron, zinc, and other vitamins and minerals that are mostly derived from the soil and nectar-producing plants can be found in honey. Where and how honey is produced affects both its quality and the amount of minerals it contains.

Honey is typically ingested in such small amounts that it will not significantly help satisfy your daily vitamin and mineral needs, despite darker honey typically providing more vitamins and minerals than pale honey.

Calories

Calories in honey count up to 64 per tablespoon, almost all of which are in the form of sugar from carbohydrates.

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Health Benefits of Honey

Calories in Honey: Medical Benefits (image via Pexels/Valeria Boltnoeva)

It has been demonstrated that some types of honey have potential medicinal properties. It's crucial to weigh the nutritional cost of honey (its high sugar content) with its alleged health benefits when implementing these qualities in daily living.

It's crucial to keep in mind that honey is frequently ingested in small doses that may not be comparable to those used in studies to look into potential advantages.

Can Ease a Cough

According to research, honey might help ease a cough. A tablespoon of honey works just as well as dextromethorphan, the cough suppressant contained in Robitussin DM, and is preferable to Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or no treatment, according to an analysis of six studies treating coughs in children. The study also discovered that honey might offer more alleviation than albuterol (salbutamol).

May Encourage Regularity in Digestion

According to studies, honey may be helpful in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Flavonoids and phytochemicals may support the body's digestive functions. However, the number and scope of research that have so far supported this advantage are few.

Might Promote Reproductive Health

Royal jelly, a form of honey, has a variety of impacts on female reproductive health.

It has been discovered that royal jelly can lessen menopausal symptoms and premenstrual syndrome. Royal jelly contains antioxidants that may lessen oxidative damage linked to aging of the ovaries.

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Calories in Honey:Where to get the best honey (image via Pexels/Pixabay)

The calories in honey get easily outweighed by its nutritional properties. Get raw honey from a nearby farmer's market for the most nourishment. If you like the taste of honey, choose the darker variety because it has a stronger flavor and requires lesser amounts to produce the same flavor.