Honey For Diabetics: Can Diabetics Eat Honey?

A versatile kitchen staple, honey is relished by one and all. People add this healthy ingredient in their morning coffee and tea or use it as a natural sweetener in the baking goods. However, there is a never-ending debate about the use of honey for diabetics.

To put it simply, honey is not only safe for diabetic patients, but it also has anti-inflammatory properties that might reduce risks associated with diabetes, however, the key is to consume honey in moderation.

Can Diabetics Eat Honey?

Anything taken in excess can put you at risk of falling sick and especially if you are a diabetic, hence you need to be extra cautious of what you consume as it can affect your blood sugar levels.

Honey is a natural sweetener and without a doubt, considered to be a healthier substitute to white sugar. Moreover, it is easy to digest in comparison to sugar and hence keeps the metabolism levels high.

What Are The Benefits Of Honey For Diabetics?

1. Rich in antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, Honey is a good source of antioxidants and can benefit diabetics.
2. Consuming honey controls your blood sugar by increasing the insulin level.
3. The anti-inflammatory properties in honey can help reduce diabetes complications and risks as inflammation leads to insulin resistance.
4. Research reveals that consumption of honey regularly have could have positive effects on body weight and blood lipids in diabetics.
5. Honey, in comparison to table sugar, needs a low level of insulin and hence does not raise the blood sugar levels as rapidly.

Risks Of Honey For Diabetics

1. It should be kept in mind that honey is sweeter than sugar. Hence, only a little amount of honey should be used as a substitute for sugar.
2. Honey is a natural sweetener and can affect blood sugar. Hence, avoid it if your diabetes is not under control.
3. If your diabetes is under control, you must consume honey that’s pure, organic, or raw.
4. Commercial honey purchased from supermarkets may contain sugar or syrup that can affect your blood sugar differently.
5. Pregnant women and those having a weak immune system shouldn’t consume raw honey.

How To Consume Honey For Diabetics?

The following are the ways to consume honey that are best suited for those who have diabetes. These will not only satisfy your cravings for something sweet and delightful but will also reduce the high blood sugar levels.

1. Honey and Yogurt

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon honey

How To Make:

• Mix honey and yogurt and consume it in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Repeat the process for at least 30 days.
• This can control high blood sugar levels gradually.

2. Honey and Cinnamon

Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon
• 250ml boiling water

How To Make:

• Add powdered cinnamon to a glass of boiling water.
• Stir the mixture till it is completely dissolved.
• Later, add honey to it and mix well
• Consume this mixture every morning on an empty stomach.
• Repeat the process for two weeks for better results.

3. Honey, Basil, Neem and Turmeric

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 tablespoons dried basil powder
• 3 tablespoons dried neem powder
• 3 tablespoons turmeric powder

How To Make:

• Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl.
• Take a tablespoon of this mixture and add a teaspoon of honey to it.
• Consume it every morning on an empty stomach.
• Repeat this method for a month for desired results.
• This can help stabilize high levels of blood sugar.

4. Honey, Ginger and Lemon Tea

Ingredients:

• 2-inch ginger
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon tea leaves
• 4 cups of water

How To Make:

• Add ginger, tea leaves and water in a pan.
• Heat the mixture on low flame for 5 minutes.
• After removing the pan from the flame, add lemon juice to it.
• Add honey to the mixture and stir well.
• This drink can regularize high blood sugar levels.

5. Honey with Green Tea

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water
• 1 green tea bag
• 1 teaspoon Honey

How To Make:

• Take some hot water in a cup
• Put the green tea bag in the cup and let it stay for 2-3 minutes
• Thereafter, stir in a teaspoon of Honey.
• Honey here acts as a perfect substitute for sugar.

Best Honey For Diabetics

Raw honey works better for Diabetics. Raw Honey should be bought only from the local beekeepers who don’t process their honey in any way. You can buy raw honey from the local farmers or online. Among the different types of honey available, here are a few suggestions:

• Clove Infused Wild Forest Honey: Buy it here!
• Organic Forest Honey: Buy it here!

Conclusion:

Naturally sweet, Honey shows a positive effect on the glycemic index. However, when it comes down to honey, moderation is the key. Also, make sure that the honey you consume is raw or pure and doesn’t contain artificial sugars.

Consult your doctor before incorporating honey into your dietary regime if you are diabetic. Honey may not right for everyone, especially for those who have very high blood sugar levels or when diabetes is not under control.