We all know about honey and its several health benefits. Honey is basically a sweet, viscous liquid made by honeybees. Honey has anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which are actually great for your health. From providing you with clearer skin to lowering cholesterol levels honey has gained huge popularity for its sweet taste and premium health benefits.
Honey is believed to be a golden medicine for better sleep, improvement of the digestive system, and relieving the nervous system. Ayurveda also mentions honey as the medication for the treatment of seasonal colds and coughs.
Yes, there are so many advantages of drinking honey regularly, but very few know about the various disadvantages and side effects of drinking honey if it is consumed in higher amounts. Intake of a moderate amount of honey on a regular basis is considered great for your health but if you get addicted to honey and the consumption becomes more, side effects gradually start showing up.
In this article, we will be looking at the various disadvantages and side effects of honey. So, let’s begin.
Table of Contents
Side effects and disadvantages of honey
1. Stomach problems and bloating
Stomach crampings and bloating are not good for our health and generally occur due to problems in the digestive system. Eating too much honey can have an adverse effect on our digestive system and would lead to gas, bloating and stomach problems. Too much honey can even lead to stomach crampings, diarrhea and even constipation.
2. Not at all recommended for diabetic patients
Honey in higher amounts is not at all recommended for diabetic patients or even people who possess a risk of developing diabetes. Honey increases your blood sugar level because of the high amount of sugar present in it. On the other hand, honey does not contain any fiber and this lack of fiber participate further in increasing your blood sugar levels as the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream becomes quicker.
3. May lead to overweight
Honey is generally preferred by people who are on their weight loss journey. But you should always eat honey with warm water or lemon juice to achieve weight loss. Eating too much honey or eating honey without combining it with water or lemon juice will lead to weight gain. This could even lead to obesity.
4. Problems in the gastrointestinal tract
Overconsumption of honey may lead to the development of problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Honey being high in fructose interferes with our small intestine’s ability to absorb nutrients. This might lead to malfunctioning of our gastrointestinal tracts which in turn may lead to digestive disorders, gastric ulcers, hemorrhoids and even GERD.
5. Botulism
Some honey contains spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is not at all supported by the digestive system. This leads to botulism poisoning in infants and even adults which is known to trigger symptoms such as constipation, decreased appetite, weakness and even vomiting.
6. Not at all recommended for people with allergies
Honey is not at all suitable for people allergic to pollen or celery. People who are allergic to these things may immediately start sneezing or coughing as soon as they come in contact with honey. You should never take chances especially when it comes to people who are allergy-prone. Honey would act as a toxic item for them.
7. Increased risk of bleeding
Honey is not good for people with an increased risk of bleeding ( internally or externally ). People with bleeding disorders should be extra careful about the dosage of honey they are taking on a regular basis. It is better to avoid honey for people who have increased risks of bleeding.
8. Causes insulin insensitivity
Honey being acidic in nature erodes the enamel of teeth and lining of the stomach, intestines and esophagus which in turn may lead to acid reflux disease. Too much intake of honey will lead to insulin insensitivity. If you already have insulin resistance ( if you are taking drugs for high blood pressure, diabetes or cholesterol ) you should also avoid honey.
9. Causes teeth cavities
Too much consumption of honey is not at all good for your dental health. Too much honey makes your teeth weaker and erodes the enamel of the teeth. It also develops a stain on your teeth which may not look good. Honey is a bit acidic in nature and may raise the chances of developing dental cavities. You should always brush regularly to maintain your oral hygiene.
10. Not recommended for infants and pregnant women
Doctors never recommend honey for pregnant women, lactating moms, and infants. Even a small amount of honey can cause adverse effects on an infant’s health. Pregnant women and lactating moms are never recommended honey without their doctor’s permission.
How much honey is enough in a day?
It is recommended to have not more than 10 tablespoons of sugar per day. So calculate the total amount of sugar you are consuming to the amount of honey you are taking per day. For example, if you are consuming 3 tablespoons of sugar in a day from other sources you should not have more than 7 tablespoons of honey per day.
Conclusion
As you can see honey has various disadvantages and side effects along with its several health benefits. But these side effects can be easily tackled if you consume honey in moderate amounts. Overdosing on anything will lead to several side effects. We, at HealthAndHealthier always recommend consuming anything on a moderate amount and following your doctor’s advice. Also, be sure to look out for good quality honey especially in this adulterated market.
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