Honey is a naturally occurring sweetener.
It’s a common practice to combine honey with herbal tea, lemon tea, or warm milk; but is it a healthy practice? Let’s find out.
A common practice among individuals is to kickstart their mornings by consuming warm water with honey on an empty stomach, mostly with the aim of shedding some pounds. This ritual is believed to enhance the absorption of cholesterol and fat, thus aiding in weight management. Honey, a naturally occurring sweetener, is renowned for its abundance of antioxidants, minerals, and enzymes, bestowing numerous advantages to one’s well-being. Additionally, it has properties that can alleviate coughs, promote gut cleansing, aid in wound and burn treatment, and contribute to skin health.
Honey is often recommended as a wholesome substitute for processed sugar and is generally considered safe for individuals with diabetes. Furthermore, it is packed with essential minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, copper, manganese, potassium, and zinc.
Although it’s a common practice to combine honey with herbal tea, lemon tea, or warm milk, it’s noteworthy that Ayurveda discourages the use of heated honey. Ayurvedic expert Dr Rekha Radhamony suggested recently in her Instagram post that heated honey should not be consumed directly or mixed with warm milk, warm water, warm lemon water, or tea.
Dr Radhamony further elaborates on the potential dangers of consuming honey with hot water, describing it as potentially toxic and capable of causing various illnesses. According to Ayurveda, heated honey can lead to the accumulation of ama, which is a condition where the body’s mucous and toxicity levels increase, thereby contributing to the onset of numerous diseases.
For optimal nutritional benefits, it’s advisable to consume honey in its natural and unprocessed state. Commercially available pasteurised honey often contains additives like corn syrup or artificial sweeteners, which can be detrimental for individuals with diabetes. Additionally, pasteurised honey typically lacks the pollen, antioxidants, and enzymes present in raw honey.
Dr Radhamony recommends avoiding honey from supermarkets, as it is typically subjected to high heat during processing and packaging. Instead, she suggests acquiring honey directly from sources that offer natural, raw honey sourced from bees. This way, you can enjoy the benefits of honey in its pure, unheated form.
