Sugar and Honey Compared - By: Esther George

Honey is a natural substitute to sugar and no real processing is required for its preparation other than heating it. It retains all its properties during preparation unlike sugar that looses most of its properties and ingredients during the process of converting the sugar cane to refine sugar.

Honey also offers incredible antioxidant, antiseptic, antimicrobial and cleansing properties for our bodies and health. Even though both honey and sugar are sweeteners and both contain glucose and fructose, honey is the ideal liver fuel because it contains a nearly 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose.Glycogen is the form which sugar is stored in the muscle and liver cells of our body. The enzyme from the liver cell's nucleus that is necessary for the incorporation of glucose into glycogen is unlocked by fructose.

Honey also may promote better blood sugar control. The appropriate fueling of the liver is very important to the optimal glucose metabolism while you sleep or during exercise. After each meal, our bodies use insulin a special enzyme in our pancreas to convert the sugars to glucose. This is then absorbed by our cells to provide us with the energy in our bodies. With honey, the bees add a special enzyme to the nectar which then separates into fructose and glucose. This is done prior during the creation of the honey.

Our body cells can directly absorb these 2 simple sugars. The Glycemic Index of honey is much better than processed sugar when you compare the two. The Glycemic Index measures the impact negatively of any given food on the blood glucose level. With a lower Glycemic Index rating, there is a slower absorption and infusion of the sugar into the blood stream which then results in a more measured and healthier digestion process.

Because honey is sweeter than sugar, the total calories intake is lower as less honey is needed to sweeten the same quantity of food item (cereals, cakes, pies, tea, coffee, etc). Therefore, if you are watching your weight or trying to loose weight, honey will be a smarter choice than refine sugar.

Also, the wonderful taste of honey is so unique that is why it is used in several recipes such as honey bread, honey chicken recipes, chicken honey mustard, honey glazed chicken, and honey baked chicken to name a few. The sticky mess that is an issue with regular or organic honey is mitigated by using honey crystals the powdered or dry form of honey. With organic honey crystal you can add a taste of honey to your favorite cookies, breakfast cereal, cakes, pies, rolls, coatings, dressings, and even to sweeten your coffee or tea! by just replacing sugar 1:1 that provides a nice honey flavor without an after taste.

About the Author

Mama Healthy provides natural and organic sweeteners like Honey Crystal and Halal Kosher spices. Check your Body Mass Index(BMI Calculator) free to see if your weight is appropriate for your body => http://www.mamahealthy.com

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