Evidence shows that refined crystalline sugars, including sucrose and fructose are detrimental to the health. This relates to the way the fructose molecule is able to decrease the insulin sensitivity of cells, something that causes metabolic dysfunction, weight gain and fatty liver disease. Honey contains sucrose and fructose in high amounts, and yet studies consistently show that honey does not have the same negative effects. It is not fully understood why this might be so, but a number of lines of evidence exist. In particular, honey contains high amounts of antioxidants in the form of polyphenols, and these may protect the consumer from the negative effects of the sucrose and fructose by reducing the risk of insulin resistance developing. This may be because for insulin resistance to develop a free radical process must happen, but the polyphenols interfere with the generation of free radicals and therefore prevent the negative effects. However, as with all foods honey should still be moderated if consumed as part of a healthy diet.
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
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