Honey is not only a popular ingredient in cuisine and beauty treatments but also an effective aid in weight loss. So, how many calories are in one spoonful of honey, and how can honey be used effectively to improve health and support weight loss? Let’s explore the details in the article below!
How many calories are in one spoonful of honey?
Honey contains many nutrients beneficial to health, particularly minerals and vitamins that are good for the cardiovascular system, digestive system, and overall health. It is also an excellent anti-aging ingredient for women.
The main nutritional components of honey include:
- 80% Natural sugars
- 18% Water
- 2% Minerals, proteins, vitamins, and pollen
Although the main component of honey is sugar, it is a natural sweetener and does not adversely affect health or cause obesity. For those in the process of losing weight but craving sweets, honey can be used as a sugar substitute to maintain stable weight.
How Many Calories in 1 Spoon of Honey?
The calorie content in honey varies based on measurement. According to nutrition experts:
- 1 tablespoon of honey used for eating contains 64 calories.
- 1 teaspoon of honey used for coffee contains 22 calories.
- 10ml of honey is equivalent to 32 calories.
- 100g of honey is equivalent to 304 calories.
Based on these figures, the calorie content in honey is higher than in sugar, as 1 tablespoon of sugar contains only 46 calories and 16 calories in 1 teaspoon.
Does drinking honey make you gain weight?
Although 1 tablespoon of honey contains up to 64 calories, more than sugar, honey is a natural sweetener that does not cause obesity like sugar. According to nutrition experts, the fats in honey do not affect health and do not lead to excess energy or weight gain.
Therefore, if you consume honey in small, appropriate amounts, it will not cause weight gain or affect your health. However, to ensure safety, you should use honey reasonably to avoid affecting blood sugar levels.
Side effects of honey to note
Besides the benefits honey offers, such as weight loss and health improvement, natural honey can still cause some common side effects, including:
May cause weight gain
Honey is used as a sweetener in food and drinks. The calorie content in honey is relatively high, about 64 calories per tablespoon. If you do not control the amount of honey used, your body may gain weight quickly because sugar and calories are two factors that increase weight.
May cause allergies
May cause allergies
Allergies to honey are rare, but they can occur in some people. For example, someone allergic to pollen may also be allergic to honey, causing reactions such as rashes, nausea, facial swelling, or anaphylaxis.
May cause infant botulism
Honey contains a bacterium called C. botulinum, which can cause botulism in infants. Therefore, it is recommended not to give honey to children under 1 year old, as C. botulinum spores can produce toxins affecting the child’s digestive system.
Increases blood sugar levels
The high sugar content in honey means that people with diabetes should avoid it. Consuming honey over time increases hemoglobin A1C levels, a substance that can bind to glucose in the blood. The higher the hemoglobin A1C level, the greater the likelihood of developing diabetes.
Causes food poisoning
Honey can contain bacteria, fungi, and yeast from pollen and the environment. Although honey has antibacterial properties, if contaminated during processing, packaging, or containing many impurities, pathogens from bacteria and fungi in honey can be harmful.
Can cause tooth decay
Consuming honey over a long period, due to its sugar content, can lead to tooth decay, especially in children if not used properly.
Interferes with blood clotting
Although there is no specific evidence showing honey affects blood clotting, if you have blood disorders, it is best to consult a doctor before using honey.
How to use honey for weight loss
According to nutrition experts, you should lose weight with honey using the following methods:
Drink honey with warm water in the morning
Mix honey with warm water 30 minutes after dinner or in the morning after waking up to stimulate metabolism, helping burn excess fat. However, only drink a small amount to avoid stomach upset.
Use honey mixed with lemon water
The combination of amino acids in honey with the acid in lemon helps enhance digestion, converting fat into energy and reducing fat formation.
Use honey mixed with ginger
Mixing honey with ginger can aid in weight loss. Crush the ginger to extract the juice, mix it with warm water, add a teaspoon of honey, stir well, and consume.
Use honey and turmeric
Curcumin in turmeric powder helps convert excess fat into energy. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey and 2 teaspoons of turmeric powder into 250 ml of warm water. Use immediately after mixing. You can also add lemon juice to enhance effectiveness.
Guidelines for using honey correctly
When should you use honey?
To maximize honey’s health and weight loss benefits, choose the right time to use it.
- Before breakfast: Mix honey with hot water, drink before breakfast to cleanse the stomach, provide energy, and improve digestion.
- In the afternoon: After a tiring day, a cup of honey tea or honey milk will help dispel fatigue without consuming too many calories.
- In the evening: Honey helps calm nerves, reduce stress, and improve sleep. Drink a glass of honey water about 1 hour before bed.
- After meals: Drinking a glass of honey after meals helps adjust digestive function, increase intestinal movement, and secrete stomach acid.
When should you avoid using honey?
There are times when you should avoid using honey as it may not be effective:
- When hungry: Drinking honey when hungry causes bloating, stress on the kidneys, and reduces nutrient absorption.
- Just after waking up: Drinking honey immediately after waking up overworks the kidneys. Drink plain water first, then honey mixed with warm water before breakfast.
- Before going to bed: Drinking honey right before bed increases blood sugar, affecting blood pressure and heart health.
Foods to avoid combining with honey
Some food combinations with honey can be harmful:
- Onions, chives: Can cause poisoning leading to diarrhea.
- Carp: Can cause diarrhea, poisoning.
- Tofu: Enzymes in honey react with proteins, organic acids, and minerals in tofu, harming digestion.
- Dill: Avoid using honey with dill to prevent eye pain and liver damage.
- Rice: Combining with honey can cause stomach pain.
- Tapioca, seafood: Avoid using honey with these as they can be harmful.
Other notes when using honey
- Do not mix honey with water hotter than 60 degrees Celsius, only mix with warm water to preserve vitamins and minerals.
- Use glass containers to store honey, avoid metal jars.
- Store honey in a dry, cool place, not in the refrigerator.
- Children under 2 years should not consume honey.
- Do not consume more than 100g of honey per day, each time from 25g – 50g.
We hope that the insights shared in this article from BuyBulkWhey.com have provided you with effective weight loss recipes using honey and helped you understand the calorie content in one spoonful of honey. We wish you success in achieving your desired physique. Thank you for following this article!
