Questions about honey: discover myths and truths

The professional clarifies the main doubts about food consumption, such as the benefits and how to preserve it

OR Honey It is a very versatile ingredient, being used as a healthier and more nutritious alternative to sweeten drinks, enhance desserts and compose the most diverse recipes. However, its consumption still raises a number of questions, such as the correct way to store it, its benefits, what to do when honey crystallizes, among others.

To demystify the topic, Daniele Cavalcante, PhD in Food Technologies and CEO of the Baldoni brand, clarified some information on the topic. Check it out below!

Common questions about honey

Sweetening coffee with honey instead of sugar is more beneficial for your health

REAL. Honey can be used as a healthy alternative to sweeten various drinks, such as coffee, remembering that the consumption of refined sugar is limited by the World Health Organization (WHO) to 10% of total daily calories.

It is important to underline that honey is made up of 80% water and 20% carbohydrates, so excessive consumption can have repercussions on your health. Therefore, the advice is to consume honey in moderation and seek advice from a nutritionist to discover the best way to integrate it into your routine.

Honey is all the same, what changes is the packaging of the product

Myth. When purchasing honey, it is essential to carefully look at the label, research the companies that sell it and check for the federal seal of inspection. This guarantees the origin and quality of the product that will be purchased, avoiding possible health risks. Unfortunately, there are adulterated products on the market containing harmful substances, such as pesticides, antibiotics, fungicides and heavy metals, the consumption of which can cause long-term allergies, poisoning and even more serious consequences.

Despite having been treated for a long time as a food without variety or classification, it is important to highlight that not all honey is the same. Classification by flowering, for example, allows honeys to present unique characteristics such as viscosity, consistency, color, aroma and crystallization time.

Honey provides numerous health benefits

REAL. Honey is rich in vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium and magnesium, which improve heart health and cholesterol, as well as increasing the body’s defenses and reducing triglycerides. Scientific literature also reports benefits of consuming honey for cognitive health.

The best place to store honey is the refrigerator

Myth. If you prefer to consume honey in its liquid form, the most appropriate place to store honey should be the pantry or cupboard, at room temperature, away from light and humidity so that it does not crystallize. Low temperatures cause their molecules to break down, transforming them into small crystals. However, this process does not interfere with its nutritional properties. Consuming honey in liquid or solid form is every person’s preference.

Crystallized honey is not suitable for consumption

Myth. Despite being well preserved, it is common to find small crystals in honey which can make it difficult to remove from the package. However, this does not mean that the honey has gone bad or is of inferior quality. Crystallization is a natural process and one of the factors that demonstrate the authenticity of food, preserving its properties and nutrients. Check out simple tips for decrystallizing honey:

• To make crystallized honey viscous again, simply heat the water in a saucepan large enough to immerse the entire package, leaving only the lid outside. Turn off the heat when the water temperature reaches 45ºC;
• Important: Do not boil the water. The temperature must be sufficient to hold your hand in the water for 5 seconds;
• Leave the package long enough for the crystals to dissolve. If necessary, heat the water;
• Do not put it in the microwave. This can cause honey to lose its nutritional properties.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.