Honey: Doctor's instructions on how to use it and important notes

Dr. Ngo Thi Kim Oanh, Deputy Head of the Department of Acupuncture and Health Care, University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City - Campus 3, said that for thousands of years, honey has been used not only in cuisine but also in folk medicine thanks to its miraculous effects on health.

However, although honey has many benefits, its use should be cautious, especially for people with special health conditions such as diabetics, or when combined with other foods and medications.

Honey can be used in many different ways, depending on each person's needs.

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Nutritional value of honey

According to Dr. Ngo Thi Kim Oanh, honey is a natural food that contains many important nutrients. The main ingredients of honey are fructose and glucose, accounting for about 80% of its composition. Honey also provides a number of vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium and iron. In addition, honey also contains health-beneficial antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Studies have shown that honey has the effect of reducing inflammation, helping to soothe coughs, and aiding digestion.

Antioxidant compounds found in honey can also help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Honey is also known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which help improve the immune system and support the skin.

Use honey properly

Honey can be used in many different ways, depending on each person's needs. One of the simplest and most popular ways is to mix honey with warm water. You just need to mix a spoonful of honey into a cup of warm water to create a nutritious drink that is easily absorbed and good for the body. Drinking honey in the morning can help stimulate digestion, clean the intestines and provide energy for a long day.

Additionally, honey can also be used in combination with other foods such as tea, yogurt, fruit, or even in cooked dishes.

However, when using honey, we should note that we should not boil honey for too long or at too high a temperature, because this can reduce or destroy the beneficial enzymes and nutrients in honey. Therefore, using honey with warm water (not exceeding 40°C) is the best method to preserve its nutritional value.

For people with diabetes, honey consumption should be strictly controlled.

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Note when using honey

Although honey has many health benefits, not everyone can use honey comfortably. Here are some people to keep in mind when using honey:

People with diabetes : Although honey has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, it can still increase blood sugar levels if used in excess.

For people with diabetes, especially those who have to strictly control their blood sugar levels, honey consumption needs to be strictly controlled. Doctors often recommend that diabetics replace honey with sweeteners with a lower glycemic index or use honey in moderation.

Children under 1 year old : Honey is not recommended for children under 1 year old because it may contain bacteria that cause botulism, a dangerous disease that affects the nervous system of children. Although the incidence of this disease is very low, medical experts still recommend that children under 1 year old should not eat honey.

Allergies : Although rare, some people may be allergic to honey, especially those with pollen allergies. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rashes, itching, or even swelling and difficulty breathing. If you experience any signs of an allergic reaction after consuming honey, you should stop using it immediately and consult your doctor.

Be careful when using honey with other foods and medicines.

Honey can interact with certain foods and medications, so combining honey with other foods or medications should be done with caution, specifically:

Honey and tapioca starch combination : Honey contains a lot of fructose, a sugar that can be difficult for some people to digest, especially those with digestive problems or conditions like irritable bowel syndrome. When combined with the starch in tapioca starch, digestion can be affected, leading to bloating and indigestion.

Tapioca starch is an easily digestible starch, but when combined with sugars like fructose in honey, it can hinder nutrient absorption because the body needs time to process both starch and sugar at the same time.

Although there is no specific research on the combination of honey and tapioca starch, these theories are based on general digestive mechanisms and recommendations from nutritionists. If you experience symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, or any unusual reactions, you should stop combining these two ingredients and consult a doctor or nutritionist.

Combined with pain relievers or antibiotics : Some studies show that honey can increase the effects of some pain relievers or antibiotics, helping to improve treatment effectiveness. However, using honey with medication requires a doctor's guidance, because honey can change the absorption of some medications.

Combine with other sugary products : Honey is a natural source of sugar, so combining it with products containing added sugar (like candy or cakes) can increase the amount of sugar consumed by the body. People with heart health problems, diabetes or are overweight should consider combining honey with other sugary foods.

"Honey is a valuable natural food with many health benefits. However, to make the most of the nutritional value of honey, we need to use it reasonably and cautiously, especially for people with special health conditions," Dr. Kim Oanh shared.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/mat-ong-bac-si-chi-cach-dung-va-nhung-luu-y-quan-trong-185250516001058342.htm