Why do experts advise against heating honey?

Honey has long been used as a medicinal aid, in drinks, desserts or in folk remedies.

To ensure safety and nutritional value, experts recommend not putting honey in boiling water or cooking at high temperatures, according to The Indian Express (India).

Dimple Jangda, an Ayurvedic medicine expert in India, shared that heating honey at high temperatures will change its chemical structure through the Maillard reaction, creating a toxic substance called 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).

Ms. Priyanka Shukla, Head of the Department of Nutrition at Ramakrishna CARE Hospital (Raipur, India), said that when honey is heated above 60°C, the formation of HMF can occur. At high concentrations, HMF can be toxic to the body.

Heating also destroys the beneficial enzymes, antioxidants and bio-compounds in honey.

Therefore, to ensure safety and preserve nutritional value, consumers should not put honey in boiling liquids or use it for cooking at high temperatures. If you want to melt crystallized honey, you should only warm it slightly below 40°C.

Experts recommend not to put honey in boiling water or cook at high temperatures.

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The Difference Between Raw Honey and Processed Honey

Natural honey contains healthy enzymes, antioxidants, and pollen. However, it can also contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which are dangerous for children under 1 year old.

Processed honey is usually pasteurized and filtered, which removes most bacteria and impurities, making it safer.

Therefore, raw honey may be more nutritious, but at the same time carries a higher risk of contamination and allergies than the processed kind.

How to use honey safely and effectively

To reap the benefits of honey while staying safe, Dr. Shukla advises against heating honey at high temperatures.

When mixed with tea, coffee or warm water, let the drink cool for a few minutes after boiling before adding honey.

You should only use honey as a natural sweetener in no-cook dishes like yogurt, smoothies, or salad dressings.

Do not abuse honey

Many people use honey instead of sugar because they think it's healthier, but Dr. Shukla says the difference isn't that big.

Consuming too much honey can still cause weight gain, high blood sugar, and dental problems.

People with diabetes need to control their honey intake because it contains a lot of fructose, a type of sugar that can cause gas, bloating or cramps in people with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or fructose intolerance.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tai-sao-chuyen-gia-khuyen-khong-nen-lam-nong-mat-ong-185251109231832034.htm