Honey is a popular sweetener for foods and beverages, including tea and coffee. Many prefer this sweet, thick liquid as an alternative to refined sugar or calorie-free sweeteners. Here are some benefits and considerations when adding honey to your coffee.

Honey offers some nutritional value, unlike refined sugar and artificial sweeteners that provide minimal nutrients. Adding honey to your coffee can enhance its nutritional profile. Honey also contains antioxidants, which help prevent cell damage caused by harmful compounds known as free radicals.

Honey can also significantly alter the flavor of your coffee. The specific taste of honey varies depending on the type of pollen used to produce it. Even a mildly flavored honey will change the coffee's taste compared to neutral-tasting sugars or sweeteners. If you wish to add honey without drastically changing the flavor, start with a small amount and gradually increase it to suit your preference.

When added in appropriate amounts, honey in coffee can support weight loss through various mechanisms. Primarily, it helps activate stored fat, which the body then utilizes for daily activities. Stored fat is often an underutilized energy source that accumulates, contributing to increased body mass and weight.

Honey is also rich in antioxidants that boost heart health and metabolism. An improved metabolism means the body operates more efficiently at burning fat, thereby accelerating weight loss.

Triglycerides are both a consequence and a cause of excess body fat. Individuals who are obese or overweight often have high triglyceride levels, which slows the body's ability to eliminate fat. Honey can help reduce triglycerides, aiding in the removal of excess fat while also managing cravings. When blood sugar levels spike, appetite also increases, making it harder to maintain an ideal weight.

Honey has a lower glycemic index than regular table sugar, meaning it does not cause blood sugar to rise as rapidly. More stable blood sugar levels translate to a greater likelihood of feeling full and reduced cravings for high-calorie snacks.

While generally safe for adults and supportive of weight loss, honey still contains sugar and calories. It should be used as a substitute for other sweeteners, not as an additional supplement.

One tablespoon of honey provides approximately 64 calories and 17 g of sugar. Therefore, a daily intake of about 5 ml is recommended. Avoid combining honey with added sugars and ensure a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep.

By Bao Bao (Source: Health, Healthline, Times of India)