Patient-Friendly Explanation

Honey is often seen as the healthier sweetener, but it is mostly sugar with only small amounts of vitamins and antioxidants. It still raises blood sugar and adds calories, so how much you use matters far more than which type you choose. A teaspoon in your tea is fine, but several spoonfuls a day can quietly cancel out a calorie deficit.

Clinical Definition

Honey contains approximately 80 per cent carbohydrate, mainly fructose and glucose, together with water and trace antioxidants, giving a glycaemic index of roughly 55 to 60 and a glycaemic load comparable to sucrose at typical servings. Its fructose content increases hepatic triglyceride synthesis, and its mineral and polyphenol content is too low at realistic intakes to offset the energy load of about 300 kcal per 100 g.

Why It Matters

Many patients switch to honey believing it is free of consequences, then plateau because sweeteners still add up. We track total added sugar rather than its source, and a small measured amount fits comfortably within a weight loss plan.