Honey has traditionally been used
to sweeten tea, coffee, and other foods and beverages.
Many people choose this sweet, thick liquid over sugar or
zero-calorie sweeteners as a healthy alternative.
While honey provides several health benefits, it also has certain
drawbacks to consider.
This article discusses whether or not honey should be added to
your coffee.
May provide trace amounts of nutrients.
Unlike sugar and artificial sweeteners, both empty of nutrition,
honey contains vitamins, minerals, and other health-promoting compounds that
may add a nutritional boost to your coffee.
Antioxidants are also present, which have been shown to help
protect against cellular damage produced by harmful compounds known as free
radicals.
Raw honey also contains pollen, which has been shown to help
reduce allergies and develop the immune system.
However, the little amounts of honey used in hot coffee are
unlikely to provide major health benefits.
Adds empty calories
Honey is mostly sugar, even though it contains some nutrients.
You should limit your intake of added sugars, including honey, to
no more than 5% of your daily calorie intake for optimal health.
Adding two teaspoons (14 grams) of honey to your coffee, which
contains 40 calories and 12 grams of sugar, might push you over the limit,
especially if you drink several cups per day.
Obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease have all been related
to a high added sugar intake.
If you're trying to cut calories, avoid sweetening your coffee
altogether or use a natural, zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit
instead.
May alter the flavor.
Honey has the potential to alter the flavor of your coffee.
Honey's flavor is influenced by the pollen from which it is made.
Clover honey, for example, is the most prevalent type in the United States, but
other varieties, such as buckwheat or manuka, have a much stronger flavor.
Even mild clover honey, when compared to neutral-tasting table
sugar or other sweeteners, will change the flavor of your coffee.
If you want to add honey to your coffee, start with a little
amount of mild honey like clover to see how much the taste changes, then
gradually increase the amount until you find your sweet spot.
Last but not least
Honey can provide trace vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants,
unlike sugar and zero-calorie sweeteners.
However, adding it to your coffee adds sugar and calories and
alters the flavor.
In the end, whether or not you add honey to your coffee is a personal decision based on your preferences and dietary goals.