1. Honey has a lower Glycemic Index than sugar.
The Glycemic Index (GI) is a comparative ranking of carbohydrate in foods indicating how they affect blood glucose levels. Foods with a high GI will increase blood sugar higher and faster than foods with a low GI. Honey typically ranks 58 on the GI scale while white table sugar (sucrose) ranks higher at between 58 and 65. Honey is about one-and-a-half times sweeter than sugar, so you can use smaller amounts of honey to get your sweetness kick.
2. Honey has powerful antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
When bees synthesize pollen, they deposit hydrogen peroxide into the honey. Honey is also naturally acidic. These characteristics give honey its powerful antibacterial properties. Studies have shown honey’s effectiveness in treating burns, skin sores and inflammation. It’s thought that the drying effect of honey’s simple sugars and its antibacterial nature both contribute to its healing properties. Honey also contains polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant also found in vegetables, fruits and olive oil.
3. Honey can help soothe sore throats.
Studies have shown that honey can ease nighttime coughs and help with sleep, even when compared to popular over-the-counter cough suppressants. Just a word of caution, though: honey should NOT be given to children under one year of age.