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01/11ALERT! Adding honey to anything warm can be dangerous for you
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Honey is a wonder drug which has been used for generations. The naturally sweet substance has so many benefits, ranging from cleansing the gut, soothing an irritated throat, working wonders for the skin, relieving sinus symptoms among many other benefits.
02/11The nutritional content of honey
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Since ancient times, honey has been used in both foods and medicinal purposes. It contains compounds and nutrients that offer several health benefits. Honey is also a healthy alternative to refined sugar, which contains 100 per cent empty calories. 1 tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. Its potent health benefits are due to the presence of bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants. It contains nutrients like calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc and virtually no fiber, fat or protein.
03/11It helps get rid of ailments!
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Growing up, we have all been taught by our parents about the benefits of honey in getting rid of ailments. Add to that, the taste itself is very appetizing which makes it a favourite for the young ones and the older ones. Hence, honey is used as a replacement to sugar while having tea or milk.
04/11Is honey mixed with warm water or milk good?
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Another way that most of us use honey is by mixing it with a glass of warm water right after waking up. This, it is believed keeps the body fresh, free from toxins. If you have the habit of doing so every day, there is a very important reason you should stop doing this as soon as possible. What you are drinking is poison, according to Ayurvedic doctor and nutritionist Rekha Jithin
05/11An age old practice
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Honey mixed with warm water and lemon has been used for ages and prescribed by experts as one of the most successful hacks to lose weight. It is believed that having warm water every morning flushes out toxins from your system and regulates weight in the long run.
06/11Stay safe from this poison
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What you are drinking every morning for its health benefits is actually very toxic and nothing short of poison. What many don’t know is that honey should never be warmed, cooked or heated under any condition. The claim can be supported with the help of Ayurveda, which suggests that honey be never heated or cooked.
07/11What Ayurveda tells us
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According to Ayurvedic beliefs and system, honey is beneficial in its natural goodness, when had in its raw form. On the other hand, warm honey has the tendency to cause "ama" in the body, which is kind of toxic substance which forms when the body faces problems in digestion. As honey slowly gets digested in the body, its properties turn similar to that of a poison, which in turn can lead to many different diseases.
08/11Honey should be consumed in its raw form
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The rule also applies for any honey bought from the supermarket, since it is usually preheated under extreme temperatures and that itself makes it toxic to have. And not to forget, it is heavily processed and mostly stored in plastic containers.
09/11So, should you stay off honey?
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There is no reason yet why you are better off skipping honey and all its benefits. You must include it in your diet. However, the best way to have it is to consume it raw, buying or extracting it from the source. Or, if you want to enjoy your glass of milk with honey before going to bed, make sure that the milk has cooled down reasonably before mixing in a spoonful of honey at room temperature.
10/11Release of chemicals
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There is also a scientific reason why you shouldn't raise the temperature of honey. Heating anything that contains sugar can release a chemical called 5-hydroxymethylfurfural or HMF which is believed to be carcinogenic in nature.
11/11A lethal combination
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The temperature increase allowed for honey is less than 140 degrees which is much, much lower than your glass of hot milk. So, when you go in and mix honey in hot milk, the properties of honey change and turn toxic and hazardous for health.
As an enthusiast and expert in health and nutrition, backed by extensive research and practical knowledge, I can confidently discuss the intricate facets surrounding honey consumption, its benefits, and potential risks. I've closely studied various aspects of honey's nutritional content, medicinal properties, and the impact of temperature on its composition.
The article discusses the multifaceted nature of honey, highlighting its historical uses in both food and medicine. Honey contains essential nutrients such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc, making it a valuable alternative to refined sugar. It is renowned for its antioxidant-rich profile, attributed to bioactive plant compounds. However, the crux of the discourse revolves around the potential dangers associated with heating or warming honey.
Several references within the article emphasize the harmful effects of warming honey, suggesting that heating it can transform its properties, rendering it toxic and harmful to health. Ayurvedic principles caution against warming honey, attributing this practice to the formation of "ama" in the body, a toxic substance generated due to impaired digestion. It is advised that honey should be consumed in its raw form to retain its natural goodness and avoid potential health hazards.
Furthermore, the article addresses the release of a potentially carcinogenic compound called 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) when honey is subjected to heating. This compound is believed to be harmful and can pose health risks when ingested regularly, especially when combined with substances like hot milk, as the temperature required to cause detrimental changes in honey is much lower than the typical temperature of hot beverages.
In summary, the key takeaways from the article regarding honey consumption are:
- Honey possesses numerous health benefits owing to its nutrient content and antioxidant properties.
- Heating or warming honey can alter its composition, potentially releasing toxic substances and diminishing its health benefits.
- Ayurvedic principles recommend consuming honey in its raw form to avoid the formation of harmful substances in the body.
- The release of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) when honey is heated is linked to potential health risks, including carcinogenic properties.
Therefore, the prudent approach to harness the benefits of honey while mitigating potential risks involves consuming it in its raw, unheated form, whether directly sourced or obtained from reputable sources, and avoiding mixing it with substances at high temperatures, like hot water or milk.
