In certain combinations, honey loses some of its beneficial properties. Experts discussed what not to mix the natural sweetener with.
Honey is rightly considered a "superfood": it strengthens the immune system, supports the digestive system, and metabolism. However, to reap the promised benefits, it is important to consider what you combine honey with.
Hot Drinks
The first and most common combination is honey and hot liquids. We are used to adding a spoonful of honey to tea or milk, but high temperatures destroy the enzymes and antioxidants in the product. Scientists from Malaysia have proven that at just 50 °C, some of the beneficial properties of honey disappear, and with higher heating, undesirable compounds may form.
Ghee
Another unexpected "enemy" of honey is ghee, or clarified butter. According to an article in the journal Toxicology Reports, consuming honey and ghee together may lead to digestive issues and a toxic load on the body. While this data has only been confirmed in animals, experts still advise caution.
Dairy Products
Although honey is often combined with yogurt, cottage cheese, or milk, for people with sensitive digestive systems, such combinations can cause bloating and discomfort. This is especially relevant for those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
Fatty Foods and Alcohol
Honey itself is a calorie-dense product (about 64 kcal in 1 tablespoon). When combined with fatty fried foods, it slows down digestion and causes heaviness in the stomach. Moreover, when paired with alcohol, honey exacerbates dehydration: fructose worsens hangover symptoms, the authors of a study presented in Current Research in Food Science reported.
What Can Honey Be Combined With?
According to dietitian Allison Harris, an expert at VeryWell Health, honey goes well with:
fresh fruits,
nuts,
oatmeal,
warm herbal teas,
lemon,
ginger,
turmeric,
cinnamon.
