Honey is traditionally considered a healthy product; however, there are many myths surrounding it. One of the most common is the belief that honey becomes toxic when heated. Dietitian Maria Gerasimova explained that scientific data does not support this theory.
Can Honey Be Heated
According to the specialist, heating honey does not make it dangerous in itself. Moreover, this process is used in the food industry. During pasteurization, the product is heated to about 70–80 °C and then cooled.
Such processing helps to eliminate bacteria, fungi, and spores, as well as extends the shelf life of the product.
Why Honey Is Heated
Heating serves several functions. It makes the product safer, reduces the likelihood of crystallization, and helps maintain an attractive appearance. This is why such processing is used in industrial production.
Additionally, honey is regularly heated in everyday life — when it is added to hot tea, milk, or used in baking.
What Changes When Heated
The dietitian notes that high temperatures can affect the composition of the product. In particular, the amount of certain vitamins and biologically active substances decreases. The color, taste, and consistency of honey may also change slightly.
However, according to the specialist, from a safety perspective, heating does not pose a health risk.
What to Pay Attention To
Experts remind that honey, like any other sugar-containing product, should be consumed in moderation. Adding it to drinks and desserts increases the overall sugar intake in the diet, which may raise the risk of gaining excess weight.
Therefore, the main advice from specialists is to control the amount of sweets in daily nutrition, regardless of whether regular sugar or honey is used.
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