In the quest for healthier diets, many people are replacing sugar with honey in their tea, smoothies, or coffee, believing it to be a safer, more natural option. But health experts warn that sugar, no matter its source, wears many disguises.
Whether concealed in fizzy drinks or dressed as golden honey, sugar plays the same role: the sweet saboteur of health. For people with diabetes, it is not simply about taste, but a daily struggle between sweetness and survival.
Honey, though unprocessed, still contains sugar. “Scientifically, the body processes natural sugars from honey, fruits, or dairy the same way it does refined sugar. They all raise blood glucose levels,” explains Consultant Dietitian Awuor Joyce, CEO of DietSelect254. “What differs is the speed at which blood sugar rises, but for those with metabolic conditions, both can be harmful if not moderated.”..READ FULL; FROM THE SOURCE.
Experts note that while natural sugars from whole fruits and vegetables are accompanied by fiber that slows absorption and nourishes the body, stripping away that fiber—as in juices—can be just as harmful as soda. A glass of orange juice, for instance, carries about the same sugar load as a 500ml soda, equivalent to 12 teaspoons.
High sugar intake, whether from natural or refined sources, increases the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver, heart disease, and chronic inflammation. “Eat your fruits and vegetables whole, and avoid table sugar or processed sweeteners,” Awuor advises. “The key is moderation. Natural sugars with fiber are beneficial, but excess—no matter the source—remains a health risk.”
