Honey is so beneficial to health, that it is considered one of the most ideal substitutes for sugar, if not THE most ideal. When consumed regularly, its high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids play a critical role in preventing inflammation, diabetes and heart problems. While honey has more calories, it’s sweeter than sugar, thus requiring less amounts, which makes it ideal as a key ingredient in baking sweets. It’s great for losing weight as it replaces refined sugar, in a natural, healthy and much tastier way!

WHY SUGAR IS BAD FOR YOU

Sugar on the other hand, spikes blood sugar levels much faster than honey, because it lacks its healthy minerals and antioxidants. The risks of developing heart and liver diseases as well as type 2 diabetes are higher when we consume sugar. It’s also linked with weight gain and obesity. Finally, it destroys dental cavities and is proven to be extremely addictive, for both adults and children. Why would someone want any of that?

HONEY IS PACKED WITH NUTRIENTS

Honey contains healthy amounts of enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, carbohydrates, proteins, flavonoids and other compounds, while it's completely free of cholesterol. Specifically, flavonoids are its main group of antioxidants, with pinocembrin found to be unique to honey and propolis. Honey also includes minerals such as iron, calcium, zinc, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and manganese. It contains healthy amounts of vitamins B2, B4, B5, B6, B11 and C, and various enzymes like phosphorylase, glycose oxidase, catalase and invertase. Proline, which is one of the 18 free amino acids included in honey, is found in great abundance and is an essential component of collagen. Other acids included in bee's honey are acetic, butanoic, formic, citric, succinic, lactic, malic, pyroglutamic and glycolic acids as well as a number of aromatic acids.

So if you’re looking for a sugar substitute in your diet, look no further.

Here’s our top 10 ways you can use honey in our diet as a natural sweetener replacing refined sugar:

Coffee or Tea Sweetener
1 or 1.5 teaspoon is enough to add sweetness tο any beverage!
Honey & Buttered Bread
As simple as it sounds, a single slice of bread with some butter and honey can boost your mood and energy.
Mixed with Oatmeal
Nothing beats a good breakfast. Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey to your oatmeal and you’re ready to begin your day.
Honey Desserts
- Replace each cup of sugar with half cup of honey
- Reduce other liquids to ¼ cup, for each cup of honey
- For each cup of honey, add ¼ tsp baking soda
Bedtime Sleep Aid
Why add sugar or chocolate to your milk to make it sweeter when you can simply add natural honey? Add 1 teaspoon to your warm milk and sleep like a baby!
Simple Salad Dressing
Mix equal parts or extra virgin olive oil and vinegar.
Homemade Fish Sauce
Mix with soy sauce, sea salt, black pepper and Dijon mustard OR mix with mustard, mayonnaise, vinegar and olive oil.
Drizzle on Cheese or Yogurt
Mixing honey with cheese is actually very tasty as it creates a perfect contrast to the saltiness. Drizzle just a bit on top of your ricotta, feta, parmigiano, brie or blue cheese, these are the ones that go perfectly with honey. Yogurt is another healthy and very tasty option.
Add to Nuts or Fruits
Already healthy on their own, adding honey makes them even healthier!
Plain
It’s good as is! Whenever you have sugar cravings, consider having a teaspoon of honey.

If you want to reduce your sugar intake, it is not recommended to use alternative sweeteners such as saccharin, aspartame, and sucralose as they can affect insulin sensitivities and cause gut disruptions. Additionally, they tend to increase sugar cravings instead and can be similarly addictive as refined sugar.

We recommend using honey and if possible, look for raw and darker varieties, as they are even more beneficial due to their even higher content in antioxidants and nutrients.

Don’t forget to visit our shop where you’ll find delicious greek honey and more authentic greek products!

10 WAYS TO SUBSTITUTE SUGAR IN YOUR DIET WITH HONEY