How to Sweeten With Honey for Diabetics

Honey is a natural sweetener that can replace granulated sugar in recipes.

Honey is a natural wonder and has many uses. In a paper presented at the First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health on Jan. 17, 2008, Dr. David Baer of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), reported that honey is a superior sweetening choice because the body can use honey better than sucrose or glucose alone. This is good news for diabetics because honey can replace sugar in many dishes. However, it should not be overused. Honey has a higher carbohydrate and calorie content per teaspoon than sugar and should be counted in carbohydrate and calorie diet plans.

Instructions

1. Replace granulated sugar with honey in any recipe. Honey does have higher calorie and carbohydrate levels than granulated sugar, but it is also sweeter than sugar. This will allow you to use a smaller amount of honey to sweeten a recipe.

2. Limit the amount of honey intake per day to three to five tablespoons, depending on the diet plan. Each tablespoon of honey has 60 calories, which will make the intake 180 to 300 calories a day from honey.

3. Use honey in more than just recipes. Add honey to anything that needs sweetening, such as yogurt and green tea.

References

• Pro Honey and Health: Symposium Report: Report to the Officers and Board of Directors of the Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health
• World Class Emprise: Honey for Diabetics? Yes!
• Mayo Clinic: Diabetes Foods: Is Honey a Good Substitute for Sugar?