6 Things Social Media Gets Wrong About Honey

Health Myths Debunked: 6 Common Misconceptions About Honey

Is raw honey better than regular honey? Can pouring honey into hot tea release toxins? Find out the truth behind these common myths.

1. Is Raw Honey Is Healthier Than Regular Honey?
   Raw honey, which is not heated or filtered, may contain more antioxidants and vitamins, but the difference is minimal and not significant for overall health. Some studies suggest that raw honey, clover honey, and Robinia honey may help lower fasting glucose and total cholesterol, but more research is needed.
2. Pouring Honey Into Hot Tea Releases Toxins
   No evidence supports this claim. Honey is a natural sweetener, and its properties are not affected by heat. Drinking honey in hot tea or coffee is safe and does not release toxins.
3. It Isn’t Safe To Stir Honey With a Metal Spoon
   Using a metal spoon won’t destroy your honey, and you don’t need to buy a special wooden honey dipper to mix it into your tea. Metals like silver and platinum might cause hydrogen peroxide, an antimicrobial molecule in honey, to break down into water and oxygen, but this is not a significant concern.
4. Honey Will Cure Your Allergies
   Limited evidence suggests that honey may help improve some allergies, but more research is needed to support these findings. Additionally, the honey would need to be created within a few miles of your home, as local environmental allergens differ.
5. Honey Can Heal Wounds
   Honey is said to have antimicrobial properties, which is why some people apply it to wounds. However, medical-grade honey, prepared specifically for contact with wounds and burns, is the best choice. Some research has shown that medical-grade honey can help treat burn wounds, but standard honey should not replace over-the-counter antibacterial ointment.
6. Honey Is Healthier Than Table Sugar
   While honey has a reputation as a better option than table sugar, it is not necessarily healthier for you. Both are carbohydrates, and the body converts them into blood sugar before storing or using it for energy.

What This Means For You
There is a lot of misinformation about honey on social media, like hot water deactivating the health benefits. Experts agree that there is no evidence to support these claims. Feel free to enjoy your honey in whatever way you prefer.

Sources

• National Honey Board. Frequently asked questions.
• Ahmed et al. (2023). Effect of honey on cardiometabolic risk factors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutr Rev, 81(7), 758-774.
• AW Yong et al. (2020). The potential use of honey as a remedy for allergic diseases: a mini review. Front Pharmacol, 11, 599080.
• UCLA Health. Medical-grade honey is viable tool in wound care.
• BOEKAMA et al. (2024). Comparing the antibacterial and healing properties of medical-grade honey and silver-based wound care products in burns. Burns, 50(3), 597-610.

Author Bio
Stephanie Brown is a nutrition writer who received her Didactic Program in Dietetics certification from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Previously, she worked as a nutrition educator and culinary instructor in New York City.