Best Time to Eat Honey for Better Energy, Better Gut Health and Immunity

Depending on when you consume it, honey can increase your energy levels, improve digestion, and support immune system function. The ideal time to eat honey depends on your health goals.

For natural energy

Honey is a natural energy booster because it is mainly composed of carbohydrates, fructose and sucrose. These simple sugars are easily digestible by your body, making this food effective in providing a quick energy boost.

The best time to harness this natural energy source depends on your health and goals. There are benefits at different times of the day:

• The morning: Honey provides an immediate source of sustained energy before or as part of your breakfast, and it’s less likely to cause a mid-morning sugar crash.
• Throughout the day: It can be a good source of immediate and sustained energy as part of a pre-workout snack or endurance activity.

To stimulate digestion

Raw honey (less processed, with a cloudy appearance) acts as a prebiotic, supporting the gut microbiome. Made up of bacteria, yeast and other microorganisms found in the intestines, it is essential for digestion and immunity. The carbohydrates and sugars in honey promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.

Raw honey may have antibacterial properties, which help fight harmful bacteria that affect digestion.

When you decide to eat honey can influence the potential benefits on the digestive system. Here’s how it can help you throughout the day:

• The morning: Before breakfast, a spoonful of honey on an empty stomach stimulates the activity of digestive juices. It revs the digestive engine and provides prebiotics.
• With meals: Consuming honey with a meal (or right after) promotes digestion because it ensures that the sugars reach the beneficial bacteria in the gut.
• Throughout the day: An occasional tea or treat with honey between main meals can act as a prebiotic and stimulate digestion.

For immune support

In addition to soothing sore throats and coughs, honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help prevent disease and boost immune function.

Taking it morning, day or evening has benefits for the immune system:

• In the morning and during the day: In the morning, honey strengthens the immune system and can support immunity at any time of the day.
• When you are sick: Honey is as effective as some over-the-counter medications in suppressing coughs and relieving sore throats. Take it to relieve nighttime symptoms and get the rest your body needs.
• Before going to bed: Even if you’re not sick, studies suggest that honey and warm water help you sleep, which improves immune function. The sugars in this food stimulate the production of melatonin and serotonin, brain chemicals associated with sleep.

Nutritional value of honey

Honey is a more nutritious sweetener than raw sugar. In addition to calories and sugar, it provides several necessary minerals and vitamins. One tablespoon contains:

• Calories: 63.8
• Carbohydrates: 17.3 grams (g)
• Protein: 0.063g
• Sugar: 17.2g
• Fiber: 0.042g
• Calcium: 1.26 milligrams (mg)
• Potassium: 10.9 mg
• Magnesium: 0.42mg
• Vitamin C: 0.10g
• Vitamin B6: 0.005 mg
• Folate (vitamin B9): 0.42 micrograms

Honey also contains compounds called flavonoids, which give it its flavor and color. Richer in raw honey, more cloudy, flavonoids are antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory effects.

Is honey safe for everyone?

When consumed in moderation, honey is safe for most people. The majority of its health benefits come from raw, unpasteurized forms.

However, it is dangerous for children under one year old. Raw honey may contain bacteria C. botulinum. These bacteria can cause botulism, a serious nerve infection leading to paralysis, difficulty breathing and other symptoms.

The immune systems of most adults and older children are capable of fighting these bacteria, and botulism is very rare. However, infants, whose immune systems are not fully developed, are at risk.