Honey also possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. (Representative Image)
Mixing honey with hot water is a common mistake people make, which can have health risks.
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. It has several potential health benefits over sugar. One of honey’s notable benefits is its antioxidant content, which helps combat free radicals in the body and thus can potentially reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Honey also possesses antibacterial and antimicrobial properties, particularly in types such as manuka honey, making it useful for wound healing and infection prevention.
In the culinary world, honey is versatile. It can be used in baking, as a sweetener for beverages, and in various recipes from marinades to dressings. Its medicinal uses are also well-known, with honey being a popular remedy for sore throats, and coughs, and even as a topical treatment for wounds and burns.
When using honey, it’s important to be mindful of what you mix it with to preserve its benefits and avoid potential issues. Mixing honey with hot water is a common mistake people make, which can have health risks.
Here are 5 things you should avoid mixing with honey:
- Hot LiquidsHoney should not be mixed with very hot liquids, such as boiling water, because high temperatures can destroy the beneficial enzymes and nutrients found in honey. To maintain its health benefits, it’s best to add honey to warm or cool beverages instead. A study conducted by the international magazine Ayu shared that honey contains natural sugars and heating it may release carcinogenic substances.
- GarlicCertain Chinese foods are known to combine honey and garlic. However, this can be dangerous for your health. Garlic has a strong flavour and mixing it with honey can be counterproductive. Garlic can overpower honey’s delicate texture destroying its benefits.
- CucumberWhile both cucumber and honey are effective for good health, mixing them is a bad idea. According to Ayurveda, consuming foods of opposite properties can have adverse effects on health. Cucumber is known for its cooling properties, while honey is meant to keep you warm. The two mixed can lead to a digestive imbalance causing discomfort.
- Dairy ProductsAvoid mixing honey with certain dairy products like milk when making hot beverages. The heat can cause the milk proteins to coagulate, which may affect the texture and taste of the mixture. It can reduce the medicinal properties of honey and turn it toxic.
- Citrus FruitsCombining honey with highly acidic foods like citrus fruits can be problematic. The acidity can alter honey’s taste and potentially diminish its beneficial properties. It’s better to pair honey with less acidic foods to preserve its flavour and health benefits.
By being mindful of these combinations, you can maximize the benefits of honey while avoiding potential drawbacks. Further, Honey should not be given to infants under one year old due to the risk of botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by bacteria that can grow in honey. Additionally, individuals with allergies to honey or its pollen should be cautious and avoid consuming it.
