Honey Myths: For centuries across the world, honey (also known as nectar or shahad) has been considered a powerhouse of antibacterial properties, enzymes and antioxidants.
Charaka Samhita, the main text of Ayurveda, suggests that there is nothing as harmful as the ama (indigestible substance) that can be a result of the improper intake of honey. According to dieticians, the properties of raw honey change when it is heated. When used properly, raw honey can significantly reduce kapha and congestion while balancing vata.
The Science Behind Heated Honey
When honey is cooked or heated, the fructose and sugar in it start changing their chemical composition because of the Maillard Reaction (a browning effect. Heating honey results in a surge in the production of 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), a toxic substance.
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In humans, HMF can lead to many side effects such as cytotoxicity in the skin, mucous membranes and upper respiratory tract. It can also result in chromosomal aberrations, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity in animals and humans. Also, HMF can weaken and damage the body’s epithelial protective layers in the intestinal tract and the lungs.
Honey Myths-What Not To Pair With Honey?
Ideally, honey should never be paired with certain foods such as ghee, fish, milk and oil as it can transform the elixir into a digestive nightmare.
- Honey and Ghee together is a strict no-no as they collectively create an indigestible mass that can block “srotas” (body channels), fostering ama and metabolic chaos causing bloating and acidity. Ideally, you should use raw honey on cooled dishes and ghee for cooking.
- Honey should not be paired with sesame oil or other oil variants that can amplify stickiness to clog digestion and produce heat, resulting in the aggravation of Pitta dosha.
- Honey’s sattvic sweetness should not be clashed with fish’s heating, tamasic quality. A blend of both can result in skin issues, lethargy and indigestion while producing toxins and gas. If you are a seafood lover, it’s best to drizzle honey on salads, not curries.
- Honey is also not advisable with hot milk as it can toxify honey and denature milk proteins. This can cause coughs or mucus build-up. Cold milk and honey may also not be a good choice as honey sugars and lactose may ferment, resulting in diarrhoea in sensitive stomachs.
Safe Ways To Enjoy Honey
You can consume 1-2 teaspoons of raw honey every day, unheated in warm (and not hot) water for digestion. Raw honey is best paired with non-fermenting fruits such as apples, herbs such as ginger and yogurt.
Honey should NOT be stored in metal utensils and MUST be stored in a dark and cool place. The use of honey should be made after observing a high sense of care and diligence for diabetics, during summer months and individuals with high Pitta.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is not a substitute for a qualified medical opinion in any way. The methods and claims mentioned in this article should be considered as suggestions only; DNP India neither confirms nor denies them. Always consult a doctor before following any such suggestions/treatments/medications/diets.
