HONEY!
Honey has been used for centuries as both a sweetener and a remedy for skin problems. Even today, honey remains the most natural sweetener available. Honey contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, including antioxidants. In addition, honey has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. Recently a large volume of scientific literature has substantiated honey’s therapeutic value, as well as its ability to improve endurance in athletes.
Honey is also perhaps the only carbohydrate food that does not promote tooth decay through acidity. In general, proteins and fats raise salivary pH, making it more alkaline, while carbohydrate foods lower pH, making it more acidic. Honey is the sweet exception—a carbohydrate that may raise pH levels. In addition, honey has an overall beneficial effect on oral health due to its antibacterial effect and ability to reduce dextran, a sticky, sugary substance that helps bacteria adhere to the teeth.
Like fruit, honey is primarily a blend of fructose and glucose. Different types of honey have different ratios of each type of sugar. Those that crystallize the fastest are the ones with the highest glucose content, and thus the higher glycemic index. Since fructose has the lowest glycemic index of all sugars, honey with higher fructose content will have the lowest glycemic index. Sage and tupelo honey, for example, are known for their high fructose content, while clover honey has a medium fructose content, and alfalfa honey is higher in glucose.
When shopping for honey, look for a number of attributes. Dark honey may be the most therapeutic and have the most nutrients. Buckwheat honey is said to contain the highest amounts of antioxidants. Raw, unfiltered honey retains more beneficial qualities. Heat, light, and filtering remove some of the beneficial properties of honey.
Agave is often put in the same category as honey—it’s a sweet natural syrup—but is very different. It’s made from the cactus-like agave plant (similar to aloe vera), which is also used to make tequila. While it’s very high in fructose with a very low glycemic index, it lacks the therapeutic benefits that honey contains. Due to its high fructose content, some individuals don’t tolerate it. Intestinal distress is the most common symptom, and in those with high triglyceride levels, high fructose intake may worsen the condition.