Is using honey as a substitute for sugar better calorie-wise?
Nancy K. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca; and our nutrition expert, Dr. Joey Shulman answered:
One tablespoon of table sugar (sucrose) contains 46 calories, whereas one tablespoon of natural honey contains 64 calories. In practical terms, this means that you would use 4 tablespoons of sugar for every 3 tablespoons of honey. However, honey is sweeter than table sugar so chances are you will be using less and saving on calories.
Honey also offers other health benefits that white refined sugar does not. Honey is lower on the glycemic index rating vs. white sugar meaning it is absorbed at a slower pace and triggers less insulin response (excess insulin = excess fat!). In addition, honey contains vitamins, minerals, anti-oxidants and offers anti-microbial benefits whereas white sugar is simply “empty calories”. In a nutshell, honey is a wonderful sugar substitute that can be used for baking or in your morning coffee.
Dr. Joey Shulman is author of the national best seller The Last 15 – A Weight Loss Breakthrough. For more information, please visit www.drjoey.com