Honey Side Effects: 9 Ways It May Cause Harm

The health benefits offered by honey are numerous. Being rich in antioxidants and minerals, it is often considered a healthy alternative to sugar. But are you also aware of the side effects of honey?

Did You Know?

Stone Age paintings show that honey was used as far back as 8000 years ago. It was popular among ancient Egyptians. Assyrians, Romans, Chinese, and Greeks.

But does this mean you have to stop consuming honey? Continue reading further to know more.

Know The Flip Side: Honey

Short-Term Effects
Can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and food poisoning.

Long-Term Effects
Can result in weight gain, increased levels of hemoglobin in the blood, and tooth decay.

Drug Interactions
Honey might interact with slow blood clotting medicines and affect how quickly the liver breaks down certain medications, like antibiotics and analgesics.

When To See A Doctor
If you experience skin rashes, facial swelling, and excess bleeding from an injury.

What Are The Side Effects Of Honey?

1. May Lead To Weight Gain

One tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories (1). It is relatively high in calories. Though this might not look like a lot, a number of such tablespoons every day for a long time can add up. This is especially true if one is not making other lifestyle changes accordingly.

Jesse Feder, Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital, says, “Honey will not directly raise your cholesterol. Honey does, however, contain a large amount of sugar. If you overconsume honey, this can lead to weight gain and a potential increase in your cholesterol levels. That is why it is only good to have honey in moderation.”

Honey is an added sugar. It is a sugar that is added to other foods and beverages during processing. Frequent intake of added sugars has been associated with weight gain (2). Reduced intake of added sugars, in general, was linked to lower weight gain (3).

According to the WHO, it is important to keep daily sugar intake below 10% of the total calories (3).

2. May Cause Allergies

Though honey allergies are rare, increased intake of foods containing honey as a key ingredient may put one at risk.

Individuals allergic to pollen could be allergic to honey as well (4). Honey allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition (5). It is characterized by skin rashes, facial swelling, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, coughing, headache, dizziness, fatigue, and shock.

This allergy is believed to be caused by propolis, a substance used by bees while building honeycombs. Propolis is a contact allergen and can cause skin irritation (5).

3. May Cause Infant Botulism

Infant botulism occurs when an infant ingests a bacterial spore that produces a toxin inside the body. This occurs due to the presence of C botulinum in honey, which is a bacterial strain.

Research recommends not giving honey to infants less than a year old (6). Though most cases of infant botulism cannot be prevented (as the related bacteria are present in dust and soil as well), they are not harmful either.

It is only when the bacterial spore produces a toxin in the infant’s digestive system that there is a problem. This is more likely to happen with honey (7). Hence, infants below the age of 1 year must be kept away from any and all products/supplements containing honey (even if in trace amounts).

Infant botulism may result in the disruption of motor and autonomic functions in the infant (8). The symptoms may include constipation, and other digestive issues, floppiness, sagging eyelids, loss of facial expressions and head control, a weak cry, and respiratory failure (9).

4. May Elevate Blood Sugar Levels

Though honey could be a better alternative to table sugar, it still contains sugar. Studies state that people with diabetes must take honey with caution (10).

Long-term intake of honey can increase the levels of hemoglobin A1C (hemoglobin that is bound to glucose) in the blood, this may cause a spike in blood sugar levels. High levels of hemoglobin A1C can mean a higher risk of diabetes (10).

Honey may have effects similar to table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (a harmful additive). In a study, all three ingredients elevated triglyceride levels and impaired glucose response in similar ways (11). However, some studies also state the anti-diabetic effects of honey (12).

Honey may not be harmful for people with diabetes. It may have certain beneficial effects too. But if you are dealing with diabetes complications, we recommend you speak to your doctor before including it in your diet.

5. May Cause Diarrhea

Honey can cause diarrhea. It contains fructose in excess of glucose. This may lead to an incomplete fructose absorption in the body, potentially causing diarrhea (13).

6. May Cause Food Poisoning

Honey naturally contains microbes. These include bacteria, yeast, and molds, which come from dust, air, dirt, and pollen. But since honey has antimicrobial properties, these microbes are usually not a cause for concern (14).

However, there is a possibility that honey could carry secondary contamination. This can come from processing by humans, containers, wind, and dust (14). Though this is rare, it is important to exercise caution. If you have a history of food poisoning, avoid honey or purchase it only from a reliable seller.

7. May Promote Tooth Decay

Honey contains sugar and is sticky (15). This may lead to tooth decay in the long run if one doesn’t rinse their mouth properly after consuming honey.

Honey may cause tooth decay in children, more so if they are using pacifiers dipped in honey (16). The sugar in honey can provide food to oral bacteria, encouraging their growth.

Some believe that natural sugars like honey may have similar cavity-producing effects as refined sugar. However, research is lacking in this aspect.

8. May Cause Bleeding

Honey can have an inhibitory effect on blood coagulation (17). While it is unclear if this can cause bleeding, there is a possibility. If you have any bleeding issues, please check with your doctor before taking honey.

9. May Aggravate Acne

Although honey has skin-soothing effects, it may not be appropriate for all skin types. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the high sugar content of honey may aggravate acne in some people. Furthermore, commercial honey also contains other additives and preservatives that may irritate sensitive skin and possibly cause other skin issues. However, research is limited in this regard and more studies are needed to prove these claims.

Note: If you have severe acne, consult your dermatologist before applying honey to your face. Also, always perform a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions.

From the side effects discussed here, it is clear that certain people should avoid consuming honey. Keep reading to learn more.

Who Should Avoid Honey?

These groups of people should be cautious about consuming honey based on the potential risks outlined above:

• Infants under 1 year of age
• People with allergies
• Individuals with diabetes
• People prone to diarrhea
• Those with bleeding disorders
• People with a history of food poisoning
• Children at risk of tooth decay

Even if you are using honey, it is best to be on the safe side by following certain guidelines and precautions. Continue reading!

Safe Usage Guidelines

To safely incorporate honey into your diet, follow these simple tips:

– Limit your honey intake to about 1-2 tablespoons a day. This helps prevent excess calorie and sugar consumption.
– Replace refined sugar with honey in tea, coffee, or smoothies. Use it sparingly to avoid over-sweetening.
– Honey can be used in baking, but reduce oven temperatures slightly since honey browns faster than sugar. You can also use it in marinades or dressings for added flavor.
– Keep honey in a cool, dry place to prevent crystallization and contamination.

Learn about the potential side effects of honey and how it may damage your health. Discover the ways to stay safe. Watch this video now!

Trivia

Ancient Egyptians used honey as a sacrificial offering to their gods and to embalm the dead.

Infographic: 5 Major Side Effects Of Consuming Honey

Honey is widely used as a substitute for table sugar and is considered to be a healthy option. While honey is healthier than sugar as it contains beneficial enzymes and nutrients, frequent or excess consumption may cause certain health issues. Check out the infographic below to learn about the side effects of consuming honey.

Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Does honey clean your arteries?

Feder says, “Certain types of honey, such as manuka honey, contain a lot of antioxidants. These antioxidants can help reduce inflammation throughout your body, including your arteries. This can help reduce your blood pressure and potentially reduce plaque buildup in your arteries.”

Can honey trigger blood pressure?

According to Jesse, “Honey will not directly trigger high blood pressure. However, it does contain a large amount of sugar which, when consumed frequently, can lead to obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure. This is why it is very important to only consume honey in moderation.”

Does honey increase blood flow?

Kiran Campbell, Clinical Dietitian, says, “Consuming honey, which contains a combination of glucose, fructose, and sucrose, in place of other forms of sugar may help increase blood flow by way of improvements in lipid profiles and oxidative stress levels, which are present in heart diseases.”

Can you get sick from taking honey?

Honey may contain natural toxins. Raw honey may contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The symptoms of poisoning due to honey intake depend on the types and levels of toxins. If you experience side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor immediately.

Should you refrigerate honey?

It is not necessary to refrigerate honey. Store it in a cool location away from direct sunlight.

Can honey cause stomach gas?

There is less research in this regard. But anecdotal evidence states it may cause gas. Some believe the fructose in honey may not be absorbed well in the gut and may end up getting fermented to cause gas and bloating.

Does honey affect kidney stones?

Limited information is available in this regard. However, some believe taking honey regularly with lemon juice may help reduce the pain due to kidney stones. Consult your doctor for more information in this regard.

Does honey interact with medications?

There’s no evidence suggesting that honey can interfere with medications. However, should you experience any such associated symptoms, stop honey intake and consult your doctor.

Is honey an effective remedy to treat throat irritation?

Yes, honey may help reduce throat irritation as it exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-infective properties which can help to alleviate the symptoms of throat irritation and speed up recovery (18).

Can honey cause kidney damage?

There is no evidence that honey can cause kidney damage. However, studies suggested that it may instead help prevent kidney damage and help in the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney (19).

Can consuming honey lead to liver damage?

No evidence states that the consumption of honey can lead to liver damage. Instead, research shows that honey helps to protect the kidney and repair the damaged tissues (20).

Was this article helpful?

Reviewer Expert Author Editor Fact Checker

Julie FreemanMA, RDN, LDN, RYT

   

Julie Freeman is a licensed integrative nutritionist with graduate education in psychology, counseling and education. Her post-graduate certifications include functional medicine, yoga, and mind-body medicine. She works closely with other health professionals to support personal transformation.

Read full bio of Julie Freeman

• 
  Kiran CampbellRD Kiran Campbell, RD, has over 13 years of experience in the field of dietetics, specializing in heart health, weight management, and wellness and disease prevention. She is the owner of Kiran Campbell Nutrition, LLC, and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
  
  Kiran Campbell, RD, has over 13 years of experience in the field of dietetics, specializing in heart health, weight management, and wellness and disease prevention. She is the owner of Kiran Campbell Nutrition, LLC, and a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
• 
  Jesse FederRDN/LDN Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).
  
  Jesse Feder, RDN/LDN, is a Clinical Dietitian at the Memorial Regional Hospital. He is also a certified by the American College of Sports Medicine as a personal trainer (ACSM-CPT) and the National Strength and Conditioning Association as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (NSCA-CSCS).

Ravi Teja TadimallaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a Co-Editor-in-Chief and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over a decade. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University.

Read full bio of Ravi Teja Tadimalla

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

Read full bio of Arshiya Syeda

Sindhu KogantiSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Sindhu Koganti is a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach and has over 6 years of experience in writing on health and wellness topics. She has a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy.

Read full bio of Sindhu Koganti