Category: health

Is honey really healthy?

**Is Honey Really Healthy? Debunking Common Myths**
*By Simran Jeet | Sep 18, 2025, 06:01 PM*

Honey has been cherished for centuries as a natural sweetener and a health booster. Yet, despite its long-standing reputation, several myths about honey have led to misconceptions regarding its benefits and uses. In this article, we debunk five of the biggest myths about honey and shed light on what this golden nectar is really like. This will help you make informed choices about including honey in your diet.

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### Myth 1: Honey Is Always Healthier Than Sugar

Honey is often promoted as a healthier alternative to sugar because it is natural and contains some nutrients. However, both honey and sugar have similar calorie content. Honey does have trace amounts of vitamins and minerals, but these are not present in significant quantities.

The main difference lies in how they affect blood sugar levels. Honey has a slightly lower glycemic index than refined sugar, which means it may cause a slower rise in blood sugar. Still, moderation is key when consuming either.

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### Myth 2: All Honey Is Created Equal

Not all honey is the same in terms of quality and nutritional value. Raw honey retains more nutrients compared to processed varieties that undergo pasteurization and filtration. Processing can reduce beneficial enzymes and antioxidants found in raw honey.

Additionally, some commercial honeys may be adulterated with syrups or additives, impacting their purity. When choosing honey, opt for raw or minimally processed options for maximum benefits.

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### Myth 3: Honey Never Spoils

Many believe honey never goes bad because of its natural preservative properties. While properly stored honey can last indefinitely without spoiling, it can crystallize over time or change in color and flavor.

Crystallization is a natural process and does not mean the honey is spoiled. You can reverse this texture change by gently warming the jar, restoring honey’s smooth consistency.

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### Myth 4: Consuming Local Honey Cures Allergies

The idea that eating local honey can cure allergies stems from the belief that consuming local pollen builds immunity. However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is minimal.

Most allergenic pollen comes from trees and grasses, not the flower pollen bees collect nectar from. Therefore, relying on local honey as an allergy remedy is not scientifically backed.

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### Myth 5: Darker Honey Is More Nutritious Than Lighter Varieties

Darker honeys are often thought to be more nutritious due to their higher antioxidant content compared to lighter varieties like acacia or clover honey.

While it’s true that darker honeys tend to have a slightly richer antioxidant profile, the difference mainly depends on the floral source rather than a significant nutritional advantage.

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### Final Thoughts

Honey can be a delightful addition to your diet when used wisely. Understanding the facts behind common myths ensures you enjoy honey’s benefits without falling for misconceptions. Remember, moderation and choosing high-quality honey are key to making the most of this natural sweetener.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/five-myths-about-honey-consumption-debunked/story

The tropical fruit which contains a secret cancer-fighting molecule

A tropical fruit contains a molecule that could help fight liver cancer, and scientists have discovered how to make it synthetically.

The leaves and bark of the guava fruit plant are known for their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and even anti-cancer properties. According to research led by William Chain, Associate Professor in the University of Delaware’s Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, a molecule found in the tropical fruit shows promise in combating liver-related cancers.

Published in the journal *Angewandte Chemie*, the study reveals a method to develop a synthetic form of this guava-derived molecule—one known to fight deadly liver cancers. Using a process called natural product total synthesis, the research team created a pathway using widely available chemicals to replicate the molecules found in the plant.

Liver cancer is a significant health issue. In the UK alone, there are around 6,600 new cases each year—that’s 18 every day. According to Cancer Research UK, this number could rise to approximately 9,700 cases annually by 2040. Unfortunately, survival rates remain low, with just 8% of people living for 10 years or more after diagnosis.

Symptoms of liver cancer include jaundice, itchy skin, loss of appetite, fatigue, flu-like symptoms, and a lump on the right side of the abdomen, the NHS reports.

Current treatments for liver cancer depend on the size and type of the tumor and include a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, thermal ablation (a technique using heat to destroy cancer cells), targeted medicines, and radiotherapy.

The synthetic guava molecule developed by Chain and his team could pave the way for more effective and affordable treatments. “The majority of clinically approved medicines are either made from a natural product or are based on one,” Professor Chain told Science Daily. “But there aren’t enough natural resources to make enough treatments. Now chemists will be able to take our manuscripts and basically follow our ‘recipe’ and they can make it themselves.”

The study authors emphasize that they are the first chemists to establish a synthetic method for creating this molecule. “We entered into that unknown territory, and I think we helped shed light on this unknown pathway that can get us there. And I think that’s the cool part,” said Liam O’Grady, doctoral student in Chain’s lab and the article’s first author.

Looking ahead, the research team is collaborating with the National Cancer Institute to explore the next steps in the process and determine whether the guava molecule may be effective against other types of cancers as well.

This breakthrough offers hope for developing new cancer therapies derived from nature, but available at scale to help save lives.
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/health/guava-fruit-benefits-cancer-risk-secret-molecule-b2828869.html

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