Health for All says
Honey, as a natural food with a long history, has always won people's love. Not only does it taste luscious, but it is also believed to have a variety of health benefits. However, it is important to note that honey is not suitable for everyone, especially some special populations. So, who should be cautious about consuming honey?
First of all, honey may not be the best choice among natural foods for infants and young children. Honey contains a type of bacteria that produces spores called Bacillus nutmeg spores, which can cause a disease called infant myristicosis in the intestines of young children. The disease usually presents with severe diarrhea and enteritis symptoms that can adversely affect the growth and development of infants. Therefore, honey should be avoided until the baby has not reached 1 year of age.
Secondly, honey is rich in sugar, and for diabetics, the consumption of honey also needs to be carefully considered. Although honey has a relatively low glycemic response compared to other sugary foods such as sugar, diabetics still need to carefully control their honey intake. Excessive sugar intake can lead to an increase in blood sugar, worsening the symptoms and complications of diabetes.
In addition, for people with pollen allergies, the consumption of honey also needs to be carefully considered. While honey is believed to have anti-allergic effects, the pollen components it contains may trigger pollen allergy symptoms. Therefore, it is best to avoid honey for people with pollen allergies, especially during the flowering season or in environments with high pollen concentrations.
Of course, not everyone needs to avoid honey completely. For the general population, consuming honey in moderation is a safe and healthy way. Honey is rich in vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants, which have a positive effect on increasing immunity, relieving cough and moisturizing the lungs. In addition, honey also has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying, tonifying the spleen and nourishing the stomach, and can play a certain role in traditional Chinese medicine.
Overall, honey is a valuable natural food, but it is not suitable for everyone and needs to be considered carefully by certain populations. Infants, diabetics, and people with pollen allergies need to be especially cautious when consuming honey. For most people, consuming honey in moderation can bring health benefits. However, regardless of the type of population, you should consult with your doctor before consuming honey in order to get more scientific and personalized advice.
Health References:
1. wang j, li m, he y, et al. effect of honey on improving the wound healing process: a narrative review. complementary therapies in clinical practice, 2021, 42:101280.