What’s the optimal time for honey consumption?

March 5, 2024 | 08:00 pm PT
Honey is a staple in my household due to its myriad health advantages. When is the optimal time of day for its consumption? (Hung, 40, Hanoi)

Answer:

Honey can be enjoyed at any moment within the day, yet incorporating it at specific intervals and in moderate quantities is recommended to maximize its health benefits.

The morning emerges as the prime period for honey intake to elevate your energy levels and maintain them throughout the day. Incorporating honey into warm water not only enhances skin health but also yields a plethora of benefits, including aiding in weight loss, improving digestion, fortifying against bacterial and viral threats, detoxifying, and enhancing hydration and moisture levels in the body.

During the evening, a time when the body seeks rejuvenation from the day’s weariness, honey offers an extra surge of energy till bedtime. Opting for honey over sugary treats in the evening can swiftly restore energy levels.

Honey pouring in a bowl. Illustration photo by Freepik

Honey pouring in a bowl. Illustration photo by Freepik

Consumption of honey before bedtime is also advised by health experts. Pairing honey with warm milk before sleep can facilitate better rest, bolster liver functionality, and assist in managing acid reflux.

Honey, with its potent antibacterial attributes, is effective in home treatments for coughs and colds. It boosts the immune system’s speed of recovery from illnesses and acts as a natural decongestant and enhances metabolic activities.

Beyond these specific times, honey, a bountiful source of carbohydrates and natural sugars, is suitable for consumption whenever one feels fatigued and in need of an energy boost. For those engaged in physical activities, honey serves as a superior alternative to sugary sports drinks, beneficial both pre- and post-exercise for energy replenishment and performance enhancement.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to avoid excessive consumption of this nutrient-rich food.

Nutritionist Pham Hong Ngoc

Vietnam Institution of Applied Medicine

 
 
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