can we drink honey with hot water - #24034
I am really curious about this whole idea of drinking honey with hot water because I’ve heard mixed things. Like, my aunt swears by it, says it helps her digestion, and I dunno, I kinda wanna try it out myself. Lately, I’ve been feeling bloated after meals, and I read somewhere that honey can help, y’know? But then I came across a couple of articles saying that if you mix honey with hot water, it can lose some of its goodness or something like that. It keeps making me think, can we drink honey with hot water without ruining its benefits? I did a little experiment this past week, mixing honey in water that I thought was warm but not boiling, and I’m not sure if that was the right temp. One morning, I tried having it first thing and was like, “is this even doing anything?” I guess I’m also worried about if boiling hot water totally zaps all the nutrients from honey and leaves me with just sugar?? Ugh. Should I just stick to eating honey straight up? Or is there an ideal temperature for hot water if we drink honey with it? Would love to hear what all you experienced docs think!
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Doctors' responses
Drinking honey with warm water is generally safe and can be beneficial, but the temperature of the water does play a role in preserving its benefits. Honey contains enzymes, antioxidants, and other compounds that contribute to its health benefits, but these can be degraded by high heat. When you mix honey with boiling or very hot water, some of these beneficial properties might be lost. So, it’s best to use warm, not boiling, water when preparing honey water. Warm water will not destroy the nutrients, keeping the potential benefits of honey intact, while also being gentle on your digestive system.
As for digestion and feeling bloated, honey might help due to its prebiotic properties, which can support gut health. Starting your day with a glass of warm water mixed with honey can be a pleasant way to stay hydrated and potentially aid digestion. However, remember that everyone’s digestive system is unique, and what works for your aunt might not necessarily have the same effect on you. If you find that bloating persists, it might be worth tracking your dietary habits and considering other factors like fiber intake, food intolerances, or even stress levels, which can all impact digestion.
If you enjoy the taste of honey in water, there’s no harm in continuing to drink it, provided it’s not excessively hot. However, if your goal is to directly address bloating, it might be more effective to look into dietary adjustments or consult with a professional if the symptom persists. In any case, consistent hydration itself can aid in alleviating bloating, so whether with honey or plain, drinking water is beneficial. Always stay attuned to your body’s reaction and make adjustments as necessary.
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