Short Answer: Honey is good for arthritis. Because it has antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties that can protect your joints from damage, reduce your pain and swelling, and prevent infections.
Arthritis is a condition that affects your joints, which are the places where two bones meet in your body.
In arthritis, your body’s immune system attacks the lining of your joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
This can lead to various health problems, such as joint damage, deformity, and disability.
One of the key factors in managing arthritis is diet.
What you consume can affect your inflammation levels, which can impact your arthritis symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage arthritis, you should consume anti-inflammatory foods like fruits, vegetables, fish, and nuts, and avoid pro-inflammatory foods like red meat, processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.
Now, honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by bees from the nectar of flowers or the honeydew of aphids.
People usually eat honey as a natural sweetener, spread it on bread, or add it to tea or other beverages.
Honey is good for arthritis because it contains antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.
Antioxidants are substances that protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause inflammation and disease.
Anti-inflammatory substances can reduce the swelling and pain in your joints.
Antibacterial substances can prevent infections that can worsen your arthritis.
One tablespoon of honey can give you about 17 grams of carbohydrates, 64 calories, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals.
Honey also contains phenolic acids and flavonoids, which are the main sources of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Phenolic acids can reduce the production of inflammatory chemicals in your body, such as cytokines and prostaglandins.
Flavonoids can modulate the activity of enzymes and receptors involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase and nuclear factor-kappa B.
Furthermore, honey is a natural sugar and sugar is good for arthritis in moderation.
Because, sugar can provide energy for your cells and muscles, and help regulate your blood glucose levels.
However, too much sugar can increase your inflammation, weight, and risk of diabetes, which can worsen your arthritis.
You can eat one to two tablespoons of honey per day safely.
More than that can cause high blood sugar, tooth decay, and allergic reactions.
You should also choose raw, organic, and unfiltered honey, which has more antioxidants and nutrients than processed honey.
Because, processed honey may contain added sugars, preservatives, and chemicals that can reduce its benefits and increase its harms.
Also, you shouldn’t eat honey if you have diabetes, allergies, or digestive problems to prevent complications.
Because, honey can raise your blood sugar levels, trigger allergic reactions, and cause diarrhea or abdominal cramps.
You can buy fresh honey in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose honey that is labeled as raw, organic, and unfiltered.
Because, these labels indicate that the honey has not been heated, filtered, or treated with any substances that can alter its quality and purity.
You can store honey in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two years.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing arthritis effectively.
I always recommend my arthritis patients to follow an arthritis-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.