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637 days ago

Why is honey better for you than sugar?

Rod from Hive World Honey

Raw honey and white sugar are both carbohydrates. And they both contain two primary sugars: fructose and glucose. But white sugar is 100% sugars (50% fructose and 50% glucose), while raw honey is about 85% sugars with fructose and glucose ratios that vary with each honey variety. The remaining 15% of honey is water, pollen and trace nutrients. Because of this different makeup, white sugar is absorbed into the body and blood at a faster rate than honey. Sugar absorption is measured by the glycemic index (GI). White sugar has a GI of 65, while most floral varieties of raw honey have a GI that ranges from 35 to 55. This means that raw honey will provide more even levels of energy, over a longer period of time, as compared to white sugar. Generally, raw honey with a higher percentage of fructose as compared to glucose will have a lower glycemic index.

Have you ever heard the phrase: "White sugar is empty calories?" That's because white sugar contains sugars and nothing else. But raw honey contains additional nutrients, including amino acids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals. These phytochemicals have anti-microbial, anti-fungal, and anti-oxidant properties which can contribute to a stronger immune system and better health and wellness.

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More messages from your neighbours
5 hours ago

Calling All Puzzle Masters! Can You Solve This?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

When John was six years old he hammered a nail into his favorite tree to mark his height.
Ten years later at age sixteen, John returned to see how much higher the nail was.
If the tree grew by five centimetres each year, how much higher would the nail be?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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5 hours ago

Win this brand new home!

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15 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.

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