- BusyBits
- Posts
- BusyBits #121: The Sweet Truth About Honey - Nature's Gift or Sugar in Disguise?
BusyBits #121: The Sweet Truth About Honey - Nature's Gift or Sugar in Disguise?
Discover if honey deserves its health halo and why this ancient sweetener might be more complex than you think.

Hey fitness nerds!
Thank you all 91,124 of you!
Ever wondered if that drizzle of honey in your tea is actually healthier than regular sugar?
This golden liquid has been praised for centuries as a natural remedy, but modern science has some surprising insights about its true health impacts.
Read 🔽 below!
🍯
IN LESS THAN 10 MINUTES WE WILL COVER:
Weekly Insights:
Is Honey Healthy?
Article Explained Simple: Is Beef Tallow a Good Alternative to a Moisturizer
3 Tips to Gain Back Mobility After an Injury
Homemade Healthy Fruit Roulade Recipe
Is Honey Healthy?

Honey has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine. This natural sweetener is produced by bees from flower nectar and contains over 180 substances, including enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
From a nutritional standpoint, honey is primarily composed of sugar, about 80% to be exact.
It contains mainly fructose and glucose, similar to table sugar, but in slightly different proportions. One tablespoon of honey provides around 64 calories, which is comparable to refined sugar.
However, honey sets itself apart through its bioactive compounds. Unlike refined sugar, honey contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids that help fight oxidative stress in the body.
The darker the honey, the higher its antioxidant content. Buckwheat honey, for instance, contains significantly more antioxidants than lighter varieties like clover honey.
One of honey's most celebrated properties is its antimicrobial activity. Raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide and has a low pH and high sugar content that creates an environment where bacteria cannot survive. This explains why honey has been used throughout history to treat wounds and burns.
Honey may also have a lower glycemic impact than regular sugar. The glycemic index measures how quickly a food raises blood sugar levels.
While table sugar has a GI of 65, honey ranges from 35-58, depending on the variety and floral source. This means honey may cause a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar.
For athletes and fitness enthusiasts, honey offers some specific benefits. Its carbohydrate profile makes it an excellent natural energy source during endurance activities. Studies have shown that consuming honey before or during exercise can help maintain blood sugar levels and improve performance.
However, despite these benefits, honey is still sugar.
The American Heart Association recommends limiting added sugars to no more than 6 teaspoons (24 grams) per day for women and 9 teaspoons (36 grams) for men.
One tablespoon of honey contains around 17 grams of sugar, which can quickly add up.
For those watching their weight or managing conditions like diabetes, moderation is key. While honey may offer more nutritional benefits than refined sugar, it still contributes to your overall sugar intake and should be consumed mindfully.
When purchasing honey, opt for raw, unprocessed varieties to maximise health benefits. Commercial processing and heating can destroy many of the beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.
Local honey is often a good choice as it's less likely to be heavily processed and may contain local pollen, which some believe can help with seasonal allergies.
Hands down, the best tool for fitness, sleep, and overall wellness.

Fitness and health enthusiasts - We have a lot of things in store for you!
Check out busybody.io - and join the waitlist for our brand-new AI health app.
Article of the Week
Article Explained Simple: Is Beef Tallow a Good Alternative to a Moisturizer
Researchers have found that animal fats like beef tallow share similarities with the natural oils in human skin. The study shows that tallow contains high levels of saturated and monounsaturated fats that are compatible with our skin barrier.
Traditional cultures have used animal fats for skincare for centuries, and science is now confirming that beef tallow specifically contains vitamins A, D, E, and K, along with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). These nutrients support cell regeneration, reduce inflammation, and provide antioxidant benefits.
The researchers note that while modern skincare has moved toward plant-based and synthetic ingredients, beef tallow may be particularly beneficial for people with sensitive skin, eczema, or those looking for simpler, more natural skincare alternatives.
Fascinating Fact:
Beef tallow contains palmitoleic acid, a fatty acid that possesses antimicrobial properties and is naturally found in human skin sebum, making it inherently compatible with our skin's biology.
We have also started a referral program where you can earn prizes for referring your friends to this newsletter.
What other topics do you want me to write about?
3 Tips to Gain Back Mobility After an Injury

Start with gentle, pain-free movement
Begin mobilising the injured area as soon as medically cleared, but stay within a pain-free range. Early movement promotes blood flow, reduces swelling, and prevents excessive scar tissue formation.
A good rule is to work at about a 3/10 on the pain scale, you should feel a gentle stretch but not significant pain.
Gradually increase your range of motion over time, letting discomfort be your guide.Incorporate daily consistency over intensity
Short, frequent mobility sessions are more effective than occasional intense ones.
Aim for 3-5 minutes of targeted mobility work several times throughout the day rather than a single 30-minute session.
This consistent approach sends regular signals to your nervous system that the movement is safe, gradually increasing your range of motion without triggering protective pain responses or further injury.Focus on adjacent areas
Don't neglect the areas above and below your injury. When one part of your body is injured, the surrounding areas often compensate and become tight or weak.
For example, if you have a knee injury, work on hip and ankle mobility.
Maintaining movement in these connected areas creates a supportive environment for your injured region to heal properly and prevents secondary problems from developing due to altered movement patterns.
Vote below to choose the diet for next week’s recipe
Homemade Healthy Fruit Roulade Recipe (makes 8 servings)
This light and fluffy roulade satisfies sweet cravings without the guilt.
It's packed with fresh fruit and protein-rich ingredients that make it perfect for a post-workout treat or a healthy dessert option when entertaining guests.
This recipe was created in 2 minutes with the BusyBody App. Click the button for free access to the app.

Macros per serving
Total Calories: 150 kcal
Protein: 10 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Sugars: 12 g
Fat: 4 g
The Ingredients
For the cake:
6 large egg whites
2 whole eggs
60g vanilla protein powder (1/2 cup)
40g coconut flour (1/3 cup)
60ml honey or maple syrup (1/4 cup)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
250g Greek yoghurt (0% fat) (1 cup)
30g vanilla protein powder (1/4 cup)
300g mixed fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Line a baking sheet (approximately 25x38cm or 10x15 inches) with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff peaks form.
In another bowl, mix the whole eggs, protein powder, coconut flour, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
Gently fold the egg white mixture into the protein powder mixture, being careful not to deflate the egg whites.
Spread the batter evenly onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the cake springs back when lightly touched.
While the cake is still warm, place a clean kitchen towel over it and carefully flip the cake onto the towel. Gently peel off the parchment paper and roll the cake with the towel from the short end. Let it cool completely.
For the filling, mix the Greek yoghurt, protein powder, lemon zest, and honey (if using) until smooth.
Once the cake has cooled, carefully unroll it. Spread the yoghurt mixture evenly over the cake, leaving a small border around the edges. Place the mixed berries on top of the yoghurt.
Gently re-roll the cake (without the towel this time) and place it seam-side down on a serving plate. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Slice into 8 equal portions and serve chilled.
Make your dream of working online a reality and start a newsletter - join beehiiv for free and don’t pay any renewal until you grow your subscriber base >2500 subscribers.
I’ve personally tried plenty of other platforms and Beehiiv is hands down the best and easiest to use.
How would you rate today's edition of the newsletter? |
Reply