Women with gestational diabetes (GD) are typically advised to avoid all sugar…but sometimes this seems nearly impossible! At Julienne, we want you to celebrate a healthier lifestyle, and not feel completely restricted when diving into all of your gestational diabetes snacks and meals. So, we’ve gathered the following information about honey — a delicious, nutrient-rich, and gestational diabetes-friendly option for when you need a little sugar to satisfy that sweet tooth!
Unveiling Honey's Secret: Beyond Sweetness
For years, honey has been celebrated not just for its sweetness but also for its medicinal properties. Our fascination with honey, especially in the context of nutrition and health, isn't new. The National Library of Medicine's extensive research sheds light on honey's multifaceted benefits, especially its hypoglycemic effects. Unlike processed sugars (including cane sugar) and even natural sugars like sucrose, honey presents a unique combination of natural simple sugars, antioxidants, and minerals that contribute positively to health, particularly for those who have GD (1). Just like ancient practicians turn to honey — in hot milk, tea, or eating it on a spoon — our modern research also turns to honey to help fight off many common colds and other diseases. The human body typically thrives when consuming the antimicrobial properties of honey.
Antioxidants: The Unsung Heroes
The composition of honey extends beyond simple sugars; it is rich in antioxidants like phenolic acids and flavonoids. These compounds not only provide honey with its potential hypoglycemic properties but also offer protection against oxidative stress (1). For women with GD, oxidative stress is a significant concern as it can impact both maternal and fetal health. By incorporating honey into their diet, they might not just manage their glycemic levels better but also fortify their bodies against oxidative damages from stress. A lower stress level has been shown to help combat the potential of glucose spikes and the negative effects associated with it, especially in the case of GD.
Human studies further underline honey's benefits, showcasing improved glycemic control and enhanced antioxidant status in individuals with diabetes (1). For pregnant women navigating the challenges of GD, these findings are a beacon of hope. The integration of honey into their diet could potentially mitigate hyperglycemia and reduce the risk of complications associated with GD.
It is important to note that the consumption of honey must not be in addition to excessive consumption of other sugars. If compounded with intake of cane sugar, or even very sugary fruits or other starchy carbohydrates, the glycemic index may be skewed and lead to a spike, contradicting all the benefits of honey on its own.
A Sweet Alternative: Honey vs. Processed Sugars
The comparison is stark when placing honey alongside processed sugars. With its lower glycemic index (GI), natural sweetness, and nutrient-packed profile, honey emerges as a superior alternative. For those with GD, making dietary choices isn't just about managing sugar levels; it's about holistic health. Honey offers that balance, providing sweetness without the harmful spikes in blood glucose levels associated with processed sugars.
Honey's low glycemic index can be attributed to its fructose content, which ranges from 21 to 43% (1). This composition ensures a lower and more gradual increase in blood glucose levels compared to sucrose or glucose, which is found in many simple carbohydrates. Moreover, fructose enhances insulin sensitivity and may aid in better glycemic control (1), a crucial aspect of managing GD.
Empowerment Through Choice
Our commitment to supporting women with GD is rooted in empowerment —empowerment through knowledge, choice, and taste. Honey represents more than just a sweetener; it's a choice towards better health and well-being. Integrating honey into the GD diet isn't just about controlling blood sugar; it's about embracing a lifestyle that prioritizes natural, health-supporting ingredients. Honey has a wide range of flavors, too! You can enhance dishes in different ways depending on which honey you purchase. Whether it’s honey from bees that pollenate a buckwheat bush (dark, rich and herbal honey) or another that pollinates an apple tree (light, soft caramel-like honey), you are able to enhance your meal with vastly different flavors with the diversity of honey options. What fun!
As we explore the positive impacts of honey on GD diets, it's clear that this natural sweetener holds promise not just for its nutritional value but for its role in managing a condition as challenging as gestational diabetes. The journey towards a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby can be sweetened with the right choices. We challenge you — give honey a taste for your next sugar craving. Make sure not to pair it with other sweeteners, and see how it affects your glucose spikes for the days ahead.
Important note: Glucose spikes tend to be reflective of days, and even weeks, of food consumption prior to taking your blood glucose numbers. Make sure to incorporate honey instead of other sugars for multiple weeks, and longer, to see true results.
Disclaimer: These findings are from extensive research, but are not provided by a medical professional. Be sure to always consult a medical professional for your own personal medical needs.
Ready to embrace a naturally sweetened journey through your GD diet? Explore our curated GD-friendly recipes featuring honey and begin your path to a balanced, joyful pregnancy experience.
(1) National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information. "Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes" by Otilia Bobiş, Daniel S. Dezmirean, and Adela Ramona Moise.
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