Honey and hot drinks: the mistake that destroys all its benefits
Do you like honey in your tea? Stop immediately! Above 40°C, this golden treasure loses its superpowers. Not putting honey in a hot drink preserves its precious enzymes and antioxidants. Heat turns your natural remedy into a simple sugary syrup with no nutritional value.
Do not put honey in a hot drink: why avoid it?
Honey is precious. Its natural richness deserves our attention. Do you like it in your hot tea? Bad idea.
Why heat destroys the benefits of honey
Heat is the sworn enemy of honey. From 40°C, this golden nectar begins to lose its superpowers. I discovered that its enzymes and antioxidants degrade quickly under the effect of temperature. These fragile small molecules are nevertheless responsible for all the benefits we seek.
Did you know that honey naturally contains enzymes like glucose oxidase? This enzyme produces hydrogen peroxide that fights bacteria. Heat completely deactivates it. The same goes for its anti-inflammatory properties that soothe sore throats. A hot drink turns your natural remedy into a simple sugary syrup.
The critical temperature to respect to preserve honey
The threshold never to cross? 40°C. It is the red line to preserve the benefits of honey. Beyond that, you gradually lose all its nutritional qualities.
To add honey to your herbal tea, wait 5 to 10 minutes after infusion. How to know if it’s the right time? Test the cup against your cheek – it must be warm, not burning. You can also use a metal spoon: dip it into your drink then touch it. If it’s comfortably warm without burning, it’s perfect for your honey.
Here are some tips to check the temperature:
- Gently touch the rim of the cup
- Observe the steam (absence = correct temperature)
- Use a drink thermometer if you are a perfectionist
The specific risks of heated honey
Heat turns this natural treasure into a simple sweetener. Let’s discover why this metamorphosis is not insignificant.
Formation of undesirable compounds (HMF)
HMF or hydroxymethylfurfural is the villain in our story. This compound forms when the sugars in honey are heated. The higher the temperature rises, the more its concentration increases.
HMF is not your friend. Research shows it can irritate your liver and intestines in the long term. I was surprised to learn that this compound is even used as an indicator of honey aging! A quality honey naturally contains very little HMF. Heating your honey in the microwave or in a hot drink dramatically accelerates its production. It’s like artificially aging your honey in a few seconds.
Complete nutritional loss
The destruction starts gently then accelerates. At 38°C, the first enzymes begin to weaken. At 50°C, it’s a nutritional massacre.
The antioxidants in honey, those precious fighters against cellular aging, also disappear under the effect of heat. The polyphenols that protect your cardiovascular system? Vanished! Your spoonful of honey turns into simple sugar with no added value. Might as well use white sugar, it would be cheaper and the result identical. A shame, isn’t it?
How to fully enjoy the benefits of honey?
Honey is a gift from nature. Let’s learn to respect it to get all its benefits.
Tips to add honey without altering it
Patience and gentleness are the watchwords. Wait for your hot drink to cool below 40°C before adding your honey. This usually takes 5-10 minutes.
I always use a wooden spoon to stir my honey. Metal can catalyze some undesirable chemical reactions. Here are other ways to consume your honey without denaturing it:
- Add it to a cold smoothie
- Spread it on toast at breakfast
- Incorporate it into plain yogurt
- Dilute it in warm water with lemon in the morning
The best ways to consume honey daily
Morning is ideal to enjoy the benefits of honey. On an empty stomach, a spoonful of pure honey stimulates your metabolism and gives you energy.
I love to prepare warm lemon water with honey to start my day. This mixture detoxifies the body and strengthens immunity. In the evening, a cooled herbal tea with honey helps to relax. You can also use it as a facial mask – its antibacterial properties work wonders for the skin. The herbal tea honey blend remains delicious even when the drink is no longer hot, I assure you!
Choosing and storing quality honey
Quality matters. Good honey makes all the difference for your well-being.
Favor raw and unpasteurized honey
Raw honey is the champion of benefits. Not heated, not filtered, it preserves all its active nutrients and enzymes.
Read labels carefully. Industrial honeys often undergo pasteurization that destroys their properties. Prefer mentions like “not heated,” “raw,” or “unprocessed.” I buy my honey directly from local beekeepers. They offer live products, unprocessed and full of authentic flavors. Short supply chains also guarantee product freshness – an essential criterion to preserve its virtues.
Simple test to verify honey purity
Beware of imitations! A simple test reveals the purity of honey. Pour a spoon into a glass of cold water.
Real honey sinks slowly and forms a small mound at the bottom of the glass. An adulterated product dissolves quickly. The texture is also revealing: authentic honey is thick, viscous, and doesn’t flow too fast. Its natural crystallization over time is a good sign! Honey that remains always liquid probably contains added syrups. The color naturally varies according to the flowers foraged – from light golden to dark amber.
Importance of conservation and storage
Honey conservation requires some simple precautions. A well-closed jar in a cool and dry place is enough.
Avoid absolutely direct sunlight exposure which accelerates HMF formation. The ideal temperature is between 10°C and 20°C. I keep my honey in a cupboard away from light. Preferably use glass or ceramic containers rather than plastic. Honey easily absorbs surrounding odors! An airtight jar preserves its delicate aromas. Well stored, your honey can keep its properties for years. A treasure of patience worthy of our respect.
Also read:
- Chamomile and digestion: the complete guide to benefits and uses
- The 4 best natural remedies to prevent and fight the flu
Take care of yourself
From today, don’t put honey in a hot drink anymore! Choose rather a warm herbal tea and enjoy all its intact benefits. Your body deserves this small gesture of love. Dare this simple habit and transform your wellness routine.
Marie
FAQ
How to add honey to an herbal tea without destroying its benefits?
Add honey only when the herbal tea has cooled below 40°C. Simply check that the liquid is warm to the touch. This precaution preserves the enzymes and antioxidants in honey, thus maintaining its beneficial properties for health.
What is the real impact of heat on honey’s benefits?
Heat degrades the enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants in honey from 40°C. Its antibacterial, antioxidant, and soothing properties decrease significantly at high temperature. Honey then loses most of its health benefits and becomes a simple sweetener.
How long should you wait before putting honey in a hot drink?
Wait 5 to 10 minutes after infusion or until the drink is warm (below 40°C). This wait allows preserving honey’s active components while enjoying its characteristic flavor.
Why does honey lose its properties in hot water?
High temperature rapidly degrades enzymes, polyphenols, and antioxidants in honey. These heat-sensitive compounds lose their effectiveness, depriving honey of its beneficial health effects. Honey then becomes a simple sugar with no particular nutritional value.
When to favor the consumption of pure honey?
Consume pure honey in the morning on an empty stomach, on toast, in a cold or warm drink, or to sweeten a dessert without cooking. These uses preserve its full nutritional qualities and support your daily well-being.
