Is Honey Healthy? What You Need to Know Before Giving It to Babies

One of the most purchased products at this time of year is honey. Many consider it a healthy alternative to sugar. However, pay attention to the serious warning: Do not give honey to babies. Why? See section 3:

1. Sweeter than Sugar

Honey is sweet, even sweeter than white sugar (about 80% of honey consists of sugar). It mainly consists of simple carbohydrates, making it not especially nutritious. Honey is made up of water (less than 20%) and a small amount of vitamins and protein. In addition to containing antibacterial properties, honey has a high sugar concentration that prevents most types of bacteria from surviving in it.

Consuming honey could lead to a sort of "addiction," and eventually, an increased appetite. It's important to note that the recommendation for people with diabetes is to avoid honey entirely.

2. Effective Against Coughs and Stomach Ulcers

In folk medicine, honey has been used since ancient times. Recent medical studies have highlighted honey's effectiveness in preventing coughs. One spoonful of honey in the evening has been found to reduce the intensity and frequency of nighttime coughs in children up to age 6.

There have also been reports on honey's effectiveness in treating stomach ulcers (caused by the Helicobacter pylori bacterium) and in treating inflammation of the stomach lining and intestine.

Honey can be used as an antibacterial agent and is also effective when applied to burns or minor cuts.

3. Dangerous for Infants Under One Year

The Ministry of Health prohibits giving honey to infants under one year old. However, not all parents are aware of the danger posed by honey or honey-containing products, because it is considered a natural product. Honey products may contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can cause infants to suffer from weakness, muscle paralysis, and harm to the autonomic nervous system. The infant's immune system is too weak to handle this.

If a baby has eaten honey and shows signs of weakness, apathy, and lack of appetite, seek urgent medical attention at a hospital.

In summary, although honey is sweet and tasty, its nutritional value is low. Therefore, it is recommended for those over one year old to consume it in small amounts, and it should not be eaten in excess.