Honey Disadvantages and side effects of honey

Honey is a natural sweetener that is produced by the bees by using nectar of the flowers. It is being used as a medicine since ancient times and have a special place in the eyes of Ayurveda, which is also known as the medical science of ancient times but we should not ignore some serious side effects of honey. Not just the Ayurveda but present day medical science also agrees with the benefits of honey. Honey is good for our health and is also a wonderful product to keep our skin and hair healthy.

Disadvantages of honey and side effects of honey (shahad)

It is anti-inflammatory thus relieves allergies, anti-cancerous, boosts memory and immunity, cough suppressant, treats dandruff and burns, wounds healer, helps to maintain WBCs count, helps to metabolize alcohol, good for hair and skin care, aid in weight loss, acts as natural antiseptic and good source of energy.

However, just like with every other thing, too much honey is not good for our health and in this article we will know about the major risks and demerits of honey.

Side effects of Honey

• Weight Gain

Taking honey with warm water or lemon juice promotes weight loss and helps in losing extra calories and shedding off those extra pounds of our body. However, it is important to note that eating too much honey or consuming honey alone is not so good for our body weight and can make us obese. This is because honey is high in sugar which can easily get absorbed into our blood stream and give rise to weight gain and obesity because of the high amount of calories present in it.

• Abdominal Discomfort

Overconsumption of honey may cause serious abdominal discomfort. Being rich in fructose, it can interrupt the nutrient absorption capacity of your small intestine. It can also impose long-term effects on your gastrointestinal system and cause several gastric issues, such as bloating, gas, cramps, etc. Sometimes it also leads to acute conditions like diarrhea or an upset stomach.

• Increases Risk of Bleeding

Honey is not suitable for people with increased risk of bleeding (internal and external) and people with bleeding disorders and drug habits should be very cautious while consuming honey as harmful effects of honey can worsen their condition, one of unknown side effects of honey.

• Nerve Damage

Raw honey disadvantages consists of a group of chemical compounds called ‘grayanotoxins’, which are poisonous to our nervous system. In general, these toxins are eliminated from the food during its pasteurization. But, when raw honey is consumed, they come into action and damage our nerve cells. As a result, it interrupts the normal activities of our nervous system.

• Allergic Reactions

Ingestion of raw honey disadvantages can cause mild to moderate allergies. It is the unprocessed nectar of flowers that may contain pollen, pesticides, insecticides, and lots of other chemicals. Its direct consumption can lead to the development of allergic symptoms like swelling, itching, inflammation, rashes, hives, puffiness, cough, asthma, side effects of honey, applying honey on face side effects etc.

Its always advisable to consume honey in moderation to avoid these disadvantages of honey as it has several health benefits as well.