Introduction
Increasingly, individuals are turning to natural sweeteners to minimize their consumption of sugar and enhance their health. Two of the most common natural sweeteners are honey and stevia. Which is best?
You may ask yourself:
- Is honey a healthier natural sweetener than stevia?
- Which one is healthier: honey or stevia?
- Is honey suitable for diabetics to replace stevia?
- Is stevia sweeter than honey?
- Does honey increase blood sugar more than stevia?
- Which is the ideal natural sweetener: stevia or honey?
This article demystifies all of it. We put honey and stevia against each other when it comes to health advantages, sweetness levels, effect on blood sugar levels, and what diets they will work with. Let’s dive in!
What Is Honey and Stevia?
Honey: A Natural Golden Sweetener
Honey is derived from bees that gather flower nectar and break it down into a thick, golden liquid. It is composed of natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, so it is more wholesome than refined sugar.
You can purchase honey in many forms, ranging from raw and organic to processed and flavored. Flavor and color depend on the flowers from which the bees gather nectar. Some popular varieties include:
- Manuka honey (rich in antibacterial properties)
- Clover honey (mild and sweet)
- Wildflower honey (rich and floral)
Honey is such a popular ingredient due to its smooth texture and rich flavor. Many use it to sweeten tea, drizzle over sweets, or blend into dressings and sauces.
Stevia: A Zero-Calorie Plant Sweetener
Stevia comes from the leaves of the Stevia rebaudiana plant. It is not only calorie-free but also contains no sugar, so it is a great choice for individuals cutting down on sugar. Stevia sweetness is a result of steviol glycosides, natural substances 200-300 times sweeter than sugar. This is why you only need to use a small amount. Stevia comes in different forms:
- Stevia powder – Great for baking and cooking
- Stevia sugar – Closer in texture and flavor to table sugar
- Liquid stevia drops – Easy to drop into drinks and smoothies
A few people notice a slight bitter aftertaste with stevia, but newer processing methods limit this which gives natural stevia a clean and pleasant taste.
Which Is Healthier: Honey or Stevia?
Both sugar substitutes provide distinct health benefits but in different manners
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey is more than just sweetness. It contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that
promote general health. Some of the major benefits are:
- Boosting immunity – Honey is antibacterial and antiviral.
- Giving energy – The natural sugars provide a rapid energy boost.
- Soothing sore throats – A spoonful of honey soothes a cough.
- Aiding digestion – Raw honey has enzymes that assist digestion.
Still, honey is still full of sugar and calories, so it will increase blood sugar levels and help with weight gain if eaten excessively
Health Benefits of Stevia
Stevia provides a calorie-free means of sweetening. It provides numerous advantages,
including:
- No effect on blood sugar – Excellent for diabetics and low-carb diets.
- Weight control – No calories mean no weight gain through consumption.
- Support for heart health – Certain studies indicate stevia can decrease blood pressure.
- No tooth damage – Unlike honey or sugar, stevia will not damage teeth.
Because stevia has no sugar, it’s generally the healthier option for diabetics or those on a calorie watch.
Which One Wins?
If you are just looking for an alternative to refined sugar with some added benefits, then honey is a good option. But if you are looking for something long-term, totally avoiding sugar and calories, stevia is the best pick.
Is Stevia Sweeter Than Honey?
Yes, stevia is sweeter than honey. Stevia is between 200 and 300 times sweeter than sugar, whereas honey is just a bit sweeter than sugar. Because of this, you require much less stevia to get as sweet as honey.
For instance:
1 teaspoon of honey = a tiny bit, sprinkle of stevia powder, or a few drops of liquid stevia
Since stevia is so concentrated, many brands mix it with fillers to make measuring easier. Always check labels to ensure you’re getting pure stevia.
Does Honey Raise Blood Sugar More Than Stevia?
Yes, honey increases blood sugar more than stevia. Honey includes fructose and glucose, both of which make blood sugar go up. Though it has a lower glycemic index than white sugar, it nonetheless impacts glucose. The glycemic index (GI) of honey is approximately 50-60, so it is a moderate option for controlling blood sugar.
Stevia, conversely, carries a GI rating of zero. It does not raise blood glucose levels, hence, Stevia’s the safest option for diabetics and people on low-carb diets.
Can Diabetics Use Honey Instead of Stevia?
Diabetics are better off using stevia instead of honey. Honey may be natural, but it does elevate blood sugar as it is made up of simple sugars. Honey should only be consumed by diabetics in moderation and they should monitor their glucose level.
Stevia can be used by diabetics as a sugar alternative. It is not going to elevate blood sugar or insulin, hence being ideal for diabetics.
Best Natural Sugar Substitute: Stevia or Honey?
The healthiest natural sweetener alternative varies based on your health objectives:
- Need a natural sweetener that is good for you? → Stevia is a better option.
- Reducing calories and managing blood sugar? → Stevia is the best choice.
- On a keto or low-carb diet? → Stevia is the best option.
- Need an energy boost? → Honey gives rapid energy.
They are both great natural sweeteners, but they are best for different purposes.
How to Use Honey and Stevia in Your Diet?
How to Use Honey?
- Mix with tea, coffee, or warm lemon water.
- Drizzle over oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes.
- Add to baking and cooking for added natural sweetness.
- Combine with ginger and lemon for comforting sore throats.
How to Use Stevia?
- Add to coffee, tea, and smoothies for a sugar-free kick.
- Use stevia powder when baking as a sugar substitute.
- Sprinkle stevia sugar over fruit or cereal.
- Add to homemade dressings and sauces.
Since stevia is much sweeter than honey, always use less stevia than you would honey or sugar.
Conclusion
Choosing between honey and stevia depends on your health goals and lifestyle. Honey, a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants and nutrients, offers a rich taste and additional health benefits. However, it still contains natural sugars and calories, which may not be ideal for those watching their blood sugar levels or trying to lose weight. On the other hand, stevia provides a zero-calorie, sugar-free alternative that does not raise blood sugar levels, making it a better choice for diabetics and those on low-carb diets. While stevia sugar is much sweeter than honey, some people find it has a slight aftertaste. But it is changing as brands like Zindagi are making it their job to provide pure Stevia solutions to their customers.
Both options have their benefits, and the best choice depends on individual needs. If you prefer a natural sugar substitute with nutritional value, honey is a great option. But if you need a calorie-free, diabetic-friendly sweetener, stevia is the better choice. Understanding their differences allows you to make an informed decision based on what works best for your health and diet.
“Stevia or honey—both have their perks! Choose what suits your lifestyle and taste. For a zero-calorie, guilt-free sweetness, Zindagi Stevia has you covered!”