Honey, often referred to as a healthy sugar substitute is a nutrient-rich natural sweetener that is loaded with benefits. It is a natural source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy. Also, honey contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress. Honey also has prebiotic properties that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, aiding digestion. But, did you know that this healthy sugar substitute can also turn out to be harmful for the human body. Wondering how? Well, thanks to large scale adulteration. Honey adulteration is a common practice in the market that can lead to major health issues. However, there are certain smart hacks that one can use at home to check the purity of honey. Scroll down to read the details.
Also Read: 10 types of honey and their benefits
Honey adulteration
As per experts and news reports, the most common practice of honey adulteration is by the direct addition of a certain amount of sucrose syrup into the honey. The source of sucrose syrup could be sugar beet, HFCS, maltose syrup, or industrial sugar syrups (glucose and fructose) obtained from heat, enzyme, or acid treatment of starch. In the indirect addition, sugar is added into honey via bee-feeding. As per the National Library of Medicine, low-quality honey, chemicals, and industrial sugars are incorporated into the honey during a natural process that happens in the bee’s digestive system. During indirect honey adulteration, an extreme amount of sugar syrup is fed to the bee colonies in the main nectar flow period.
Side effects of adulterated honey
As per experts, adulterated honey, often mixed with substances like sugar syrup or artificial sweeteners, can pose several health risks. It is said to lack nutritional and medicinal properties of pure honey, depriving you from natural antioxidants, enzymes, and antibacterial benefits. The high sugar content in adulterated honey can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues. Also, it may contain harmful chemicals or toxins, leading to potential allergic reactions or long-term health issues.
Let us take a look at 6 smart ways to check the purity of honey at home
Water test: For this test, fill a glass with water and add a teaspoon of honey. Stir it once, and if the honey is pure it will settle at the bottom and will not dissolve in water. It may form a lump or settle down. On the other hand, adulterated or impure honey may dissolve or create a cloudy appearance.
Paper test: In this test, all you need to do us, just add a few drops of honey on a piece of paper, pure honey will remain intact and will not get absorbed into the paper. It might make the paper slightly sticky. However, impure honey may get absorbed quickly, leaving a wet mark on the paper.
Also Read: 7 varieties of raw honey you need to pick over adulterated ones
Thumb test: For this test, take a small drop of honey on your thumb. If the honey is pure, it will feel sticky and thick, and will not absorb easily into your skin.If it gets absorbed quickly or feels watery, it may not be pure.
Heat test: For this test, heat a small amount of honey in a microwave-safe container for 30 seconds or in a saucepan on low heat. Pure honey should caramelize slightly and leave a caramel like aroma. Impure honey may froth, bubble or burn due to added moisture or other substances.
Crystallization : Keep the honey in a jar for a few days and do not touch it. After a few days, look for crystallized or granulated honey, as this is a sign of high-quality and pure honey. If the honey is still in a liquid state, it doesn't necessarily mean it's impure, as the crystallization process varies depending on the type of honey and storage conditions.
Smell and taste: Another smart way to check honey purity is to smell and taste it. Pure honey has a sweet and pleasant aroma that has a hint of flowers or plants from which it is derived. In the case of adulterated honey it may taste overly sweet or have less flavours due to additives.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
Also Read: 10 types of honey and their benefits
Honey adulteration
As per experts and news reports, the most common practice of honey adulteration is by the direct addition of a certain amount of sucrose syrup into the honey. The source of sucrose syrup could be sugar beet, HFCS, maltose syrup, or industrial sugar syrups (glucose and fructose) obtained from heat, enzyme, or acid treatment of starch. In the indirect addition, sugar is added into honey via bee-feeding. As per the National Library of Medicine, low-quality honey, chemicals, and industrial sugars are incorporated into the honey during a natural process that happens in the bee’s digestive system. During indirect honey adulteration, an extreme amount of sugar syrup is fed to the bee colonies in the main nectar flow period.
Side effects of adulterated honey
As per experts, adulterated honey, often mixed with substances like sugar syrup or artificial sweeteners, can pose several health risks. It is said to lack nutritional and medicinal properties of pure honey, depriving you from natural antioxidants, enzymes, and antibacterial benefits. The high sugar content in adulterated honey can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, and digestive issues. Also, it may contain harmful chemicals or toxins, leading to potential allergic reactions or long-term health issues.
Let us take a look at 6 smart ways to check the purity of honey at home
Water test: For this test, fill a glass with water and add a teaspoon of honey. Stir it once, and if the honey is pure it will settle at the bottom and will not dissolve in water. It may form a lump or settle down. On the other hand, adulterated or impure honey may dissolve or create a cloudy appearance.
Paper test: In this test, all you need to do us, just add a few drops of honey on a piece of paper, pure honey will remain intact and will not get absorbed into the paper. It might make the paper slightly sticky. However, impure honey may get absorbed quickly, leaving a wet mark on the paper.
Also Read: 7 varieties of raw honey you need to pick over adulterated ones
Thumb test: For this test, take a small drop of honey on your thumb. If the honey is pure, it will feel sticky and thick, and will not absorb easily into your skin.If it gets absorbed quickly or feels watery, it may not be pure.
Heat test: For this test, heat a small amount of honey in a microwave-safe container for 30 seconds or in a saucepan on low heat. Pure honey should caramelize slightly and leave a caramel like aroma. Impure honey may froth, bubble or burn due to added moisture or other substances.
Crystallization : Keep the honey in a jar for a few days and do not touch it. After a few days, look for crystallized or granulated honey, as this is a sign of high-quality and pure honey. If the honey is still in a liquid state, it doesn't necessarily mean it's impure, as the crystallization process varies depending on the type of honey and storage conditions.
Smell and taste: Another smart way to check honey purity is to smell and taste it. Pure honey has a sweet and pleasant aroma that has a hint of flowers or plants from which it is derived. In the case of adulterated honey it may taste overly sweet or have less flavours due to additives.
Thumb and Embed Images Courtesy: istock
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