Honey water has always been regarded as a health tonic. It not only aids digestion and relieves constipation, but also has beauty benefits. Many women enjoy drinking honey water, and many people also have the habit of drinking honey water on an empty stomach in the morning, believing that it enhances detoxification. So, is it good to drink honey water on an empty stomach in the morning?
Benefits of drinking honey water
Fights fatigue
The fructose and glucose in honey can be quickly absorbed and utilized by the body, improving the nutritional status of the blood. Honey is also low in fat but rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, and other nutrients that are essential for brain neurons. Drinking honey water in moderate amounts can quickly provide energy, eliminate fatigue and hunger, and boost energy levels, as well as help improve memory.
Relieves indigestion
Drinking honey water in moderation can promote normal secretion of gastric acid and stimulate gastrointestinal motility, significantly reducing the time for bowel movements. People with indigestion can try taking 25 grams of honey daily to help alleviate the problem.
Promotes sleep
Honey contains a large amount of magnesium, which has a sedative effect on the central nervous system. It can help eliminate mental tension, relieve stress, and also contains B vitamins that aid in promoting a peaceful sleep.
Quick hangover relief
Honey contains a type of fructose that most fruits lack. This fructose can promote the decomposition and absorption of alcohol, so drinking honey water is beneficial for quickly sobering up and relieving the headache caused by drinking.
Promotes bowel movement
Honey has a regulating effect on the gastrointestinal function, promoting normal secretion of gastric acid. Studies have shown that honey can enhance intestinal peristalsis, significantly reducing the time for bowel movements, and has good effects on colitis and habitual constipation.
Is it good to drink honey water on an empty stomach in the morning?
Honey water contains a certain amount of sugar and is not present in the form of pure water. The fructose in honey needs to be metabolized and converted to glucose in the body before it can be absorbed and utilized. Drinking honey water on an empty stomach in the morning does not effectively replenish the body's cells with water, and the time for urination is relatively slower compared to drinking plain water. The detoxification function is also reduced during this time, as waste products are not cleared from the body and new substances are introduced, resulting in a mixture of new substances and waste residues that can affect the body's metabolism and absorption processes. Therefore, it is best not to drink honey water on an empty stomach in the morning.
What to pay attention to when drinking honey water
Do not use boiling water to brew honey
In addition to containing 65% to 80% glucose and fructose, honey also contains rich enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. If boiling water is poured into honey, it not only destroys the abundant nutrients in honey, but also changes its natural color, fragrance, and taste. The water used to brew honey should be around 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. Cooler honey water has the effects of clearing heat, moisturizing dryness, detoxifying, nourishing the spleen and stomach, and promoting digestion. It is more suitable for people with a tendency towards heat and weak spleen and stomach.
Drinking honey water on an empty stomach can easily cause stomach ulcers
Honey is a type of sweet food and can increase the secretion of gastric acid, which can be harmful to the gastric mucosa. Drinking honey water on an empty stomach for a long period of time can increase the acidity in the body, leading to excessive gastric acid and the development of gastric or duodenal ulcers.
Not suitable to drink honey water immediately after meals
Drinking honey water immediately after meals can dilute the gastric juice and cause undigested food to enter the small intestine. It is not conducive to digestion. Moreover, when food encounters water, it tends to expand, putting greater pressure on the stomach. Long-term consumption of honey water after meals can increase the risk of gastrointestinal diseases.
Not suitable to drink honey water before bedtime
Drinking honey water before bedtime is not suitable for everyone. After drinking honey water, blood sugar levels rise rapidly. Cells are already dehydrated during the night, and blood viscosity is relatively high. If honey water is consumed, blood viscosity will increase further, which is not conducive to preventing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Avoid using metal containers to store or brew honey
It is best not to use metal containers when storing or brewing honey to avoid chemical reactions. Honey is a weakly acidic liquid, and contact with metal can easily cause oxidation reactions and the release of free metal elements such as iron, lead, zinc, and aluminum. This can result in the honey turning black and the destruction of its nutritional components.
How to drink honey water in a healthy way
It is best to drink honey water in the morning after drinking a glass of plain water. At this time, the internal environment of the body is relatively clean, and drinking honey water can exert its preventive and therapeutic effects. To avoid excessive water intake and loss of appetite for breakfast, you can also directly apply honey to bread for consumption, or mix it with yogurt, fruit juice, and other beverages.
