Nutritionist Warns Against Consumption Of Honey

Contrary to the common misconception that honey is healthier than the refined white sugar, experts say honey has even more sugar calories and advised on moderate intake. A consultant nutritionist and National president Dietician society of Nigeria, Dr. Chika Ndiokwelu revealed this finding during a media forum on dealing with non communicable diseases organised by Nigeria bottling company in Lagos recently. According to him, honey actually contains several simple sugars such as: fructose, glucose, sucrose which is unhealthy if consumed in excess, adding that one gram of honey contains 21 calories of sugar, white sugar contains just15 calories. He cautioned that consuming excess calories of sugar from any source, whether from sugar, honey or other sources of carbohydrates can lead to obesity and non communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, coronary diseases, cancers and mental disorders. He stressed on the dangers of obesity which he said could lead to cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, diabeties and even cancer. “Complications of childhood obesity can lead to hyperplasia- an expansion of the fat cells of the body, with more fat tissues in the body. It can also give rise to poor self esteem as well as open door to other health issues” In addition, he adds that frequent consumption of sugary foods and drinks can also increase the risk of tooth decay. “As a guideline, an average adult should consume no more than 90g of total sugars per day and no more than 55g of free sugars (or non-milk extrinsic sugars) a day, which includes table sugar, honey and fruit juice”. Dr. Ndiokwelu explained that most ailments are solved by simple exercise and change of life style. “It is not every health issue that should take you to hospital for you to start spending money and taking lots of pills. Simple exercise and change of diet will go a long way to restoring your health” He also pointed out that diabetes is not caused by sugar intake contrary to popular believe, but the lack of insulin or the inability of the body to provide the needed insulin is what causes diabetes. According to him, “almost all the food we eat contains sugar, if we don’t get it from ‘foo foo’; we get it from yam, wheat or corn. What we should concern ourselves with is how to burn off the calories. His tips for those who want to embrace a healthy lifestyle include; keeping a healthy body weight, eating a balanced meal with more vegetable and fruits, abstaining from tobacco smoking, eating moderately and engaging in at least 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous