Health specialist Marcio Atalla said that replacing refined sugar with honey can provide certain health advantages if done with moderation [1].

This distinction is important for consumers seeking healthier alternatives to processed sweeteners. While honey is often viewed as a natural substitute, its impact on blood glucose and caloric intake remains a primary concern for those managing their dietary health.

Speaking on the Jornal da Manhã program at Jovem Pan News in Brazil, Atalla said whether honey is a healthier choice than sugar [1, 2]. He said that while the switch may offer benefits, it requires careful attention to the quantity consumed [3].

Honey contains different nutrients than refined sugar, but it is still a source of calories and sugars. Atalla said that moderation is the key to ensuring that the substitution does not lead to other health issues, such as weight gain, or blood sugar spikes [3].

The discussion highlights a broader trend in public health toward reducing the consumption of highly processed sugars. By opting for honey, individuals may gain some nutritional value that is absent in white sugar, provided they do not overconsume the product [1, 3].

Atalla's guidance suggests that the transition to honey should be part of a balanced approach to nutrition rather than a limitless replacement [1, 2].

“Replacing refined sugar with honey can provide certain health advantages if done with moderation.”

The shift from refined sugar to honey represents a move toward less processed ingredients, but it does not eliminate the risks associated with high sugar intake. Because honey is calorie-dense and affects insulin levels, the primary health benefit comes from the reduction of refined chemicals rather than the total removal of sugar from the diet.