6 things to avoid mixing with honey

Honey is a natural sweetener, produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. They collect the nectar, break it down into sugars, and store it in honeycombs where it gradually thickens into honey through a process of evaporation. From Ayurveda to medical science, all agree to the benefits and nutritional values of this thickened liquid sweetener that also enhances the overall visual appeal of the dish.

Nutritional values of honey
It is a rich source of sugar (fructose and glucose) along with vitamin B, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.It is also rich in antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acids. It is proven to help in breaking down sugars and improving digestion. It is also a natural antibiotic. As per experts, it has antimicrobial properties due to its low pH, high sugar content, and the production of hydrogen peroxide. It is said to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, making it useful for wound care and as a natural remedy for minor infections. Honey contains small amounts of amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins.
Foods not to mix with honey
While honey is not only a natural sweetener but also a versatile food with numerous health benefits, it should not be mixed with certain foods for overall health. Take a look at 6 foods one should avoid mixing with honey.
Also Read: 10 types of honey and their benefits
Honey with hot water
As per Ayurveda, adding honey to hot water or heating honey above 40°C (104°F) is unhealthy. As per experts, when honey is heated, it creates toxins or "ama" and can lead to digestive issues and accumulate in the body, causing imbalances in the system. The toxic byproducts are believed to interfere with digestion, affect metabolism, and create sticky substances in the body. Also, it is said that heating honey destroys many of its beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and antimicrobial properties, reducing its health benefits.
Honey with garlic
As per experts, combining honey and garlic is a strict no. It is proven that combining the two can lead to digestive discomfort or aggravate gastrointestinal issues. Garlic has strong antimicrobial properties, and when mixed with honey, it may affect how the body processes the combination.
Honey with cucumber
According to Ayurveda, consuming foods of opposite properties is a big no. Cucumber is known for its cooling properties, while honey is meant to keep you warm. When these two are combined together, they might lead to an imbalance, and result in digestive disturbance.


Honey with meat and fish
The combination not only creates a strange taste but also hinders the absorption of protein found in meat and fish. It also delays digestion and causes stomach ache.
Honey with ghee
As per Ayurveda, ghee and honey have opposite qualities. Ghee is known for its cooling properties, while honey is known for its heating properties, When combined in equal parts, Ayurveda suggests this creates a kind of imbalance that the body finds difficult to process. This is believed to generate "ama" (toxins), which can disturb digestion and lead to health issues over time.

Honey with hot milk
As per Ayurveda, adding honey to hot milk may be toxic. It might create a a compound called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which, in large amounts, is potentially harmful. Ayurveda says that when exposed to heat, honey loses its beneficial properties and can produce ama (toxins) in the body.
Side effects of honey
Honey is proven to be high in natural sugars and calories. Hence, excessive consumption of honey can contribute to weight gain and associated health issues, such as obesity and metabolic disorders. Honey can also affect blood sugar levels. While it has a lower glycemic index than some other sweeteners, people with diabetes or insulin resistance should monitor their intake and consult with a certified medical practitioner. As per experts, honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum bacteria that can be present in honey. This bacteria can produce toxins that are harmful to infants' underdeveloped digestive systems.