Honey shouldn't be heated excessively because high temperatures destroy its beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and delicate flavors, while potentially increasing a compound called hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), which some studies link to negative health effects, though the levels in honey are generally low compared to other foods like coffee. For maximum benefits, use raw honey at room temperature or slightly warm, avoiding temperatures above body heat, especially for hot drinks like tea.
Boiling honey is discouraged because high temperatures degrade its chemical, nutritional, sensory and functional properties. Key reasons: Loss of enzymes and beneficial compounds Enzymes such as diastase (amylase) and invertase denature above ~40--60°C; prolonged heating irreversibly destroys them.
Honey should not be heated rapidly, over direct heat. Basically, the hotter you heat it, the more potential for reducing nutritional value. Excessive heat can have detrimental effects on the nutritional value of honey. Heating up to 37°C (98.6 F) causes loss of nearly 200 components, part of which are antibacterial.
When honey is heated or cooked, the sugar and fructose in the honey change their chemical composition as a result of a browning effect called the Maillard Reaction. Heating or storing honey for long periods of time will increase the production of a toxic substance called 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF).
While high heat reduces some of its beneficial properties and leads to mild chemical changes, it remains safe to eat. The idea that heated honey becomes poisonous is a myth, and when compared to foods like coffee--which contains much higher levels of HMF--heated honey is really nothing to worry about.
Also, honey, being a thick, viscous liquid, does not heat evenly in a microwave. Hotspots may develop that may lead to a sudden boil that spatters the hot contents. Such hotspots are also hot enough to degrade the flavor and color of this premium honey.
Avoid mixing honey with boiling water, milk or hot tea, as the heat can destroy its natural enzymes and nutrients. Use lukewarm water instead.
Honey Health Benefits
"Honey's advantages over sugar include a slightly lower glycemic index (i.e. it doesn't affect your blood-sugar levels as much)," Dr. Dixon says. 9 "It also contains more vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, such as calcium, potassium, vitamin C, zinc, phenolic acids, and flavonoids."
Bees, after collecting the honeydew, will produce toxic honey. Tutin and its derivative are very toxic to human and can cause vomiting, delirium, giddiness, increased excitability, stupor coma and violent convulsions. Death by consuming tutu-contaminated honey has also been reported in the past.
While both types of honey can add natural sweetness to your diet, raw honey offers a little extra in terms of potential health perks. However, raw honey may contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulism poisoning, a life-threatening condition, can occur in children under the age of one.
These enzymes are relatively stable and are not easily destroyed by brief contact with metal. The real threat to enzyme activity comes from extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or prolonged exposure to strong acids or bases. Not from brief contact with metal processing equipment or metal utensils.
This means you can safely stir Manuka honey into warm drinks without losing its immune-supporting and digestive health benefits. However, prolonged exposure to extreme heat—such as boiling temperatures above 160°F (70°C) for extended periods—can reduce the effectiveness of some enzymes.
Honey starts to degrade and lose its beneficial properties when heated above 104°F (40°C), so it's best to keep it below this temperature to maintain its quality.
Ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita also caution that heated honey becomes ama — a toxic, indigestible substance harmful to the body. Heating can also destroy honey's beneficial enzymes and nutrients, reducing its medicinal value.
Excessive heat can destroy honey's delicate flavor notes and beneficial enzymes. Prolonged heating can also form a compound that is toxic in high concentrations. If using in baking, it's fine, but avoid boiling honey directly. Add it toward the end of cooking when possible.
🌡️The Concern with Heat
Some of the beneficial enzymes and nutrients in raw honey can begin to degrade at high temperatures—typically around 104–118°F (40–48°C). Since coffee and tea are usually brewed at hotter temperatures (often over 160°F / 70°C), the concern is that these nutrients will be destroyed.
Safety and side effects
No. The idea that heated honey becomes poisonous is a myth. Even when honey is warmed to make it easier to bottle or pour, the levels of HMF remain very low—much lower than in many other foods we eat every day.
Honey is a natural sweetener packed with antioxidants and prebiotics that support overall health. Eating it regularly may boost digestion, improve energy, ease coughs, and help fight infections. While it has a low glycemic index, people with diabetes should still enjoy honey in moderation.
Eating a healthy, reduced-fat and low salt diet, avoiding excess alcohol, and exercising regularly can go a long way toward controlling high blood pressure and cholesterol. Your health care provider may also recommend taking prescription medication, if necessary.
Diabetes: Using large amounts of honey might increase blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Honey contains sugar and should be used in moderation. Pollen allergies: Avoid honey if you are allergic to pollen. Honey, which is made from pollen, may cause allergic reactions.
Foods You Should Avoid Mixing with Honey
For the sake of prudence, people who are allergic to pollen or with severe seasonal allergies (hay fever) are not advised to eat raw honey. Grayanotoxin-containing honey may cause a burning sensation in the throat, and honey with bitter or astringent taste should be discarded.
Proverbs 24:13-14
13 Eat honey, my son, for it is good; honey from the comb is sweet to your taste. 14 Know also that wisdom is like honey for you: If you find it, there is a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off.
What is the best container to keep honey in? Glass is best for long-term storage. It's airtight, doesn't leach, and preserves flavor and quality. Plastic works well for short-term use or for shipping.