Glucose Content in Yemeni Sidr Honey
Yemeni Sidr honey contains approximately 29-41% glucose, with the average being around 35% of its total composition. While specific data for Yemeni Sidr honey is limited in the provided evidence, this estimate is based on comparable honey analyses.
Honey Sugar Composition Overview
- Honey is primarily composed of simple carbohydrates, with fructose and glucose being the predominant sugars 1, 2
- The total sugar content in honey samples typically ranges between 50-75 g per 100g of honey 3
- The average ratio of fructose to glucose in honey is approximately 1.3, with Sidr honey following similar patterns 3
Glucose Content in Sidr Honey
- In a study analyzing Saudi Sidr honey (geographically close to Yemen), fructose content ranged from 29-41% with an average of around 35% 3, 4
- Glucose typically makes up the second largest sugar component in honey after fructose 1, 2
- The fructose-to-glucose ratio in honey is an important quality indicator, with ratios above 1.0 (as seen in Sidr honey) indicating lower likelihood of crystallization during storage 3
Glycemic Properties of Honey
- Despite being a high-carbohydrate food, honey's glycemic index varies widely (32-85) depending on botanical source 2
- The glycemic index and insulinemic response of honey correlate significantly with its fructose content - higher fructose content generally results in lower glycemic index 5
- Specific honey varieties like Sidr may have lower glycemic impact than table sugar (sucrose), making them potentially better options for individuals with impaired glucose tolerance 5, 6
Health Considerations
- When consumed in quantities of 50-80g per intake, honey can provide various positive nutritional and health effects 2
- Honey has been shown to produce lower serum insulin and C-peptide values compared to equivalent glucose-fructose solutions 6
- The area under the glucose response curve is typically lower for honey than for comparable glucose-fructose solutions, suggesting better glycemic control 6
Other Components in Sidr Honey
- Beyond sugars, Sidr honey contains small amounts of proteins, enzymes, amino acids, minerals, trace elements, vitamins, aroma compounds, and polyphenols 2, 4
- Sidr honey contains various bioactive compounds with antioxidant properties, with quinic acid being a dominant compound identified in honey samples 4
- The dark-colored varieties of honey like Talh tend to have higher bioactive compound content and stronger antioxidant properties than lighter varieties 4
Nutritional Context
- For dietary planning purposes, one teaspoon of honey contains approximately 4g of total sugars, similar to table sugar 1
- The American Heart Association notes that added sugars (including honey) should be limited in the diet, though natural honey may have advantages over refined sugars 1
- When considering honey as a sweetener for individuals with diabetes, its lower glycemic impact compared to sucrose may be beneficial, but portion control remains important 1