It’s sweet, sticky and undeniably delicious, and a simple topping or dip that can do wonders with a variety of foods. It’s honey.

Many people would argue honey is unhealthy due to the sugars present inside it; however, quite the contrary is true. Honey is a great option when your sweet tooth is in need, and a very inexpensive option as well, which can always benefit a fellow Illini. In ancient times, it was often considered a healing ointment and was given to the sick.

So what exactly is the truth behind this healing sugar? In order to gain a professional’s point of view, Nicki Engeseth, professor of food science and human nutrition, weighed in.

*Pure white sugar is nutritionally better than honey. FALSE*

According to Engeseth, although honey is composed of mainly sugars such as glucose and fructose, it does contain nutritional benefits in the presence of plant compounds known as phenolics. These particular phenolics are associated with “antioxidant capabilities, and more than one group has demonstrated that honey has dramatic potential to serve as a dietary source of antioxidants,” Engeseth said. Therefore, many nutritionists recommend it as a substitute for white sugar due to the presence of dietary antioxidants in its contents.

*Honey is good for your respiratory system. TRUE*

Vocalists are known to put honey in their tea in order to help soothe their throats, but this home remedy actually helps the respiratory system by thinning the mucus build up in a person’s airway. Although others can tend to over exaggerate the powers of honey, Engeseth has seen a great deal of potential for respiratory ailment disorder treatment.

“Honey helps promote the growth of bifidobacteria — which are probiotic bacteria — that would promote positive health benefits,” Engeseth said. Therefore, when you have an important speech approaching in class, a simple teaspoon of honey in your morning drink can help soothe your vocal chords, and assist in maintaining that A.

*There are harmful toxins in honey. DEPENDS*

Just like any sugar, there is the possibility of toxins entering their genetic structure.

“There is the potential in a very small proportion of honeys to have issues with Clostridium botulinum,” Engeseth said.

Clostridium botulinum is a bacterium that produces several types of toxins, the best known being neurotoxins, which can often cause concern in a consumers’ eyes. Engeseth explained this is the reason why doctors recommend that infants under the age of 2 years old should not be given honey due to the fact their intestinal bacteria has not been established yet. However, for those over the age of 2 with perfectly functional intestines, honey is a safe and nutritional option.

*Honey is bad for your teeth. FALSE*

For those of you who are concerned with maintaining pearly whites, honey can actually benefit your bright white smile.

According to Engeseth, although honey maintains the characteristics of every dentists’ nightmare with its sticky and sugary aspects, it does not promote tooth decay due to its lack of sucrose. Sucrose, as many may know, promotes plaque adhesion and therefore this sticky, sweet treat is dentist approved.

Not only is this treat plaque problem free, but it also rids the mouth of bacteria.

“Some of the phenolics in honey are antimicrobial agents and act against some of the oral pathogenic bacteria,” Engeseth said.

Therefore, it is safe to say that your honey on toast in the morning will not kill you, and in fact will help protect your respiratory system while keeping your smile healthy and clean.

A sugary sweet treat that is cheap and nutritionally beneficial? Just another reason to smile while wearing the orange and blue.

_Christen is a freshman in Media._