Honey contains negligible amounts of vitamin C. A tbsp contains only 0.1 mg of vitamin C. Thyme honey is the richest honey in vitamin C.
How much vitamin C do we need a day?
The recommended daily intake of vitamin C is 75 mg and 90 mg for women and men, respectively. Pregnant women require at least 85 mg of vitamin C a day, while lactating women require 120 mg. In contrast, kids and teenagers require lower doses.
Smokers should get at least an extra dose of 35 mg of vitamin C a day, due to increased oxidative stress.
How much vitamin C in honey?
Honey contains negligible amounts of vitamin C. Most types of honey contain only 0.5 mg of vitamin C per 100g. A tablespoon has only 0.1 mg of vitamin C.[1]
But, although honey is poor in vitamin C, it can raise the amount and activity of vitamin C as well as other powerful antioxidants in the body, such as beta-carotene and glutathione reductase![2]
The richest honey in vitamin C is thyme. Also, thyme honey has significantly higher antioxidant effect as compared to other types of honey.[3]
Health benefits of honey
Above all, honey contains traces of 31 minerals, including all the major minerals, such as phosphorus, sodium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, and magnesium.
Most noteworthy, honey has potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It’s particularly high in phenolic and flavonoid compounds. So, it is believed to play a beneficial role in certain inflammatory diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, arthritis, as well as neurodegenerative diseases.[4,5]
Furthermore, honey may be beneficial for gastrointestinal tract disorders and gut microbiota, due to its probiotic properties! Healthy gut microbiome has been linked to increased metabolism and a better immune system that fights pathogens more effectively.
So, honey is considered to be a functional food with therapeutic and preventive properties.
We would benefit from its consumption, as part of a well-balanced diet. You’ll find a wide variety of organic honey brands on iHerb.
Other foods high in vitamin C
Certainly, consuming a wide variety of foods rich in vitamin C is vital for our health. We can boost the daily vitamin C intake by eating fruits high in vitamin C like oranges, strawberries, kiwis, lemons, grapefruits, papayas, and mangos!
Certain vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and peppers are particularly rich in vitamin C as well.
You can safely get high doses of vitamin C, both from foods and supplements. Just don’t exceed the maximum safe dose.
Health benefits of vitamin C
Vitamin C is vital for our health. It’s involved in many functions in the human body.
Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, carnitine, and certain neurotransmitters. Also, it’s crucial for protein metabolism and wound healing.
Additionally, adequate amounts of vitamin C may decrease the risk of developing osteoporosis, as it increases the absorption of calcium. Also, vitamin C improves the absorption of nonheme iron.[6,7]
Moreover, vitamin C might prevent premature skin aging and the formation of wrinkles, due to its powerful antioxidant properties. Additionally, vitamin C can regenerate other potent antioxidants, such as vitamin E.
Last, but not least, vitamin C might help delay or even prevent the development of certain cancers and cardiovascular disease. It boosts the immune system and fights oxidative stress.[8]
