There is ongoing debate within the candida community as to whether raw honey is good for candida overgrowth.  Those who look at it as “black and white” claim that it’s bad for candida since it contains high amounts sugar.  As a result, all forms of it should be avoided by anyone suffering with a candida overgrowth.

However, when the properties of honey are further examined, it can be seen that this liquid gold substance does not feed candida.  In fact, there is research showing that this superfood can actually prevent candida overgrowth!

That being said, those looking as to whether honey is a good option to include on their candida diet are still confused about this amazing food.

Luckily, we hope to clear up all the confusion surrounding honey and candida in this post so that you can make a better informed decision as to whether this superfood is right for you!

Honey vs. Raw Honey – The Big Difference

It’s important to understand that there is a big difference between honey that has been heated at extremely high temperatures and honey that is completely raw.  Heated, or pasteurized honey, will be completely devoid of all of its raw enzymes and beneficial properties.  In fact, many vitamins, minerals, and amino acids present in it will actually degrade at high temperatures.

As a result, you are always going to want to make sure that the honey you are consuming is raw.  Raw honey is not devoid of its vitamin, minerals, and amino acids and has all of its beneficial raw enzymes intact.  These raw enzymes can help better serve the body and can help immensely in correcting digestive disorders and assisting in the digestive process.

Interestingly, Ayurveda, an ancient Indian healing system based on diet and medicinal remedies, actually recommends that honey should never be heated.  The belief was that heating caused chemical changes in the honey making it incredibly hard to digest.  Overtime, this can have a negative effect on the digestive tract.

If consumed frequently, Ayurveda believes that heated honey  can contribute to several different disorders and disease in the body.

Raw Honey – A Powerful Candida Remedy

Up until recently, it was well known that raw honey has amazing health benefits when it comes to the digestive system.  In fact, this functional food was frequently given to those with poor digestion, or with stomach ailments. 

However, many are unaware of raw honey’s ability to inhibit the growth of the candida in the body.  Its powerful anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties make it perfect for combating candida conditions in the body.

Research has shown that it can help inhibit the growth of several different species of candida due to its high phytochemical content and strong anti-microbial properties.  Out of all the raw honey’s, Australian and New Zealand seem to have the strongest inhibitory effect against the growth of candida (1)(2).

It’s for this reason that Raw New Zealand Manuka Honey is highly recommended for anyone dealing with a candida overgrowth.  Manuka honey is considered to be one the most powerful honey’s in the whole world.  This is because the Manuka honey comes from bees who pollinate the highly medicinal manuka bush.  As a result, all of these medicinal properties get transferred over into the honey making it a powerful anti-candida tonic.

Raw local honey’s are also beneficial for candida overgrowth.  As an added benefit, raw local honey will contain pollen from local plants and can actually help those dealing with seasonal allergies.  It’s not uncommon for seasonal allergies to reduce after introducing a high quality local raw honey into the diet.

Will the Sugar in Honey Feed Candida?

Many will make the claim that the sugar present in honey will feed candida in the body.  For those unaware, candida operates on a sugar metabolism.  This means that it uses sugars in order to multiply and survive.  It’s for this reason, that high sugar and starchy carbohydrate diets are not recommended for those with candida overgrowth, or for anyone seeking optimal health.

However, honey is much more than just sugar. In fact, it’s been shown that it is a combination of fructose, glucose, and sucrose.  It also provides the body with high amounts of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids which are devoid in white sugar.

Again, research and experience shows that raw honey has powerful anti-candida properties that can help inhibit the growth of candida and improve the health of the digestive system.

Pesticides—The Downfall of Honey

Unlike plants that are stagnant and can’t move around, bees are able to cover miles upon miles of territory all while pollinating different types plants and herbs that they may come across.

Unfortunately, due to the world in which we live in, this can increase the risk of pesticides making their way into the honey.  This is because pesticides are used extensively among both the general public, farmers, and big agriculture corporations.

As a result, when a bee pollinates a plant that has been heavily treated with pesticides, these potentially harmful chemicals can make their way into the honey.  This can lead to a whole host of problems and can actually contribute to an allergic response in some individuals. 

Those who do poorly with raw honey should consider investigating as whether it’s really the raw honey causing this reaction.  It’s extremely common for individuals to do well with one raw honey, but poor with another.  In our experience, a negative reaction to it is hardly ever a reaction to the honey, but rather what’s in the honey.

Focus on New Zealand Honey’s

Although local raw honey is great, there is always the risk of getting a large dose of pesticides depending on your location.  Those dealing with a candida overgrowth want to avoid pesticides at all costs since this will add to the toxic load in the body.

Instead, focus on honey’s that are coming from other countries that have strict guidelines for pesticide use such as New Zealand.  Due to the stricter laws on pesticides, there is less chance of these chemicals getting into your honey.

In particular, Wedderspoon Raw Manuka Honey is well known for producing a quality honey that is free of antibiotics, glyphosate and pesticides.  We highly recommend Wedderspoon honey products due to their honesty and integrity.  Furthermore, all of their Manuka honey is raw and contains the powerful medicinal properties that Manuka honey is renowned for.

Should You Consume Honey if You have Candida?

In our opinion, raw honey is an excellent option for those with a  candida overgrowth.  Research is clear that it has powerful anti-fungal and anti-microbial properties that can help combat against candida.  Throughout history it can be seen that honey was used for various digestive disorders and infections involving the digestive tract.

However, if you’re going to use this superfood, always make sure that you purchase from a reputable source.  As mentioned above, it’s extremely common for honey’s to become contaminated with potentially harmful pesticides. 

That being said, honey can make an excellent addition to a proper anti-candida diet.  Many find that their digestive disorders clear up dramatically after introducing a quality Manuka honey into their diet.  In fact, it pairs extremely well with many of the recipes in our Crush Candida Recipe Cookbook!

For best results, use a raw manuka honey first thing in the morning and right before you go to bed.  Taking honey at night can help improve sleep and can give the liver the necessary glucose it needs during the night.