Effect of honey consumption after physical exercises on electrolytes and blood glucose levels

Abstract

Honey has been used as food and medicine for thousands of years. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of honey in restoring the levels of electrolytes and blood glucose after performing physical exercises. The effect of honey consumption on electrolyte and blood glucose levels was examined on12 healthy male subjects, which were divided into 4 groups with three members in each group. Group I was treated as control and provided only 250 ml of mineral water after exercise, while group II was provided 250 ml commercial isotonic beverage, group III provided honey solution 1 (15 ml honey/250 ml water), and group IV provided honey solution 2 (45 ml honey/250 ml water). The physical exercise performed by the subjects is running on a treadmill at a speed of 5.6 km/h for 40 minutes. Measurements of electrolyte and blood glucose levels were performed 24 hrs before as initial baseline, and these were also measured after the physical exercise as well as after the treatment. Results of the study revealed that honey played a significant role in the restore electrolyte and blood glucose levels in people who have performed physical activities such as exercising and the effect of honey is similar to the commercial isotonic beverage. However, no significant difference (p-value > 0.05) was reported between the honey solution 1 and 2 and other treatment groups in elevating sodium and chloride level.

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