Written by Vicki Ma (Accredited Pracitising Dietitian and Sports Dietitian)
Capilano, has launched a new product that has got everyone talking! Beeotic the “happy tummy honey”, is the world’s first clinically tested prebiotic honey.
The Beeotic honey is listed as a therapeutic good with the Therapeutic Goods Administration. A study conducted by the University of New South Wales (UNSW) identified that certain honeys can significantly raise the levels of good bacteria and suppress harmful bacteria in our digestive tract.
A healthy digestive system is the foundation for good health and vitality. There are strong links between the effects of gut bacteria on stress, food intolerances as well as how much weight we might lose (or gain).
What is a prebiotic?
Prebiotics are the non-digestible dietary fibres found naturally in food and are important for keeping our gut healthy. They help promote the growth of good bacteria in our stomach.
How much Beeotic should I have?
The recommendation is to have 14 mL (which is approximately 1 tablespoon) per day.
Are there any benefits of having Beeotic prebiotic honey?
Studies have shown that it can help improve the good-to-bad bacteria ratio in our gut by:
Nourishing beneficial bacteria:
- Increasing Lactobacillus
- Increasing Bifidobacteria
Suppressing bad bacteria
- Reducing Clostridium
However, it was found that the levels of good bacteria decreased once people stopped taking the honey for a certain period of time. This means, in order to gain the full benefits you will need to have 1 tablespoon of honey every day. This could significantly increase the amount of sugar in your diet.
Alternatively, you could try eating more prebiotic foods such as beetroot, asparagus, chickpeas, lentils, pomegranate, leek and grapefruit. These will also help boost the amount of good bacteria in your gut (without the extra sugar).
You don’t need to solely rely on having honey in order to get your dose of prebiotics, there are other foods that could also help improve your good gut bacteria. For more information, make sure you read our Guide to Improve Gut Health.