For decades, people have been using caffeine, creatine, and protein to give their bodies a strong boost in athletic performance. But lately, some fitness influencers have started trying different things before their workouts. For example, some have been eating honey sprinkled with salt, then putting on their running shoes and heading to the gym.
They claim this hack is a natural and inexpensive way to energize the body quickly and help with maintaining electrolyte balance and hydration. But does it actually work? And what are the best ways to use it or alternatives to commercial energy drinks?
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey contains compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. After consuming honey, these compounds help fight free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. This means that using honey instead of sugar or sweetened energy drinks can provide additional benefits.
Does It Really Work?
This hack can provide an extra energy boost during exercise.
Honey, which is primarily composed of carbohydrates, is easy to digest and provides quick energy. The salt helps maintain hydration and balances electrolytes during exercise. So if you feel that your energy is fading halfway through a long workout, this hack might help you bounce back quickly. However, the key is using the right amounts of honey and salt and not overdoing it, as that could upset the stomach.
It’s worth noting that this is not a substitute for proper hydration or a balanced diet, which remains the most important factor for maintaining long-term energy levels and performance.
How Effective Is It?
When comparing honey and salt to commercial energy drinks, this hack is considered a natural alternative. Energy drinks often contain processed ingredients like caffeine, sugar, and sucralose, among other substances that might not suit everyone. Honey and salt provide a simpler, cleaner energy source that can be part of a healthy fitness routine.
However, this doesn’t mean that commercial energy drinks don’t work; it depends on the individual’s goals and preferences.
If you're looking for a quick and natural energy boost, trying the honey and salt hack might be a good idea. However, if you don’t notice any benefit equivalent to an energy drink, it’s better to rely on something scientifically proven to improve athletic performance.
Do You Really Need It?
If you follow a balanced diet that includes sufficient amounts of carbohydrates, protein, and fats daily, then according to the American College of Sports Medicine, you don’t need honey or any energy drink before working out if your session lasts an hour or less. For most people, water is enough.
What science has discovered so far does not provide solid evidence for this method. Researchers studied honey as a source of energy for athletes, and a comprehensive analysis published in Nutrients concluded that while honey offers some additional benefits compared to other carbohydrate sources, the results are not dramatic.
It’s important to note that one tablespoon of honey contains more than 17 grams of sugar, so consuming it is essentially equivalent to taking in simple carbohydrates with the same effect.