Natural Energy for Athletes
It is no secret that athletes of all ages and abilities include honey in their training regimens. Honey is commonly found on training tables “before the big game,” made into energy drinks to drink during exercise, or as an energy boost for athletes who have gone through the challenge of “making weight.”

The benefits of carbohydrate (CHO) consumption prior to, during and following endurance exercise are well-documented. In addition, research supports the benefit of CHO consumption prior to and during high-intensity exercise of shorter duration (e.g., soccer matches, swimming competitions, and even high-volume resistance exercise). Carbohydrates eaten before and during exercise help maintain blood glucose levels and prevent premature fatigue. After exercise, carbohydrates are necessary to replenish muscle and liver glycogen and prepare the athlete for the next training bout.

Honey is a natural source of readily available carbohydrates providing 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon. Honey’s unique carbohydrate composition (approximately equal amounts of fructose and glucose) may render it the perfect pre-exercise food.  Research published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research suggests that honey is as effective as glucose for carbohydrate replacement during endurance exercise