Is Honey Good for CRP Levels? Unpacking Nutrition, Inflammation, and the Sweet Truth

October 11, 2025 •

4 min read

According to ancient traditions, honey has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Modern scientific research now provides insight into its therapeutic properties, but can this natural sweetener influence C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, a key marker of inflammation? The answer lies in honey’s complex composition and its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds.

Quick Summary

Studies show promise for honey's anti-inflammatory effects and ability to lower CRP levels, particularly in subjects with elevated baselines,. Honey is rich in antioxidants like flavonoids, which help combat inflammation and oxidative stress. However, as a natural sugar, it must be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with pre-existing conditions like diabetes. The variety and processing of honey can also significantly impact its efficacy.

Key Points

Inflammation and CRP: CRP is a biomarker for systemic inflammation, and high levels are associated with increased disease risk.
Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Honey contains antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help combat inflammation and oxidative stress,.
Reduced CRP Levels: Human and animal studies have shown that honey supplementation can lead to a reduction in CRP levels, particularly in subjects with elevated baseline levels,.
Variety Matters: The anti-inflammatory potential of honey varies by floral source, with darker varieties like Manuka and Buckwheat often containing higher levels of beneficial compounds.
Consume in Moderation: Despite its benefits, honey is a natural sugar and should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals with conditions like diabetes.
Not a Cure-All: Honey is not a substitute for medical treatment or a consistently healthy diet, but can be a supportive addition to a healthy lifestyle.

Understanding Inflammation and C-Reactive Protein

Inflammation is the body's natural response to injury, infection, and disease. While acute inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process, chronic inflammation can be harmful and is linked to various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis,. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver that rises in the blood in response to inflammation. High levels of CRP are a common marker for systemic inflammation and can signal an increased risk for certain diseases.

For many years, researchers have been investigating natural compounds that may help regulate inflammation. Honey has long been revered in traditional medicine for its healing properties, and modern science is now validating some of these claims by studying its bioactive components,.

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Honey

The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of honey are primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids,. These compounds help the body's natural defense system combat oxidative stress, an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants that can lead to inflammation and cellular damage.

Polyphenols: These plant-based micronutrients found in honey act as potent antioxidants and scavenge free radicals.
Flavonoids: A type of polyphenol, flavonoids like quercetin, kaempferol, and apigenin, are particularly effective at inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes and modulating inflammatory gene expression,.
Phenolic Acids: Caffeic acid and ferulic acid found in honey also contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects.

How Honey Impacts CRP Levels: Evidence from Research

Several studies have explored the direct impact of honey consumption on CRP levels in humans, with some showing promising results:

Natural Honey Study (2004): One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that consuming 75g of natural honey for 15 days significantly decreased CRP levels by 75% in patients with hyperlipidemia and elevated CRP at baseline. In healthy subjects, CRP also showed a non-significant decrease. The study highlighted that honey provided more beneficial effects on lipids and inflammation compared to a honey-dextrose mixture.
Tualang Honey Trial (2017): A randomized trial on chronic smokers using Malaysian Tualang honey (20g/day for 12 weeks) showed a significant reduction in high-sensitive CRP (hs-CRP) levels post-intervention. However, the study noted conflicting findings regarding other inflammatory markers, emphasizing that the honey’s effect on inflammation in this population was inconclusive and required further study.
Stingless Bee Honey: Research suggests that stingless bee honey can also help reduce CRP levels, validating its anti-inflammatory potential.

Important Considerations: Honey is Still a Sugar

While honey offers anti-inflammatory benefits, it is fundamentally a source of sugar, primarily fructose and glucose. Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain, insulin resistance, and increased inflammation, potentially negating any positive effects.

Moderation is key: To reap the benefits without the risks, honey should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. For individuals with diabetes, it's particularly important to monitor blood sugar levels and consult a doctor before making significant dietary changes.
Infant safety: Never give honey to infants under 1 year of age due to the risk of botulism.

Honey's Therapeutic Potential: A Comparison of Varieties

The composition and therapeutic potential of honey can vary dramatically based on the floral source. Darker honey, for instance, generally contains higher levels of antioxidants than lighter varieties.


Honey Type	Floral Source	Region Found	Key Characteristic(s)	Notes on Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Manuka Honey	Leptospermum scoparium (Tea Tree)	New Zealand, Australia	High in Methylglyoxal (MGO)	Strong antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties, well-studied for wound healing,.
Buckwheat Honey	Fagopyrum spp. (Buckwheat)	United States, Eastern Europe	Dark color, robust flavor, high antioxidant content	High flavonoid content contributes to significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacity,.
Tualang Honey	Wild Malaysian forest trees	Malaysia	Rich in polyphenols, high antioxidant activity	Demonstrated an ability to reduce hs-CRP in a clinical trial involving chronic smokers.
Stingless Bee Honey	Various forest sources	Southeast Asia, South America	Propolis-rich, slightly sour taste	Shown to reduce circulating CRP levels in some research.

Tips for Incorporating Honey into an Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Replace Refined Sugar: Use small amounts of honey instead of highly processed sugars in your tea, coffee, or baked goods.
Add to Smoothies: Blend a teaspoon of honey with berries, spinach, and almond milk for an antioxidant-rich breakfast.
Drizzle on Oatmeal: Top your morning oatmeal with a drizzle of honey, nuts, and seeds to enhance its anti-inflammatory benefits.
Create Salad Dressings: Combine honey with olive oil, mustard, and vinegar for a flavorful and healthy dressing.
Use Mindfully: As with all added sugars, monitor your intake to avoid consuming excessive calories.

Conclusion

While honey is not a magical cure for high CRP, the body of scientific evidence suggests that it possesses notable anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can contribute to a healthier diet. Certain varieties, particularly darker, unprocessed honeys like Manuka and Buckwheat, appear to have the most potent effects. Studies have shown potential for lowering CRP levels, particularly in individuals with elevated markers. However, it's crucial to approach honey with mindfulness, considering its sugar content and prioritizing a balanced, whole-foods-based diet. When used in moderation, honey can be a sweet and flavorful tool in your nutritional arsenal for managing inflammation and supporting overall wellness.

Disclaimer: Always consult a healthcare professional before using honey to treat medical conditions, especially if you have a pre-existing condition like diabetes or a honey allergy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, research indicates honey has anti-inflammatory properties due to its phenolic and flavonoid content, which can help modulate inflammatory pathways and counteract oxidative stress,.

Darker, unprocessed honeys, such as Manuka and Buckwheat, often have a higher concentration of beneficial antioxidants and have been linked to stronger anti-inflammatory effects. Some studies have also used Malaysian Tualang honey with positive results on hs-CRP levels.

Individuals with diabetes should be cautious. While some studies suggest honey may have a lower glycemic effect than table sugar and could lower CRP in diabetics, it is still a sugar and can raise blood sugar levels,. It should only be consumed in moderation and after consulting a doctor.

Use small amounts of honey to replace refined sugars. For example, add a teaspoon to your tea or yogurt, or use it as a natural sweetener in recipes. Focusing on a balanced, antioxidant-rich diet is key.

Honey is generally safe for most adults, but risks include allergic reactions to pollen or bee proteins, digestive issues due to high fructose content, and the risk of infant botulism for children under one year old,. Moderation is important due to the high sugar content.

Raw, unprocessed honey is more likely to retain a higher concentration of beneficial bioactive compounds, as pasteurization and filtration can diminish these components,. Darker honeys are generally associated with higher antioxidant activity.

The research on this is limited, but a study using natural honey showed reductions in CRP after 15 days in subjects with elevated baselines. However, the effects can vary depending on individual health, diet, and the type of honey consumed.