We're all aware that honey is a healthier alternative to sugar. An important point to note is that the calories in honey per tablespoon are more than those in sugar per tablespoon.

	1 Tablespoon	1 Teaspoon
Calories in Sugar	46	16
Calories in Honey	64	22
1 tbsp Honey = 1-1/2 - 2 tbsp Sugar
1 tsp Honey = 1-1/2 tsp Sugar

However, keep in mind that honey is sweeter than sugar, so you are going to use lesser honey as compared to sugar as a sweetener. Thus, effectively, you may be consuming similar or lesser calories, but with a whole lot of other benefits. When you consume raw honey, you are in fact consuming two components of it called glucose and fructose. These are simple sugars and can be easily digested by the body. They also do not create a blood sugar rush, as normal sugar does. However, when you consume sugar, you are in fact consuming a compound called sucrose, that has to be broken down into glucose by the intestines before it enters the blood stream. This causes the pancreas to overwork and results in a higher production of insulin in the body. As we all know, such an activity in the long run is one of the causes for diabetes. In essence, honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which means that its absorption into the blood stream is slower and healthier. Experts suggest that honey is a better option as a sweetener for weight watchers. Of course, it has a higher number of calories, so no matter how healthy it is, an excess is going to cause weight gain. All you have to do is replace sugar with a lesser amount of honey, and consume it in a limited amount. It does aid weight loss if you add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of lemon juice. Drink this concoction ideally every morning, or before a workout, and you will definitely see results in a short span of time. Also remember that though honey has a greater number of calories, it also contains important nutrients that are missing from regular sugar. Though in minor amounts, honey is packed with minerals, vitamins, and important amino acids. These may not be able to fulfill the daily requirement of the body, but their presence definitely makes the consumption of honey a healthier option than sugar. Sugar has empty calories, which contributes to nothing but the collection of fat in the body.

Both commercial and raw honey contain 64 calories per tablespoon.

While there isn't any difference between the calories in commercial and raw honey, the latter does boast of a few more benefits. Commercial honey is heavily processed, in the manner of excessive heating and filtering, to attain the clear golden liquid we all love. But the problem lies in the heating process, which destroys most of the important vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and enzymes contained in honey that has just been harvested from a hive. Raw honey, on the other hand, is not heavily processed or heated in the process of pasteurization. Also, it is minimally filtered, which means it may not look as clear and golden as commercial honey. At room temperature, raw honey is solid, and has a milky appearance. But this is for your benefit. If the honey you purchase has a cloudy appearance, it means that all the important nutrients are retained in it. But to ensure this, when you purchase it, look for the terms unpasteurized or raw on it. It is as delicious as commercial honey, and also healthier.