Honey and Health

 

 

 

Some people refer to it as “liquid gold”, but most of us just call it honey. The substance in question is raw honey – honey in its purest form; honey that has not been filtered, strained or heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit. Many of the commercial varieties we find in stores

have been so processed that most of the beneficial enzymes,

nutrients and antioxidants have been completely destroyed. In

order to reap the benefits of honey, we must consume honey

that is raw or unpasteurized. When shopping for raw honey it

is of greatest benefit to buy local and organic. This will support

local farmers who practice organic farming. 

 

Honey is valued and loved worldwide not only because of its

taste, but because of the health benefits it provides us. Used

for nearly 2500 years, this substance contains many important

nutritional components. Honey is loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals. Vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 as well as vitamin C are found in honey. It also contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, sulphur, zinc and phosphate. Today, honey is slowly being integrated into modern medicine too as scientists are beginning to see that honey is an excellent topical application for healing wounds.

 

 

Health Benefits

 

Energy Boost

Carbohydrates in the form of glucose and fructose supply the body with energy which can boost endurance and reduce muscle fatigue. Many athletes use this food for an energy source to lift them through their training.

Excellent Source of Antioxidants

Honey not only has a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, but it also contains the flavonoid pinocembrin which is unique to honey. Pinostrobin supports and promotes healthy enzyme activity.

Supports Good Bacteria

Honey supports the gastrointestinal tract by providing bateria which are essential for efficient digestion and good health. Honey contains pre/pro biotics.

Antibacterial and Anti-fungal Properties

Based on these properties honey can treat allergies by promoting a strong immune system, and has powerful anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that makes it an excellent option to treat wounds. It has antibacterial properties due to its acidic nature and enzymically produced hydrogen peroxide. Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

Slows Aging

Part of the aging process is related to the slow depletion of enzymes in the body. Raw honey is one of the few foods to help slow the depletion of enzymes through the ingestion of amylase. Amylase is the enzyme that breaks down sugars and carbohydrates. It can restore damaged skin to give a softer, younger look.

Other Benefits

• Honey is a great aid in relieving morning sickness;

• Honey is good for sore throats, laryngitis and pharyngitis;

• A salve made of honey can be applied to relieve symptoms of eczema.

• Calcium absorption and hemoglobin count can be increased by raw honey to prevent anemia.

• Raw honey may lower total cholesterol while increasing HDL(good) cholesterol.

• Honey acts as a sedative.

• Honey can treat minor acne by attacking the bacteria that cause outbreaks while moisturizing the skin.

 

Precaution

It is recommended that children under the age of one should not consume honey because their intestinal tract is not mature enough to inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum which may cause infant botulism.

 

 

 

 

 

Article Sources:

www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-organic-locally-grown-raw-honey
www.fitsugar.com/Health-Benefits-Raw-Honey
http://asedarawhoney.com/health-benefits