Honey: You drink it in your tea and spread it on your bread,
but what is honey, really?
A thick, golden liquid produced by industrious bees, honey
is made using the nectar of flowering plants and is saved inside the beehive
for eating during times of scarcity. But how do bees make honey?
Nectar — a sugary
liquid — is extracted from flowers using a bee's long, tube-shaped tongue and
stored in its extra stomach, or "crop." While sloshing around in the
crop, the nectar mixes with enzymes that transform its chemical composition and
pH, making it more suitable for long-term storage.
1. A Good Source of Antioxidants
Raw honey contains antioxidants called phenolic compounds.
Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.
Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also
contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart
disease. Studies show that polyphenols in honey may play a role in preventing
heart disease.
2. Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It
naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Several hospitals in
Europe have used Manuka honey to fight methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacterial infection that’s become resistant to
antibiotics. The effectiveness of honey as an antibacterial or antifungal
depends on the type of honey.
Did You Know?
The exact ingredients of honey depend on which plants bees
get their nectar from.
3. Heal Wounds
Manuka honey is also used in medical settings to treat
wounds because it’s an effective germ killer. Researchers believe this is
because it has additional antibacterial properties besides the natural hydrogen
peroxide.
Studies show that Manuka honey can boost healing time and
reduce infections in wounds. However, the honey used in hospital settings is
medical grade, meaning it’s safe and sterile. You shouldn’t expect to treat
injuries with the honey you buy from a grocery store.
4. Filled with Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help
protect the plant from harm. For example, some may keep insects away or shield
the plant from harsh UV radiation.
Phytonutrients provide both antioxidant and
anti-inflammatory benefits, which help you maintain good health. Because honey
is made from plants, it also has phytonutrients. These valuable nutrients are
unique to raw honey and disappear when honey is heavily processed.
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