Goodness of Honey

Goodness of Honey

80% of Honey is simple sugars, mostly fructose & glucose with small quantities of other sugars like maltose, sucrose & other complex carbohydrates. Its glycemic index varies from 32- 85 depending on the botanical source. Honey is not only nature’s original sweetener; it is a natural source of energy with a unique combination of nutritional benefits.  Honey contains many vitamins- Vit B6, thiamin, riboflavin & pantothenic acid & minerals- calcium, copper, iron, magnesium,, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium & zinc.

Honey contains many compounds which function as antioxidants, one of which is pinocembrin, which is unique to honey.

The darker the honey is, it contains more minerals & are strongly flavored than lighter ones.

Therapeutic use of honey-

1) The viscosity & the hygroscopic qualities of honey permits its even spread on a wound, creating a favorable environment for healing. Due to this, it has been used for chronic wounds of the lower leg & abdomen.

2) Honey is rich source of carbohydrates & provides a quick source of energy. Recent studies have shown that the unique mixture of sugars which occur in honey works best in preventing fatigue & enhances athletic performances.

3) Another study states that a spoonful of honey before a workout is a good energy booster.

4) Honey taken along with supplemental calcium enhanced calcium absorption.

5) Honey is anti-carcinogen. Honey containing marinades effectively limits the production of potential cancer causing compounds called heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) when marinated steak & chicken are fried. HAAs are formed when meat is cooked at high temperatures & then begins to char or blacken. Marinating meat for 4 hours in marinades containing 30% honey significantly reduced HAA formation.

6) Most micro-organisms do not grow on honey because of its low water activity.

7) Honey is a natural anti-septic; helps in wound healing, swelling goes down & tissue grow back. Even burns heal better with honey.

8) Honey contains a good amount of plaque-fighting antioxidants & so reduces dental plaque. It also has an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for the antimicrobial activity of honey.

9) Honey is used in many face masks, as it softens the skin, prevents aging.

10) Honey when taken with roasted clove crushed helps to relieve bad coughs.

Last but not the least, honey taken with lime juice on empty stomach each morning, helps to reduce  weight !