The Benefits of Adding Honey to Your Diet
For the past 2,500 years, honey has been an
essential ingredient, used by countless cultures all around the world.
Perhaps one of the reasons why, even today, honey is so widely consumed,
is due to the variety of ways it can be eaten: You can eat a spoonful
of honey directly, or spread it on bread like a jam, you can mix it with
juice or tea for a sweeter taste, or simply add it to warm water. No
matter how you use it, honey has become an extremely useful and
versatile ingredient. It is also becoming increasingly recognized not
only for its amazing taste, but its medicinal properties. To reap its
benefits, selecting the right type of honey is key.
Knowing the Difference between Pure and
Artificial Honey
When purchasing honey, bear in mind that raw honey (honey in its purest
form) is best. Raw honey hasn't been filtered, strained or heated above
115°F (46°C), unlike many of the commercial varieties we find lined up
in our conventional grocery stores. In fact, most of the commercial
kinds have been processed to the point that many (if not all) of the
beneficial enzymes, nutrients and antioxidants have been completely
destroyed.
But, how can you identify the difference
between the two? These 4 tests will help you determine whether the honey
you purchased, is pure or not:
1. The texture test
Unlike artificial honey, pure honey is solid. A spoonful will remain
intact and will not drip off or spread easily.
2. The water test
Artificial honey, dissolves easily in water. Pure honey, on the other
hand, will lump and settle at the bottom of a glass that is filled with
water.
3. The shelf life test
Pure honey will crystallize over time, while imitation honey will
continue to look like syrup, no matter how long it has been stored.
4. Light a fire
If you dip the tip of a matchstick in
honey, then strike it to light, natural honey will light the match
easily and the flame will burn off the honey. Artificial honey, though,
will not light due to the moisture that it contains.
To get the most out of this beneficial food, purchase a raw, organic
honey from a whole food shops, a farmer's market or specialized food
stores.
The Key Nutrients Found in Pure Honey
Raw honey is loaded with many essential vitamins and minerals. It is
packed with essential B vitamins, including B1 (Thiamine), B2
(Riboflavin), B3 (Niacin), B5 (Pantothenic Acid) and B6 (Pyridoxine),
all of which function as coenzymes that help the body attain energy from
food. The B-vitamins are also important for normal appetite, good
vision, healthy skin and nervous system function, as well as red blood
cell formation. Honey is also a good source of vitamin C, which benefits
the body by holding cells together through collagen synthesis (a
connective tissue that holds muscles, bones and other tissues together).
Honey also contains minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium
chlorine, copper, iron, manganese, sulphur, zinc and phosphate - most of
which aid in body metabolism, water balance and bone health, among many
other beneficial qualities.
10 Ways Pure Honey Can Benefit Your Health
1. A great source of energy
Carbohydrates in the form of glucose and fructose supply the body and
mind with energy, which can boost endurance and reduce muscle fatigue.
In fact, honey is used by many athletes as an instant, yet sustained,
energy source.
2. An excellent source of antioxidants
Besides containing a full spectrum of vitamins and minerals, honey also
contains the flavonoid pinocembrin - which is unique to honey. This
supports and promotes healthy enzyme activity.
3. Slows down the aging process
The slow depletion of enzymes in the body
partly contributes to the aging process. Raw honey, however, is one of
the few foods that helps slow the depletion of enzymes through the
ingestion of amylase - an enzyme that breaks down sugars and
carbohydrates. This has the ability to restore damaged skin, giving a
softer, younger look.
4. Supports good bacteria
Honey supports Bifidobacteria, which is present in the gastrointestinal
tract and is essential for efficient digestion and good health. Honey
also contains pre/pro-biotics, which helps growth and activity of
Bifidobacteria. Honey doesn't ferment in the stomach and can be used to
counteract indigestion.
5. Treats allergies and supports a strong immune system
Honey contains antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that can treat
allergies by supporting a strong immune system. Using honey often can
also strengthen the white blood corpuscles, which help fight bacterial
and viral diseases.
6. Promotes better blood sugar control
Experimental evidence suggests that consumption of honey may improve
blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity compared to other
sweeteners. The body's tolerance to honey is significantly better than
its reaction to sucrose and glucose sourced from other foods.
Individuals with greater glucose intolerance (those with mild diabetes
and Type 1 diabetes - a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces
little or no insulin) showed significantly better tolerance to honey
than sucrose.
7. Helps lower high cholesterol
In a series of experiments involving
healthy subjects and those with high cholesterol, honey has been found
to be the healthiest sweetener. However, the study also found that in
patients with high cholesterol, artificial honey increased LDL (bad)
cholesterol, while pure, natural honey decreased total cholesterol by 8%
and LDL cholesterol by 11%.
8. Helps suppress a cough
In children and teens aged between 2 and 18, honey has been found to be
more effective than cough suppressant dextromethorphan. Buckwheat honey,
has been shown to be an especially successful cough medicine.
9. A beneficial wound healer
Raw honey applied topically to the skin, has been revealed to contain a
number of wound healing benefits. Because honey is composed mainly of
glucose and fructose (two sugars that strongly attract water), honey
absorbs water in the wound and dries it out so that the growth of
bacteria and fungi is inhibited. Studies have also discovered that
Manuka honey decreases the surface pH level of wounds so that germs can
no longer survive and bacteria is kept out.
10. Potentially prevents low white blood cell count
Honey may be a promising and inexpensive way to prevent low white blood
cell count caused by chemotherapy. In a small study, 40% of cancer
patients who were known to be at risk of neuropenia (very low blood
count) had no further episodes of the condition after taking 2 teaspoons
of therapeutic honey each day during chemotherapy.