One of the many great things about Farmers’ Markets is that you can find unprocessed honey, also known as raw honey, for sale. Most of the honey sold in grocery stores has been pasteurized and sometimes even blended with cane sugar or corn syrup. However, raw honey is naturally antiseptic and does not need pasteurization.
People have been using raw honey for its health benefits for millennia. Raw honey contains pollen, enzymes, antioxidants and many other beneficial compounds that researchers are just beginning to discover. These compounds largely disappear during processing. The general rule is the darker the raw honey, the more nutritious it is.
Allergy Relief
Recent research supports the theory that local honey– obtained as close as possible to where you live–may help build an immunity to seasonal allergies. Honey made by bees in the vicinity of an allergenic plant will contain tiny amounts of pollen from that plant. This honey will act as a sort of vaccine if taken in small amounts–a few teaspoons per day–for several months, and can provide relief from seasonal pollen-related allergies.
Antioxidants
Raw honey contains powerful cancer-fighting antioxidants, while pasteurized honey does not.
Digestive Aid
Raw honey contains many enzymes that can help some people digest food more easily so it may also help treat ulcers and diarrhea.
Vitamins and Minerals
The nutrient content of raw honey varies (darker honey is more nutritious), but a 1-ounce serving contains very small amounts of folate as well as vitamins B2, C, B6, B5 and B3. Minerals including calcium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, sodium and zinc are also found in raw honey.
Wound and Skin Care
Honey has anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antiseptic properties. It is used by the medical profession to treat wounds, burns, and various other skin conditions including acne.
Cough Suppressant
Honey is also useful in treating upper respiratory infections. Studies have shown that a small dose of raw honey was more effective than an over-the-counter cough treatment. Be sure not to give any honey, either raw or treated, to a child under the age of 12 months.
Blood sugar regulation:
Even though honey contains simple sugars, some researchers believe it does not affect the body in the same way as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Honey’s exact combination of fructose and glucose may actually help the body regulate blood sugar levels.
In addition to its health benefits, it is a scientific fact that cooking with honey makes food taste better. Honey contains gluconic acid, a completely safe and natural flavor enhancer. According to the National Honey Board, honey “balances and enhances the flavor profiles of other ingredients used in a recipe.”
A little honey makes everything better!
Related articles
- Honey raw or pasteurized? (aristonorganic.wordpress.com)
- Benefits of Raw Honey (reflectionswithrhonda.com)
- The Many Benefits and Uses Of Raw Honey (jmgenuinehoney.wordpress.com)
- The Raw About Honey (amandashankland.wordpress.com)
- Raw Honey- The Food of Gods (giftsofgaia.wordpress.com)
Reblogged this on Living and Lovin.
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[…] Health Benefits Of Honey! (romancingthebee.com) […]
Thanks for reblogging
It’s a fantastic product, especially as it’s a by product of the bees main worth to us.
Very true!
Reblogged this on EcologyEscapades and commented:
This is good advice – a number of people I know buy a pot of local honey to help combat hay fever. Eating honey every day has to be better than spraying stuff up your nose!!
Thanks for reblogging and support!
Chock, or should I say honey pot, full of information, Rachel. Thank you.
I use local honey as much as I can, purchasing from farmers markets and locals. I do notice some seasonal allergy relief when I use local. This year, I ran out of local – and had the sneezles to prove it come spring!
Support your local Farmers’ Markets!!
Reblogged this on Lavender Lemon Honey.
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Lovely!
Thanks for commenting so nicely!!
I’m rebloging this as well on wantsomehoney
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