The Many Nutritional Benefits Of Honey

By Leanne Goff


A pleasing taste is not where the nutritional benefits of honey end. Unfortunately, numerous individuals do not realize just how much this tasty condiment can benefit their health. Of course, it should be used in moderation, similar to any sweet food. However, when used appropriately, it provides numerous health advantages to many people.

Traditionally honey is viewed as nothing more than sugar. This theory is flawed, however. Honeycomb contains unique qualities, and for this reason there is more to it than meets the eye. Refined sugar does not have the qualities of natural honey, as the bees responsible for manufacturing the latter add properties to the finished product that are not found in white sugar. For this reason, it can benefit human health in ways that sugar cannot.

A good example of the product's many advantages is its anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. An ingredient called methylglyoxal is responsible for this effect. Methylglyoxal is a substance that has been scientifically proven to fight off various bacterial and viral infections. Therefore, those suffering from colds or other illnesses commonly experienced in the winter season may wish to have that traditional cup of tea with honey in order to speed their recovery.

The substance can also be used as an antiseptic. Manuka honey is particularly helpful in this regard. The latter is found in honeycombs built in manuka shrubs, hence its name. This kind of honeycomb can be used to treat open wounds without the risk of infecting the area. It is also highly advantageous when used to soothe burns.

Although honeycomb is made up mainly of carbohydrates and water, it is also rich in certain vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins B2, B3 and B5, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in antioxidants, particularly flavanoids, the latter of which are found in many vegetables and fruits.

Research is currently underway to discover whether or not the aforementioned substance can enhance the human immune system. Studies have shown that this may be the case. In some areas of the world, where different kinds of honeycomb are used regularly, people appear to be more resilient to sickness and may have stronger immune systems.

The ingredients in organic honeycomb may also provide advantages to those suffering from high blood sugar. Research that has recently been conducted indicates that natural honeycomb may reduce plasma glucose levels in human blood, and balance homocysteine levels in diabetics and healthy people alike. However, these conclusions must be confirmed with more clinical trials.

Due to the numerous nutritional benefits of honey, many individuals who are concerned about their health have decided to add this substance to their diet. Organic products are the wisest choice for essentially any customer. Honey can be purchased in traditional health food shops or online. However, when shopping on the Internet, it is essential to carefully research the background of any merchant with whom one is planning to conduct business prior to offering credit card information. Lastly, it is always a good idea to speak to one's primary healthcare practitioner before making any dietary changes.




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