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.

Traditional sources often state that honey is nothing more than sugar. However, this is not an accurate statement. There is more to the substance than meets the eye, as it possesses unique qualities that are not found in refined sugar. This is because the bees that are responsible for its manufacturing enhance the final product as it is being made. Therefore, unlike refined white sugar, it contains additional properties, many of which are beneficial to human health.

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.

Certain types of the aforementioned substance can also be used as an antiseptic. This is particularly true with regard to the Manuka variety. The latter is harvested from honeycombs built in shrubs bearing the same name. This type of honeycomb can be placed directly on a wound without the risk of infection. It can also be used to great advantage 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 now being completed to find out whether or not honeycomb has a positive effect on the human immune system. Preliminary studies have shown that this may be the case. In areas where the substance is regularly used, individuals may be more resistant to illness and have sturdier immune systems.

The properties in natural honeycomb may also be beneficial for those suffering from diabetes. Recently completed research indicated that in its raw variety, the substance can reduce the amount of plasma glucose in the human bloodstream, and balance homocysteine levels in both healthy and diabetic patients. However, further studies are necessary to confirm these findings.

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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