There Are Numerous 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.

One example of the many advantages with which the substance is associated is its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Methylyoxal is the ingredient responsible for these results. The latter is a substance that is been proven scientifically to fight off different viral and bacterial infections. For this reason, individuals who suffer from illnesses such as colds during the winter may want to consider having that traditional cup of hot tea and honey to potentially shorten their recovery time.

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.

Even though honeycomb is primarily made up of water and carbohydrates, it also contains generous amounts of minerals and vitamins. The latter include vitamins B5, B3, and B2, as well as phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, calcium, potassium and iron. It also contains flavanoids and other antioxidants. Flavanoids are found in numerous fruits and vegetables.

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 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, certain consumers who are health conscious invest in organic varieties of the substance. The organic variety is the best choice for such consumers. Such products can be bought in conventional stores or online. However, before completing a transaction or entering personal information such as credit card numbers, one should thoroughly research the website. Finally, any dietary changes should always be discussed with one's family doctor.




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