Recent studies have showed that honey is the new super food, and fact is, it’s got the whole nutrition world a-buzz. It has since joined the ranks of other foods like eggs, chocolates and coffee – foods that were once considered as sinful treats but was then proven otherwise (when consumed in moderation). Honey is a natural sweetener that contains small amounts of micronutrients. When compared to the more commonly used sweeteners like corn syrup and sugar, both of which are devoid of any vitamins and nutrients and has since been referred to as empty calories, it seemed that honey is a better alternative.
The nutrients found in honey include riboflavin, niacin, copper, calcium, zinc and potassium amongst many others. It is also packed with powerful antioxidants which justly solidified its place in many people’s kitchen, pantries, and even medicine cabinets. Antioxidants are known to bind the harmful free radicals in the body which is a precursor to skin ageing and sagging. It also helps in battling various heart diseases, Alzheimer’s, cancer and a few other chronic conditions. A study conducted at a research facility at the University of California, Davis requested participants to include 4 tablespoons of honey in their daily diet for a month. Blood testing done afterwards has shown an increase in the levels of antioxidants in the bodies of the participants. The highest levels of antioxidant content are found in dark-colored honey.
Honey can come in pale golden color to almost dark brown. Though all bees use nectar to produce honey, its color and flavour will depend on which type of flower the nectar was extracted from. Currently, there are more than 300 types of honey, and that is in the US alone. It is also worth noting that the darker the color of the honey is, the stronger its flavour will be.
Honey can be processed in a bevy of ways before it hits the supermarket shelves. Below are some types of honey that you might be familiar with:
Raw honey – this type has been filtered of its waxy chunks already and other large particles but not pasteurized for extended life. Since honey is naturally low in bacteria, pasteurization is not really a necessity. Raw honey might contain a bit of residual pollen and minute wax particles.
Comb honey – this is honey that is packaged exactly as it is: totally unprocessed and still in the bees’ wax comb. Chunk honey – this is most similar to comb honey; with quite a few large chunks of beeswax comb and surrounded by liquid honey.
Filtered (strained) honey – this is raw honey with all its wax filtered off using a fine mesh cloth.
Ultra-filtered honey – honey that went through an ultra-fine filtration process using heat and pressure in order to make it clearer in appearance and longer-lasting.
The Many Functions of Honey
1.Honey can act as a sweetener which is a total given. 2.It can be an antibacterial agent thanks to its low moisture content. 3.It can be used as facial or hair mask because of its moisture-attracting (humectant) property. 4.It can help you counteract indigestion. 5.It can double up as a natural exfoliator. Add two cups of honey to your bath and soak your skin for 15 minutes. 6.It can be an affordable cure for acne. Get half a teaspoon of honey and gently massage into your face. Leave it on for about 10 minutes, rinse, and then pat dry. 7.It helps lower your cholesterol levels and of course, your risk for cardiovascular diseases. 8.It improves your blood circulation. 9.It can lessen the occurrences of your seasonal allergy attacks. 10.It can help heal mild wounds, abrasions, burns, and rashes. 11. It can relieve sore throats. 12. It can help remedy your UTI due to its antibacterial properties.
