More Nutritional Benefits Of Honey Are Continuously Being Discovered

By Leanne Goff


The myriad nutritional benefits of honey far exceed a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, a high number of consumers do not realize exactly how many health benefits are associated with the substance. As one would suspect, similar to any sweet food, honeycomb should be used in moderation. However, when one does not consume it excessively, it may offer a considerable number of health benefits.

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.

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.

Studies are currently being conducted to determine whether or not honey stimulates the immune system. Research indicated that this may be the case. In certain parts of the world, where various types of honey are used on a regular basis, individuals appear to have stronger immune systems and are more resilient to illness.

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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