Honey contains plant polyphenols called flavonoids which are also found in most fruits and vegetables. Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant properties and are important for good health. The Benefits of raw honey have been known for centuries and the old remedy of taking honey if you are sick is proving well founded. The Journal of Medicinal Food reported that honey stimulates antibody production during primary and secondary immune responses. Other benefits of honey include easing sore throats and applying to wounds as an antiseptic. Manuka honey is particularly good as an antiseptic. A recent study at Penn State College of Medicine found honey can be a safe alternative to over-the-counter cough medicine. In moderation, raw honey may also be suitable for people with diabetes.
Raw Honey
Most of the benefits of honey come from raw honey. Bees collect the nectar from flowers then carry it back to their hive where it is turned into honeycomb. This is raw honey and has nothing to do with the refined honey found on most supermarket shelves. Most of the benefits of honey are lost when it is processed and pasteurised at high temperatures. Enzymes are lost stripped along with many of its nutrients and the bee pollen. Raw honey can be found in most health food shops or online.
Honey Nutrition Facts
Made up mainly of water and carbohydrates, raw honey also contains vitamins and minerals including B vitamins B2, B3 and B5 and the minerals calcium, potassium, zinc, copper, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium and iron. Honey also contains a good range of antioxidants in the form of flavonoids which are also found in fruit and vegetables.
Honey and Diabetes
Honey is high in sugar so anyone with diabetes should use honey with extreme caution. However, it is one of the best sweeteners to use as it does contain good levels of vitamins and minerals. Studies do suggest it may be suitable for diabetes sufferers in moderation. One recent study found raw honey lowered plasma glucose as well and C-reactive protein and homocysteine in both healthy and diabetic patients.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey comes from the flowers of the Manuka bush, which is a native plant of New Zealand. Studies have shown it can be effective in a wide range of ailments from wound healing to digestive problems. Its antibacterial qualities have been well documented over the last few years. Research has found that Manuka honey has useful levels of antioxidants, with Active Manuka Honey having the highest of all. Active Manuka honey stimulates the immune system and helps the body deal with infections.
References:
www.honey.com
www.manukahoney.com
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