Thursday, January 23, 2014

The Many Nutritional Benefits Of Honey

By Marissa Velazquez


Honey is produced by honey bees who use the nectar from flowers which they regurgitate and evaporation occurs. The nutritional benefits of honey have been written about in Vedic, Greek, and Roman texts. It's healing properties were referred to by scientists and philosophers since ancient times.

Many claims about honey have not been scientifically shown to be true, but it is said that this product can indeed prove to have many healing traits. It has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and enzymes. It is nearly 70 to 80 percent sugar giving it such a delicious taste, the remainder is minerals and water. It is also said to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

This delicious product has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for over 4 thousand years, it was thought to treat imbalances in the body. Pre-Ancient Egyptians used it topically to treat wounds, Egyptians made medicinal compounds over five thousand years ago, and Ancient Greeks thought that eating it helped one to live longer. It has a slightly higher pH level, between 3.2 and 4.5, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and it has antioxidant properties. The properties will vary by where it is harvested, it takes on the taste of the specific flora and water content that was used to produce it.

Some of the many reasons that this sweet treat may be healthy are that it has been shown to prevent GERD, is has been used in the rehydration of infants and children who suffer from gastroenteritis, it has been used for acute diarrhea, as a glucose replacement in oral rehydration and has been found to shorten the length of time infants and children have bacterial diarrhea.

People have reported the use of honey in treating wounds. Applied topically it can work like an antibiotic. It may be used to help heal burns, but this has not been proven. There is some research that shows it can minimize seasonal allergies, it is great for soothing a cough. Manuka honey was found to be effective in killing bacteria by destroying bacterial proteins. Some studies have shown it to be effective in treating MRSA infections.

Full of mineral, enzymes, and vitamins in it's raw and organic state it can boost system immunity and protect one from bacteria. Coughs, cold and flu symptoms, congestion, and sore throats are all kept under control when adding 1 to 2 teaspoons to warm water. Add a little lemon juice and a bit of cinnamon for extra benefits.

It's even great for skincare, just apply a bit to blemishes and let sit overnight. Wash it off in the morning for a clear complexion. It treats, but doesn't cure, other skin condition as well like ring worm, eczema, and psoriasis. If soothes inflammation and offers relief of dryness.

As a beverage first thing in the morning, a little warm water, lemon, and honey can flush out toxins, cleanse the liver, and flush out fat. Mix in a little cinnamon to reduce cholesterol by 10 percent and revitalize the arteries and veins in the heart. A great reliever of indigestion, it reduces stomach acidity and neutralizes gas before a big meal. There are so many nutritional benefits of honey, it offers a source of sugar and calories, an energy boost, and tastes great.




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