Written By Sam Henselijn
Is Honey Good For You? Winnie the Pooh might have been on to something. While honey is known as a delicious natural sweetener, the delicacy has also been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. But is it really good for you? In this article, we’ll dive into honey’s possible health benefits, as well as how the nectar is made, the difference between several kinds of honey, and more.
How is honey made?
It is a liquid sweetener made by bees. The process is really quite simple, with no added preservatives, coloring, or artificial flavorings.
It starts off its impressive journey as flower nectar, which is collected by foraging honey bees. The precious substance is taken back to the hive, where the laborious process of converting nectar into honey begins.The bees deposit the liquid into the honeycombs and constantly fan it with their wings to dry it out until it finally becomes honey.
Types of honey
The flavor, color, and even the texture of honey varies from hive to hive based on the type of flower nectar collected by the bees. In the U.S. alone, there are reports of more than 300 different types of honey, each originating from a different floral source.
As a basic rule, light-colored honey tends to be mild in flavor and more floral. Common varieties include acacia honey, which is very delicate in flavor, with a pale, often almost translucent coloring. It’s also slower to crystallize than other types of honey. Another notable example is orange blossom honey, which varies from a lovely pearly shade to light amber. It’s a unique honey with a pronounced aroma and a slight citrus flavor.
Darker honeys typically taste more intense. There is also evidence that they contain more antioxidants than light-colored honey. Some darker varieties of honey include buckwheat, wildflower, thyme, dandelion, chestnut, meadow, and manuka honey. They’re often a little more on the tangy side, and occasionally even slightly bitter.
Raw vs Pasteurized
The difference is simple: raw honey is minimally processed, and comes straight from the hive. It probably has the most antioxidants too. Pasteurized honey, on the other hand, has been processed to remove imperfections and improve its shelf life.
Is honey good or bad for you?
Honey is high in antioxidants, and more substances which may
support better health. However, it’s important to keep in mind that honey is considered an added sugar, so it should still be enjoyed in moderation. Still, it is a far better option than refined sugar, especially for people with diabetes.
5 health benefits of honey
- Honey has been used to help heal wounds and burns for centuries. In fact, it may be even more effective than traditional treatments such as gauze and linen, thanks to its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities.
- It keeps blood sugar low. Honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar, so it doesn’t trigger a spike in blood sugar and insulin levels, consequently helping enhance insulin sensitivity. The nectar has also been proven to prevent excessive weight gain, when consumed in moderation.
- Honey may also serve as a convenient and inexpensive alternative to antibiotics to treat upper respiratory tract infections. Research shows that is can improve cough frequency and severity, and alleviate the discomfort of sore throats.
- The impressive combination of antioxidants and antibacterial properties means honey can strengthen our immune system and help fight off bacteria and viruses. But to see the benefit you want, it’s best to look for darker types of honey, which contain higher antioxidant levels.Buckwheat honey and manuka honey are fantastic options.
- Honey is a good source of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. In moderation, it can boost levels of antioxidants in the blood, which in turn, can lead to a reduced risk of heart conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
Honey Flavored Nuts
Fans of honey will absolutely adore these Honey Toasted Pecans. Made with real honey, they make for an addictive snack that is sweet and salty, crunchy, and perfectly balanced. The nuts are rich in several essential nutrients, including fiber, copper, thiamine, and zinc, so it really is the best of both worlds: you get to enjoy a decadent tasting treat that is also full of health benefits!
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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