A pleasing taste is not where the nutritional benefits of honey end. Unfortunately, numerous individuals do not realize just how much this tasty condiment can benefit their health. Of course, it should be used in moderation, similar to any sweet food. However, when used appropriately, it provides numerous health advantages to many people.
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.
Although honeycomb is made up mainly of carbohydrates and water, it is also rich in certain vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins B2, B3 and B5, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in antioxidants, particularly flavanoids, the latter of which are found in many vegetables and fruits.
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 substances found in natural honeycomb may also offer advantages to individuals afflicted with diabetes. Research recently completed shows that in its raw variety, the substance may lessen the plasma glucose count in one's blood, and balance homocysteine levels in both diabetics and healthy individuals. However, these findings must be confirmed with further studies.
Due to the numerous nutritional benefits of honey, certain consumers who are health conscious invest in organic varieties of the substance. The organic variety is the best choice for such consumers. Such products can be bought in conventional stores or online. However, before completing a transaction or entering personal information such as credit card numbers, one should thoroughly research the website. Finally, any dietary changes should always be discussed with one's family doctor.
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.
Although honeycomb is made up mainly of carbohydrates and water, it is also rich in certain vitamins and minerals. These include vitamins B2, B3 and B5, as well as iron, potassium, calcium, copper, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also rich in antioxidants, particularly flavanoids, the latter of which are found in many vegetables and fruits.
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 substances found in natural honeycomb may also offer advantages to individuals afflicted with diabetes. Research recently completed shows that in its raw variety, the substance may lessen the plasma glucose count in one's blood, and balance homocysteine levels in both diabetics and healthy individuals. However, these findings must be confirmed with further studies.
Due to the numerous nutritional benefits of honey, certain consumers who are health conscious invest in organic varieties of the substance. The organic variety is the best choice for such consumers. Such products can be bought in conventional stores or online. However, before completing a transaction or entering personal information such as credit card numbers, one should thoroughly research the website. Finally, any dietary changes should always be discussed with one's family doctor.
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