Evidence from cave paintings shows that humans have been hunting for and collecting honey for 10,000 years. It has long been used on its own, and in many foods and beverages for sweetening and flavoring. Honey even has a place in religious symbolism, and is referred to in the Bible numerous times. The particular flavor of honey is based on the source of the nectar.
Why is honey so sweet?
Honey’s sweetness comes from fructose and glucose and has about the same relative sweetness as granulated sugar, but its distinctive flavor is preferred by many over sugar. Most microorganisms have a hard time growing in honey due to its low water activity. It is often used as a healing remedy and has numerous health benefits that scientific research continues to uncover. Here are some of the many health benefits of honey.
At its most basic, organic, raw honey is a healthy source of energy due to the carbohydrates it contains. The carbs in honey supply energy, strength, and endurance, and cut down on muscle fatigue.
Honey Health Treatments
Honey is a safe and natural remedy for the morning sickness that often accompanies early pregnancy, and is thought by many to be more effective than the usual soda cracker remedy.
The benefits of honey as a great soother for sore throats, laryngitis, and pharyngitis have long been known.
When paired with cinnamon, honey can help in relieving indigestion, arthritis, bladder infections, and even bad breath. Some people claim that honey can slow hair loss.
Honey added to warm, raw goat’s milk is believed to increase the human male’s sperm count considerably, and has been used as a natural impotence remedy, as well as in treatment of infertility in women.
When topically applied, honey used as a salve can safely and effectively treat diabetic ulcers, canker sores, bleeding gums, and eczema, and can be used when topical antibiotics are not well-tolerated.
Honey mixed with apple cider vinegar has long been used to sooth stomach aches, to ease constipation, and to treat migraine headaches.
Combined with lemon, honey is able to make the body’s available fat stores more usable for regular bodily functions. Other benefits of honey are that it is cholesterol free, and some believe that it keeps cholesterol levels under control.
Honey is an amazing natural substance, and there is no wonder it has been so widely used for so many thousands of years. It is receiving plenty of attention due to its natural healing abilities. Buying locally grown, organic honey not only supplies you with the goodness of honey, but supports your local beekeepers and local agriculture and economy. The benefits of honey are not just for health, but local economies as well!
One thing you must remember with honey, however, is that it naturally contains botulinum endospores. While these have no effect on the vast majority of the population, babies under the age of 12 months should never eat honey. Before this age, a baby’s intestinal tract has not matured to the point that it can inhibit growth of clostridium botulinum, which is sometimes found in honey. So while older children and adults can safely eat honey, it should not be fed to babies under age one. (source: http://benefitsofhoneyblog.com/)
Honey is considered the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life. History has recorded honey as the most used medicine in ancient Egypt while in the First World War, honey mixed with cod liver oil were used to treat soldier's wound.
Honey is also mentioned in the holy book for the Moslems, the Koran while the great Napoleon has also used the bees as a symbol of his empire.
There is scientific research that shows that honey is a wonderful food. I would only give one as an example. In one recent study, researchers at the University of California, Davis, reported in March 2004 that daily consumption of raw honey may raise polyphenolic antioxidant levels in blood and reduce the risk of damage by free radicals. In English this means better immune system and stronger body.
So, what are you waiting for? Eat honey today!However, unpasteurized honey should not be taken by pregnant women. Also, make sure you only buy cold-pressed honey because heated honey contains additives, so it may not be able to retain its healing properties.
Benefits
Honey is sedative, anti-fungal and nourishing
Soothes tissues and help retain calcium in the body
Antibacterial -- great for both internal or external problem
Considered to be a Swiss army knife in the world of alternative medicine.
Honey can boost the immune system
The Use
Mixture of equal quantities of honey and ginger juice is a good expectorant. It helps in colds, cough, sore throat and runny nose.
For asthma, mix half a gram of black pepper powder with honey and ginger juice mixture. Drink this mixture a few times a day.
Honey can soothe and encourage the healing of sores in the mouth or vagina.
A bowl of oats porridge with a spoonful of honey will calm the nerve. Ideal to be taken before an exam.
Honey is a great moisturizer and can be used on the skin as a natural revitalizing mask
Eating a little local honey will make you "immune" to pollens in the area.
To improve eyesight, mix honey with carrot juice. Take one hour before meals in the morning.
To purify the blood, mix one glass of warm water with 1-2 teaspoonful of honey and one teaspoonful of lemon juice. Take this preparation daily before you go to the toilet. It will also reduce fat and cleans your bowel.
Natural honey causes a lower rise in blood sugar than that of refined sugars in people with Type 2 diabetes. A little unprocessed honey may be added in their drinks when they crave some sweetness in their diet. Just use raw honey to benefit from this goodness. (source: http://www.oohoi.com/natural%20remedy/everyday_food/honey.htm)
Honey… Natural Energy
Honey is also a rich source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams per tablespoon, which makes it ideal for your working muscles since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses for energy. Carbohydrates are necessary in the diet to help maintain muscle glycogen, also known as stored carbohydrates, which are the most important fuel source for athletes to help them keep going.
Whether you’re looking for an energy boost or just a sweet reward after a long workout, honey is a quick, easy, and delicious all-natural energy source!
Honey as an Athletic Aid
Pre-exercise: For years, sports nutritionists have recommended eating carbohydrates before an athletic activity for an added energy boost. As with many carbohydrates, pure honey may be an effective form to ingest just prior to exercise. When honey is eaten before a workout or athletic activity, it is released into the system at a steady rate throughout the event.
During Exercise: Consuming carbohydrates, such as honey, during a workout helps your muscles stay nourished longer and delays fatigue, versus not using any aid or supplement. Next time you reach for a simple bottle of water, add some honey to it – it might give you that much-needed athletic boost!
Post-exercise: An optimal recovery plan is essential for any athlete. Research shows that ingesting a combination of carbohydrates and protein immediately following exercise (within 30 minutes) is ideal to refuel and decrease delayed-onset muscle soreness. Therefore, honey is a great source of carbohydrate to combine with post-workout protein supplements. In addition to promoting muscle recuperation and glycogen restoration, carb-protein combinations sustain favorable blood sugar concentrations after training.
Usage Tips
When planning your athletic training program, remember that honey is a rich source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams at just 64 calories per tablespoon. Combining honey with fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and other healthful foods can add to your total nutrition and give you a great natural energy boost. Try these tips to fuel your diet with the sweet goodness of honey!
Staying hydrated is one of the most important tools for an athlete. Simply add honey to your bottle of water for an energy boost during your next workout.
Snacks are a great way to add extra fruits and vegetables to your diet. Try mixing peanut butter and honey, or honey and light cream cheese, as a dip for fresh fruits or vegetables.
Peanut butter and honey sandwiches on whole wheat bread are a great, high-energy snack to provide a good combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat.
Since honey is a convenient, portable source of energy, take it with you for tournaments and long periods of activity to help sustain your energy levels.