Winnie the Pooh believes that eating “hunny” is a very good thing to do. His affection for honey is so profound that much of his day revolves around acquiring and eating it.
Turns out that he is a wise bear because not only is honey tasty, but it also has some surprising health benefits. It’s worth all the scheming he does to get more of it, whether it’s from a bee's nest in a tree or a jar in his own house.
Honey begins as nectar collected by bees from flowers. This nectar is broken down into simple sugars and stored in the honeycomb. The structure of the honeycomb and the continuous fanning by the bees' wings promote evaporation, resulting in the thick, sweet honey. This honey serves as fuel for their flight muscles and helps to keep the hive warm during the winter. Honeybees tend to produce more honey than they need, allowing beekeepers to collect the surplus for bottling. Lucky for us, a hive can typically produce around 55 pounds of excess honey annually.
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The type of flowers from which the nectar is harvested influences the honey's color and flavor. For instance, honey derived from orange blossoms or clover is typically light in color, while honey that comes from buckwheat or wildflowers tends to be a darker amber.
Health benefits
Minimally processed honey (not the kind you typically find in the honey bear) contains antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Chronic inflammation is associated with major conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and more.
With 61 calories and 17 grams of carbs per tablespoon, it’s liquid sugar. Honey provides small amounts of vitamins and minerals and is a preferable alternative to regular sugar due to its lower inflammatory effects. Regular sugar is often associated with causing inflammation.
Honey is a popular home remedy for sore throats and coughs. It can soothe irritation and acts as a cough suppressant. Add to your favorite blend of hot tea or take a spoonful straight up for temporary relief. But honey should not be given to children younger than 1 because of the risk of infant botulism.
Used in skin-care products, honey acts as a humectant, drawing moisture into the skin. It can be applied to minor wounds and burns to promote healing. Its antibacterial properties help prevent infection, while its soothing effects reduce inflammation and pain.
Raw Manuka honey stands out for its enhanced medicinal properties, especially in healing wounds and improving acne. It is particularly effective because of its higher antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. This special honey is derived from a plant that grows predominantly in New Zealand and some parts of Australia. It costs more because of this limited geographic range, a short flowering season and strong global demand. The extensive testing it undergoes to verify its purity and antibacterial properties, along with the certification process, add to its cost.
Ongoing research indicates that honey may be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease; help relieve gastrointestinal conditions such as diarrhea; offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits; and aid in the prevention of memory disorders. Because there are no standardized methods for producing honey or testing its quality, results may vary.
Since honey is primarily composed of natural sugars, it can provide a quick source of energy for athletes. This makes it a suitable choice for consumption before or during exercise to boost endurance. Consuming honey after exercise can help replenish energy stores in muscles. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also aid in reducing muscle soreness and speeding recovery.
Crystallized honey, a sign of high quality and low processing, can be used like liquid honey, but its solid texture makes it easier to spread. Use it on toast or English muffins. Add it to hot tea, coffee or oatmeal. If you prefer your honey in a liquid form, place the jar of crystallized honey in a warm water bath. Let it sit, occasionally stirring or gently shaking the container until the crystals dissolve. Be careful to avoid high heat, which can degrade the quality and natural enzymes of the honey.
The best place to store honey is at room temperature in a dark cupboard.
Whether you are like Pooh and enjoy honey straight from the jar or prefer to spread it on your biscuits, choose high-quality raw honey and consume it in moderation. May the sweetness of your days rival that found in Winnie the Pooh’s jar of honey.
Carol Slager is a licensed pharmacist, author, blogger and health coach in Northwest Indiana. Follow her monthly in Get Healthy and at inkwellcoaching.com. Opinions expressed are the writer's.
