What Is Honey?
Honey is a consumable substance that is sweet, viscous, thick, and has a rich golden color. It’s naturally obtained and comprises sugars such as glucose and fructose, water, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and trace enzymes.
Each batch of honey is unique due to the differing bees and flowers that are used to make it. Honey has been used for centuries and is known for its sweet properties and potential health benefits. Its main uses include food and medicine but can be extremely diverse as it’s commonly used in the daily lives of many for various reasons.
How Is Honey Made?
The process of making honey begins with bees collecting nectar from flowers to store it in their honey sacs, where it mixes with enzymes that begin to break down the sugars. When these bees arrive back to their hives, they deposit the nectar from their sacs into the honeycomb cells. Then they evaporate the water present in the nectar to thicken it into honey by fanning their wings. After this, they seal it with wax to store it securely and use it later.
Types Of Honey
Raw Honey
Honey can be acquired either raw or processed. Raw honey has not been pasteurized or filtered, therefore it maintains its natural enzymes and pollen. It has a stronger flavor and a cloudier appearance.
On the other hand, processed honey undergoes heating and filtration to remove impurities such as wax and pollen. This gives the honey a clearer appearance and a longer shelf life, but the heat can destroy some of the beneficial nutrients and enzymes that were originally present. Many consider raw honey to be a healthier option, as it has a greater nutritional content.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is produced from the nectar of the Manuka trees in New Zealand and Australia. It’s known for its unique antibacterial properties, so it's great for medicines and digestive health.
Clover Honey
Clover honey is one of the most common types of honey, it is known for its mild, sweet flavor and light color. It is primarily from the nectar of clover flowers and is mainly used for cooking and baking.
Acacia Honey
Acacia Honey is harvested from the nectar of the Acacia tree and is praised for its high antioxidant levels and mild floral taste.
Honey vs. Sugar: Which Is A Healthier Sweetener?
Honey has a lower glycemic index than refined sugar, meaning it causes a slower, steadier rise in blood sugar levels. Honey has a less dramatic impact on spiking blood sugar, so it is the preferred option for people who avoid rapid fluctuations in glucose levels.
Both honey and sugar act as sweeteners, but due to honey’s mainly natural properties, it’s a healthier choice than sugar, which loses plenty of its natural nutrients since they’re processed or artificial.
The Health Benefits Of Honey
Honey offers numerous health benefits that address the common needs of the people. The wide range of nutrients and antioxidants supports the immune system and reduces inflammation.
Dr. Sass, a nutritionist and registered dietitian stated that the antioxidants found in honey can help fight oxidative stress, and their antimicrobial properties help defend your immune system against infections. [1] Regularly implementing honey into your diet prepares your immune system to assist your body in the fight against pathogens.
Honey As A Natural Remedy
Honey’s multi-purpose use enables a wide variety of solutions to various injuries and other physical problems. A common use for honey is sore throat relief, as its antimicrobial properties fight infections and quickly offer relief from irritation.
Additionally, honey has been used for centuries to treat wounds and burns by promoting tissue regeneration, preventing infections, and keeping the area moist.[2] Its use in hospitals signifies its healing properties and reliability. This practice is still common today.
Ways To Use Honey
Honey has no singular use. It can be used as a healthier sugar substitute in various recipes and as a sweetener. It can also be used for skin care, as its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties effectively treat acne and other skin conditions.
It soothes the skin and can also act as a moisturizer, adding hydration. Lastly, when mixed with warm tea, lemon, ginger, etc., additional health benefits enhance the effect on the body.
Myths About Honey
Although honey is a commonly used resource around the world, there are many misconceptions about its effects.
Myth #1: Honey is a superfood
Honey is not a superfood because it doesn’t possess the extreme health benefits that many claim it has, and since it’s a form of sugar, it should be consumed in moderation.
Myth #2: Honey causes weight gain
Yes, honey is more caloric than sugar, but its effect on weight gain isn’t definitive since honey has a higher nutritional value and a slower impact on blood sugar levels.
As long as honey is consumed in moderation it's unlikely to cause weight gain when part of a balanced diet.
