WOW!!! I didn't know this about Honey!!!

This post took me a bit longer because there was so much I didn’t know about this sweetness called honey!

A few facts and benefits of Honey:

1. It is composed primarily of carbohydrates and water
2. It contains traces of vitamins and minerals: niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
3. Contains antioxidant compounds - generally, darker honeys have higher antioxidant content than lighter honeys
4. It has antimicrobial properties - helping in the fight against growth of bacteria and microorganisms! Adios sour throat, cough and cold! Oh and don’t forget constipation and diarrhea!
5. It is used as an antibacterial treatment when antibiotics and antiseptics are ineffective! Say what???? The antibacterial properties help reduce inflammation and promote healing of a wound

A few forms of honey?

Liquid Honey – This is the most common form. It is pasteurized to commercialize it. This results in reduction in the vitamins, minerals and benefits above.

Cream Honey – This is a whipped honey that is smooth and spreadable, similar to butter. It is pasteurized.

Comb Honey – This is the honey that is straight from the comb, actually, if you find it in liquid form, you will see some comb inside the container. This is the best, most organic you can find with the most nutrients out of all three but difficult to find.

Watch out!

The honey you find on the shelf at your grocery store most likely will be a honey that has been pasteurized and commercialized. Although these still contain vitamins, minerals and the benefits listed above, it is not the amount you will receive from unpasteurized honey.

Henry’s, Whole Foods, your local farmers market and SOMETIMES your standard grocery store will have it. If you are looking for the unpasteurized form, you may see a brand that says “raw honey.” Remember, there is no set requirement to use the word “raw” soooo...you need to make sure it says unpasteurized (similar to the statement “wheat bread” when it is not 100% whole wheat bread).

What do I eat it with?

1.  Coffee or Tea as honey is a natural sweetener!
2. Spread on whole wheat bread instead of butter!!!
3. Drizzle on your pancakes, yogurt, ice cream or CORN FLAKES!
4. Check out the website below regarding some recipes!!

 Is there a limit to how much I can have?

MODERATION! Although I don’t have a specific number for you…I will tell you that there are 64 calories in one tablespoon of honey…just be wise!!

I think the next step is to hit up the grocery store and purchase some raw honey or at least standard honey to incorporate with your everyday meals! I currently incorporate it in my greek yogurt but tomorrow I think I will try it over my cereal and maybe in my coffee!! Don’t forget when you are feeling ill…how about a tablespoon of honey OR hot tea with honey!!

Sources

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-recipes.htm
http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/honey-bees.html
http://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/news/20080922/humble-honey-kills-bacteria

http://itotd.com/articles/218/honey-as-medicine/

http://74.6.146.127/search/cache?ei=UTF-8&p=antimicrobial+honey&fr=slv8-msgr&u=dermnetnz.org/treatments/honey.html&w=antimicrobial+%22anti+microbial%22+honey+honeys&d=ZcCVsu_EUn96&icp=1&.intl=us&sig=tgzifmzgV.3rrYlR4s6iTQ--