Rich in bee pollen, the only process raw honey goes through before being bottled after it’s taken from honeycombs is that it’s poured over a cloth; the honey is separated from beeswax and other impurities. Pollen is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, micronutrients, and vitamins. Moreover, honey can be broken down further into groups.
Factory-farmed honey is what you normally find in a grocery store, often packaged inside a cute plastic bear. The honey is pasteurized and filtered, derived from factory farms where bees live in unnatural settings. It’s processed to remove air bubbles and cloudiness and has very little nutritional value or health benefits. Furthermore, 75% of regular honey does not contain the sweet liquid’s healthiest ingredient – pollen.
Farmed raw honey is grown in a bee box that houses a hive; wild honey has crystals in it and is produced by wild bees in hives nestled within tree branches.
Pure raw honey has been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol as well as contributing to the improvement of wound healing. Below are other health benefits of raw honey.
Acid Reflux and Inflammation
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, honey has been used as a home remedy for centuries. Also, a 2017 study found that honey may possibly help ward off acid reflux by reducing the upward flow of stomach acid and undigested food. Gastroesophageal reflux disease can involve acid reflux, heartburn, and inflammation.
Help Soothe A Sore Throat
The thick consistency of raw honey coats a sore throat and temporarily alleviates the discomfort. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce inflammation in the airways and help break up mucus. Honey also prompts salivary glands to create more saliva which gives relief from scratchiness and pain.
Manage Coughing
Honey can act as a natural cough suppressant, which can be a welcome relief for those with seasonal allergies and suffering from frequent coughing. Sipping on a warm cup of tea made with tea combined with raw honey, lemon, and ginger is an added bonus.
Itchy Eyes, Runny Nose, and Sneezing
According to a 2013 study, a group of participants who took a high daily dose of raw honey along with an antihistamine saw relief from their runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing symptoms. Another group took an antihistamine along with a placebo. A month after the experiment, only the group that included honey saw an improvement.
Raw wild honey is a gift from nature, not only for its health benefits but notice how much it’s used in other products such as skincare and cosmetics. Lip balms, face masks, hair conditioners, bath products, and lotions are just a few examples of which the usage of honey is particularly popular. Honeycomb beeswax candles are another example where a trace of honey is the main attraction. Bee bread is made from pollen and by bees is a health supplement and is used to fight against anemia, digestive issues, insomnia, cholesterol, hepatitis, memory issues, and stress.
With all these benefits, let’s all say, “Thanks, honey!”
-Sharon Oliver
Photo by Archana GS (Pexels.com)
Excellent fact-based, engaging article! Cheers!