In comparison to their annual intake of honey, which is just about 1 pound, Americans go through an average of 150 pounds of refined sugar every year. Honey is a great alternative to sugar that has many positive health effects.
Raw, unprocessed honey has the potential to be one of the healthiest foods, and eating it regularly can have significant positive effects on our well-being. A tablespoon of honey is a healthy alternative to sugar in beverages like coffee and tea. In addition to its health benefits, honey is a delicious addition to a breakfast of cornflakes or toast with butter.
Honey’s many health benefits have been recognized since ancient times, making it a traditional cure. Minerals including calcium, potassium, zinc, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus are abundant in the food, as are antioxidants and enzymes. Thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, and niacin are all present in honey. Furthermore, honey’s nutraceuticals aid in counteracting free radical activity.
Unlike sugar, honey does not cause a rapid increase in blood glucose levels in the body, which is an interesting aspect that adds to its worth as a health food. Honey has about a 10-glycemic-load per tablespoon on human bodies. This is good for you, and it weighs in at roughly the same as a banana.
The best honey sticks for human consumption can be found in a variety of forms, but they can be roughly categorized as either processed or unprocessed. It is widely held that raw, untreated honey has advantages over its refined counterpart. The Food and Drug Administration has long held that ultra-filtered honey undergoes a transformation and loses all traces of pollen. The same cannot be said for the presumed health benefits of honey.
Most commercially available honey has undergone extensive processing and may even have been chemically purified these days. Extreme heat is used in the processing. This reduces the nutritional value of honey because processing eliminates the enzymes that occur naturally in honey.
It’s commonly said that only organic, cloudy honey is fit for consumption. Honey can only be made crystal clear by heating it.
Honey’s inherent benefits make it the greatest honey for one’s health. Raw or unprocessed honey provides several health benefits in addition to its delicious flavor. Wounds heal, more beneficial bacteria are produced in the digestive tract, free radicals are neutralized, pollen allergies are overcome, and homo cysteine levels are lowered, all of which contribute to cardiovascular health. Additionally, honey can be used in any recipe that calls for sugar without the need for refrigeration. Scientists have found that eating honey can speed up the recovery time from wounds, which is a nice bonus. Honey inhibits bacterial development because it produces hydrogen peroxide when it mixes with bodily fluids.
Liver glycogen, which can be found in honey, is an excellent fuel source. Honey is favored because it releases glycogen, which the body needs for vital functions as one sleeps, resulting in a more restful night’s sleep.
