Why Should I Incorporate Honey Products in my Diet?

Did you know that there are over 300 types of honey, each with its distinctive characteristics and benefits? The aroma and flavor of all differ, making it feasible for individuals to choose high-end honey products according to their personal tastes. Moreover, people have been cherishing these products for centuries due to their optimum nutritional value and wide range of uses in culinary creations. From drizzling tupelo honey on top of your pancakes at breakfast to adding a spoonful of wildflower honey to your cup of coffee, you can satisfy your taste buds in a variety of ways.

Besides, you must be aware of numerous remedies, such as applying honey topically on an injury to lessen inflammation or burning. Or maybe you have heard about treating cough or sore throat by drinking warm water mixed with honey. Well, these remedies indicate that using honey products is a widespread approach to cure plenty of diseases and wounds. Also, they are renowned for offering other health advantages that enhance your overall body functioning and strengthen your immune system. So, it is a must to take advantage of this magical natural sweetener’s composition by replacing processed sugar with it.

How is Honey Made?

Honey is a sweet liquid created by bees using their unique method of gathering and processing blossom nectar. The kind of flower that was used to harvest the honey determines its flavor. Hence, attributes like colour and fragrance also vary.

Moreover, nectar is the sugary liquid that flowers release to draw pollinators, such as bees. In addition to three distinct sugars—fructose, glucose, and sucrose—nectar contains almost 70 to 80 percent water. The hollow proboscis, or tongue of honey bees, is used as a straw to suck nectar into their honey crop. Further, bees produce an enzyme called invertase in their salivary glands when they regurgitate the nectar. It breaks sucrose into glucose and fructose, which are simpler sugar molecules. The honey crop also contains glucose oxidase, which converts glucose to hydrogen peroxide and gluconic acid.

When they go back to the hive, the forager gives another worker bee the nectar through her mouth. To lessen the amount of water in the nectar, bees distribute it to one another. Also, they deposit the material in honeycomb cells when the water content reaches around 20%; at this stage, it’s virtually honey. They fan the material with their wings to further dry it out because it’s still a little too damp. When it gets ready, they use a wax cover to keep the cell fresh and clean.

Why Should I Start Using Honey Products?

Here are some reasons why you should consider consuming honey products:

 

Full of Antioxidants

Numerous potent antioxidants, including flavonoids, phenolic compounds, and organic acids, are found in raw honey. Thus, it has exceptional antioxidant power that boosts its nutritional composition. Now, let’s learn why they are important for our bodies:

●      They are crucial for performing various biological processes, such as cell division.

●      They also support the communication between cells and aid your body in fighting against infections.

●      Moreover, antioxidants minimize oxidative stress and protect your cells against free radicals by neutralizing them.

Wondering what oxidative stress is and why is it detrimental to your health? It is a consequence of an imbalance in the body’s defense against the harmful effects of free radicals, which leads to cell damage. As a result, higher consumption of honey is linked with a lower risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc.

●      Generally, men who consume almost 2500 calories a day on average require at least 11,000 ORAC units (total antioxidant power of foods).

●      In contrast, women should get at least 8,000 units if they eat 1800 calories per day.

Therefore, it is necessary to add honey products to your diet to increase your intake of antioxidants and avoid a variety of fatal illnesses.

Prevent or Treat Metabolic Syndrome 

Individuals with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a combination of risk factors for diabetes and heart disease, may significantly benefit from honey products. Moreover, three out of the five conditions listed below must be present to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome:

●      High blood sugar

●      Elevated blood pressure

●      High triglyceride levels in the blood

●      A waist measurement of 35 to 40 inches

●      Low levels of HDL (“good”) cholesterol, which aid in the artery-cleaning action of cholesterol

How can honey products help prevent or cure MetS? They don’t cause a rise in insulin or blood sugar levels, as honey has a lower glycemic index (GI) than sugar. Besides, honey also plays a tremendous role in improving insulin sensitivity. Studies have indicated that if it is taken in moderation, it can help prevent weight gain. Also, it increases HDL cholesterol and decreases triglycerides and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in the blood.

Heart issues may occur from an accumulation of excess total cholesterol in the arteries.

Provide Cough Relief

A typical sign of upper respiratory tract infections in children is coughing. Both the baby and the family’s quality of life and sleep may be impacted due to such respiratory disorders. Additionally, it may transmit from one person to another, which spreads germs in the overall living environment. Even with adverse side effects, cough pharmaceuticals are not always helpful. However, good evidence proves that honey works well as a cough remedy, making it a better option than antibiotics.

It not only soothes your throat and eliminates irritation but also uplifts your quality of life. Additionally, you may eat a tablespoon of tupelo honey or blend it in a cup of hot water and drink it every day before going to bed.

 

Note: Due to the possibility of food poisoning, honey products should not be given to infants younger than one-year-old. But, they are safe for children older than 12 months, according to medical specialists and physicians.

Strengthen Digestive System

Honey products contain bacteria that prevent disease-causing pathogens from growing in the gut. They have several enzymes that act as a catalyst during digestion, especially when it comes to breaking down carbohydrates. They not only improve the digestive system but also aid in the elimination of chronic illnesses like constipation. Due to their low acidity, they are also believed to be easier to digest than other sweeteners.

Moreover, honey assists in alleviating diarrhoea because it passes through the stomach and intestines more slowly than other common sugars. Similarly, if you are suffering from GIT problems, you must integrate a high-quality honey product into your diet. For example, stomach ulcer or acid reflux.

One beneficial piece of advice is to:

●      Mix one spoonful of honey and one tablespoon of lemon juice into a cup of water.

●      Then, sip it on an empty stomach.

It will also help you feel fuller for longer, offering support if you strive to lose weight.

Bottom Line

A lifetime prescription of medicines is far less preferable than benefitting from natural remedies like honey, which can help prevent many ailments. From curing cough symptoms to enhancing your memory and upgrading your sleep schedule, it aims to boost your health and well-being. Also, there are several ways to incorporate honey into your diet. For example, you can spread it over bread topped with a little amount of peanut butter or mix it in your muesli or cereal in the morning.

Whether you are having difficulty ensuring a peaceful night’s sleep or frequently experiencing high cholesterol levels, taking honey products is your ultimate solution! 

 

Are you looking for tupelo honey for sale or other types of honey jars? Contact our team at Smiley Honey to discover an extensive range of honey products at an affordable cost.

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