Honey

Honey is, obviously, produced by honeybees (genus Apis). These pests forage throughout the day, visiting flowers and collecting nectar (sweet liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators). They later return to their hives and deposit this nectar in waxy honeycombs, where their hive-mates fan the liquid with their wings to vaporize excess water. This process condenses the sugar and transforms the nectar into honey, which is then saved for future durations of scarcity when fresh nectar may be limited. This process of “forage and storage” began with very first honeybees and went undisturbed for nearly 14 million years. About 10,000 years back, nevertheless, human beings discovered that honeybees produce far more honey than is required to preserve a hive and that honey can be safely collected from beehives when they are correctly looked after. It was upon this discovery that the very first beekeepers were born.

Our first record of arranged beekeeping (also known as apiculture) goes back to ancient Egypt, circa 3,500 BCE. There, honey was frequently utilized by all classes of individuals, recommending that Egyptians mastered beekeeping on a large scale. Undoubtedly, records show the Egyptians constructed intricate systems for honey production, consisting of specialized rafts for moving beehives along the River Nile to preserve close distance to seasonal, blooming plants. It comes as little surprise then that Egyptians found a great deal of practical applications for honey. Citizens utilized the liquid as a sweetener in food, while medical professionals profited from the natural antibiotic properties of honey to produce salves for recovery injuries. Even the mummified benefited from Egypt’s professional use of honey, as a number of their sarcophagi were sealed with wax collected from honey producing hives and complete honeypots were normally offed to the dead as food throughout the afterlife. Think it or not, some mummies were even embalmed in the golden liquid to enhance preservation of the body!

Overall, honey was a valuable resource in ancient Egypt. It served a large number of varied functions and, through this, was an important part of everyday life. Yet, while the ancient Egyptians were the very first to master honey production on a large scale, they were not the first profit from the hard work of honeybees. This title goes to the ancient individuals of Spain, who were robbing beehives almost 5,000 years before the Egyptians were slathering their mummies in honey. In the early 1920’s, cave paintings were discovered in the Cuevas de la Araña of Valencia, Spain that plainly portray a human figure gathering honey directly form a hive (Fig. 1). This figure, now called the “Male of Bicorp”, appears to be climbing vines and eradicating of angry bees to collect what might be our types’ first taste of honey (worth it). This might not have been beekeeping on the scale of the Egyptians, however it was certainty a monumental point in the history of apiculture.

I think the history of people and honey is definitely fascinating. As a history geek, bug geek, and lover of honey, the topic checks all my boxes. However there is a lot more to the history of honey than the origins of apiculture. For example, did you understand that upon his death in 323 BCE, Alexander the Great was carried over 1,800 miles, from Babylon to Macedonia, immersed in a barrel of honey? Or that, in 400 BCE, when Greek soldiers tried to usurp the Persian throne, Persian generals defeated the Greeks by feeding local honeybees poisonous rhododendron flowers, which in turn poisoned the honey supply of the Greek army? The history of honey is abundant, and I motivate you to explore it more yourself. [2]

Nutrition Info

Honey is basically sugar. It is actually greater in calories than the normal white sugar used for cooking or baking. Because it is sweeter, you might require less if you’re utilizing it as a substitute. Likewise, honey includes flavor that white sugar does not have.

One tablespoon of honey contains:.

• Calories: 64
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 17 grams
• Fiber: 0 grams
• Sugar: 17 grams

Honey consists of some vitamins and minerals in trace amounts, including percentages of:.

• Iron
• Zinc
• Potassium

Raw honey is not superior to processed honey in nutrition or health advantages. Researchers found that processing does not impact honey’s nutritional value or antioxidant levels. [3]

The value of bees

Honeybees not only produce honey however undertake a crucial role as crop pollinators. Considered that 84% of the EU’s crops depend on pollination, the European Commission developed a technique for honeybee health. Several elements contribute to the decrease in bees; among which might be pesticides, which prompted the European Food Security Authority (EFSA) to release guidance on evaluating the possible dangers of pesticides to bees and more just recently work towards the advancement of a database to actively collect information on bee health in Europe. [4]

What is honey made from?

A sweet substance, honey is made from different sugars, water, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes and minerals. Since most of the moisture is eliminated throughout the honey-making procedure from bees, it never ever really goes bad.

Processed Honey

Processed honey is warmed at 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) and then quickly cooled, killing and ruining useful bacteria, enzymes, pollen, anti-oxidants, minerals and vitamins. This, including extreme straining to “cleanse” the honey, is done mainly for visual factors. All in all, processed honey is significantly less helpful for your body just so it will look quite on the shelf.

Raw Honey

Raw honey comes directly from the hive, after an apiarist lightly filters it by hand to remove any debris. This protects the nutritional qualities of the honey. Raw honey does not need to be pasteurized and is packed with natural antioxidants that offers a myriad of advantages. While it never spoils, raw honey tends to crystalize more quickly. [5]

12 Benefits of Honey – Advantages and Uses of Honey

Useful in weight Management

Did you know you can use Honey for Weight management? According to the well-known author and nutritional expert Mike McInnes, honey burns body fat even while when you are sleeping. It is among the very best foods for dropping weight. Medical professionals suggest to have a spoonful of honey prior to going to sleep. You can also take in a little honey with warm water on empty stomach early in the early morning. Having it first thing in the morning, helps increase the metabolism, which in turn helps in reducing weight faster. Honey is likewise great for enhancing your general health.

Strengthens Immune system

Honey has countless medical homes that naturally assist in curing an aching throat. Its anti-oxidants and bacteria-fighting properties also help versus fighting infections that are caused by viruses, bacteria and fungi. According to medical professionals and researchers, buckwheat honey has the highest variety of anti-oxidants and when consumed daily can be beneficial for increasing immunity in the long run and this is why honey has actually known to be among the very best resistance improving foods. It is always recommended to take in honey every morning before breakfast or perhaps exercise to get an extra kick of energy for the entire day. It also works as a cleaning toner which enhances immunity in kids.

Nourishes your skin and face

Utilizing Honey for skin is very beneficial because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Honey is the very best natural moisturizer, specifically for your dry skin and it is also very simple to apply. Raw honey not only unblocks pores but it likewise assists hydrate parched skin. It likewise helps treating broken lips throughout winter seasons. Many individuals likewise use honey masks for complexion correction. Also being a natural antiseptic, it is useful for treatment of wounds, swellings, cuts, burns and other infections.

Boosts your memory

We are what we eat and hence it is extremely essential to consume foods that assist make our mental health strong to sustain in aging. Honey, the everlasting sweetener has numerous health benefits, among which includes enhancing memory and concentration. Honey not only increases brain power and memory but also makes you a much healthier individual entirely. Intake of honey avoids metabolic tension and assists calm and soothe the brain, which assists in enhancing memory in the long run. The natural antioxidants and healing homes in honey aid in increasing brains’ cholinergic system and circulation and receding cells that cause memory loss.

Home Remedy for Cough

Honey is understood to be among the best home remedies for dry cough in addition to damp cough. Research study has actually likewise shown that drinking a tablespoon of honey can decrease irritation in the throat. Honey is the preferred natural solution for cough, especially for kids, as it assists to eliminate nocturnal cough, permitting proper sleep.

Natural home remedy for Dandruff

Do you know how useful honey for hair can be? Honey is one of the very best natural home remedies for dandruff. It not just provides nourishment to dry hair but it also offers you smooth and soft hair. You can also utilize honey and lavender with green tea to prevent hair fall. All you require to do is mix 2 tablespoons of Dabur Honey with equal quantity of vegetable oil and use it on your hair. Keep this hair mask on for 15 minutes, and after that rinse it off prior to you hair shampoo.

Utilized for Recovering Injuries

Honey has anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, which is why honey is utilized for healing wounds. After any skin injury, bacteria that live on your skin can infect and penetrate the wound site. Honey, has actually been found to ruin these germs.

Acts as a Natural Sleeping Help

Having trouble falling asleep? You need to try drinking this drink made of warm milk and honey prior to you sleep. For centuries, people have actually utilized this drink to help them sleep. This beverage is relatively easy to make. All you require to do is include a teaspoon of Dabur Honey into a glass of hot milk, or include 1 or 2 teaspoons of Dabur Honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip to induce sleep.

Alleviates sinus issues

With increasing pollution and dust many individuals nowadays suffer from sinus related issues. Sinuses are little cavities in the skull that produce mucus to protect the breathing system from allergic reactions and infections. When we struggle with infections the viruses obstruct the sinus, traps the air and mucous which causes distress. Honey on the other hand is a natural anti-bacterium and anti-septic that helps to clear the infections and lower swellings. Honey likewise soothes throat and minimizes coughs and strengthens the immune system therefore causing less sinus attacks.

Aids with gum illness

Honey’s anti-bacterial and infection recovery properties help in dealing with and recovery wounds. Teeth and gum diseases like gingivitis, bleeding and plaque can be dealt with to a great extent with the routine use of honey. Honey is understood to launch antiseptic hydrogen peroxide which acts as anti-microbial agent that avoids the growth of bacteria. Experts’ recommendations the use of raw honey combined with water to be used as mouthwash. Also rubbing honey directly on affected gums gives instantaneous remedy for discomfort and inflammation and other periodontal illness.

Natural Energy Consume

Honey is referred to as an exceptional source of natural energy as the natural unprocessed sugar present in it gets in the blood stream directly and this in turn can offer a quick increase of energy. This quick boost works like a wonder for your exercise, particularly in longer endurance exercises.

Prevents and assists manage Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that triggers red, scratchy, flaky skin that causes pain. Usually, young children and teenagers struggle with eczema that can be treated with eczema. Those suffering can make a mix of raw honey and cold-pressed olive oil and apply on the skin to get rid of the issue. Honey serves as a natural cleanser by getting rid of dirt and making the skin smooth and soft. It can likewise be used for exfoliation of the skin by blending it with oats in order to get rid of dead cells. Routine use of honey prevents eczema from taking place or coming back once again. [6]

How to incorporate more honey into your diet plan

Experimentation is crucial when substituting honey for sugar. Baking with honey can trigger excess browning and moisture. As a general rule, use 3/4 cup of honey for every one cup of sugar, lower the liquid in the recipe by 2 tablespoons and lower the oven temperature level by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Quick pointers:

• Use honey to sweeten your dressings or marinades
• Stir honey into coffee or tea
• Drizzle honey on top of toast or pancakes
• Mix honey into yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal for a more natural sweetener
• Spread raw honey over whole grain toast and top with peanut butter.

Or, attempt these healthy and tasty recipes developed by registered dietitians:.

• Honey-glazed roasted sweet potatoes
• Basil honey mango sorbet
• Honey Dijon vinaigrette with arugula, pear and walnut salad
• Grilled fruit kebabs.
• If kept in an airtight container, honey can be kept indefinitely [7]

Side effects and disadvantages of honey

1. Stomach issues and bloating

Stomach crampings and bloating are not good for our health and usually take place due to issues in the gastrointestinal system. Consuming excessive honey can have an adverse impact on our digestive system and would cause gas, bloating and stomach issues. Too much honey can even cause stand crampings, diarrhea and even constipation.

2. Not recommended for diabetic clients

Honey in higher amounts is not at all advised for diabetic clients or even people who possess a risk of establishing diabetes. Honey increases your blood glucose level because of the high amount of sugar present in it. On the other hand, honey does not include any fiber and this absence of fiber participate even more in increasing your blood sugar levels as the absorption of the sugar into the bloodstream becomes quicker.

3. May lead to obese

Honey is generally chosen by individuals who are on their weight reduction journey. However you must constantly eat honey with warm water or lemon juice to achieve weight loss. Eating excessive honey or consuming honey without integrating it with water or lemon juice will lead to weight gain. This could even result in obesity.

4. Problems in the intestinal system

Overconsumption of honey may lead to the advancement of problems in the gastrointestinal system. Honey being high in fructose interferes with our small intestine’s capability to take in nutrients. This may cause malfunctioning of our gastrointestinal tracts which in turn might lead to digestive disorders, gastric ulcers, hemorrhoids and even GERD.

5. Botulism

Some honey contains spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is not supported by the digestion system. This causes botulism poisoning in babies and even adults which is known to activate signs such as constipation, reduced hunger, weak point and even vomiting.

6. Not suggested for people with allergies

Honey is not at all appropriate for people adverse pollen or celery. Individuals who are allergic to these things may right away begin sneezing or coughing as quickly as they are available in contact with honey. You ought to never take possibilities specifically when it pertains to individuals who are allergy-prone. Honey would act as a toxic product for them.

7. Increased danger of bleeding

Honey is bad for people with an increased danger of bleeding (internally or externally ). People with bleeding conditions need to be extra careful about the dose of honey they are handling a routine basis. It is better to prevent honey for individuals who have actually increased dangers of bleeding.

8. Causes insulin insensitivity

Honey being acidic in nature deteriorates the enamel of teeth and lining of the stomach, intestinal tracts and esophagus which in turn may cause acid reflux illness. Excessive consumption of honey will lead to insulin insensitivity. If you already have insulin resistance (if you are taking drugs for hypertension, diabetes or cholesterol) you should likewise avoid honey.

9. Causes teeth cavities

Too much intake of honey is not great for your oral health. Excessive honey makes your teeth weaker and erodes the enamel of the teeth. It likewise establishes a stain on your teeth which might not look excellent. Honey is a bit acidic in nature and may raise the chances of establishing dental cavities. You need to constantly brush regularly to preserve your oral hygiene.

10. Not recommended for babies and pregnant females

Medical professionals never suggest honey for pregnant ladies, lactating mommies, and infants. Even a small amount of honey can trigger adverse results on a baby’s health. Pregnant ladies and lactating mamas are never recommended honey without their medical professional’s permission.

Just how much honey is enough in a day?

It is advised to have not more than 10 tablespoons of sugar per day. So determine the total amount of sugar you are taking in to the amount of honey you are taking daily. For example, if you are taking in 3 tablespoons of sugar in a day from other sources you must not have more than 7 tablespoons of honey each day. [8]

Allergic reactions

Honey is not a typical irritant, however, case studies revealing anaphylaxis have actually been reported.8 Anaphylaxis from the usage of honey is an IgE-mediated reaction (a real food allergic reaction). Propolis has been documented as a contact allergen for those associated with the collection of honey. If you presume an allergy to honey, see your healthcare provider for a full assessment. [9]

Honey Alternative

Given that honey is a sweetener, it can be replaced with sugar. The taste and texture might not be the same when you make the swap. To change one cup of honey, use 1 1/4 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of an additional liquid such as water or a liquid that remains in the dish. Another swap is one cup of honey for 1/2 cup of sugar plus a 3/4 cup of corn syrup. [10]

Conclusion

Honey is a wonderful natural sweetener and sugar replacement. It’s likewise utilized all over the world for its antimicrobial, wound-healing, and calming residential or commercial properties.

While not as popular in Western cultures, Ayurveda and other natural recovery traditions have actually been utilizing honey for centuries to deal with health conditions of the eye.

Topically used honey can lower swelling and inflammation in your eye. It can also eliminate hazardous bacteria that could be causing an eye infection.

Some individuals even utilize honey to attempt to slowly change the color of their eyes, although there isn’t any research to show that it works. Keep reading to learn what we know up until now about utilizing honey as a treatment for your eyes. [11]

References

1. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honey
2. https://bugsinourbackyard.org/the-fascinating-history-of-honey/
3. https://www.webmd.com/diet/honey-health-benefits
4. https://www.eufic.org/en/healthy-living/article/the-health-benefits-of-honey-and-its-nutritional-value
5. https://www.powerblanket.com/blog/honey-chemistry-what-is-honey-made-of/
6. https://www.daburhoney.com/benefits-of-honey.aspx
7. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/302572
8. https://healthandhealthier.com/side-effects-of-honey/
9. https://www.verywellfit.com/honey-nutrition-facts-and-calories-4164274
10. https://www.thespruceeats.com/honey-history-1807611
11. https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-in-eyes