Honey

Honey is, obviously, produced by honeybees (genus Apis). These insects forage throughout the day, going to flowers and collecting nectar (sweet liquid produced by flowers to bring in pollinators). They later go back to their hives and deposit this nectar in waxy honeycombs, where their hive-mates fan the liquid with their wings to evaporate excess water. This procedure condenses the sugar and changes the nectar into honey, which is then saved for future periods of famine when fresh nectar may be scarce. This procedure of “forage and storage” began with extremely first honeybees and went undisturbed for almost 14 million years. About 10,000 years back, nevertheless, humans discovered that honeybees produce much more honey than is required to keep a hive and that honey can be safely harvested from beehives when they are appropriately cared for. It was upon this discovery that the first beekeepers were born.

Our very first record of organized beekeeping (likewise known as apiculture) dates back to ancient Egypt, circa 3,500 BCE. There, honey was frequently utilized by all classes of people, recommending that Egyptians mastered beekeeping on a huge scale. Indeed, records show the Egyptians constructed intricate systems for honey production, consisting of specialized rafts for moving beehives along the River Nile to maintain close proximity to seasonal, flowering plants. It comes as little surprise then that Egyptians discovered a great deal of practical applications for honey. People utilized the liquid as a sweetener in food, while medical professionals taken advantage of the natural antibiotic homes of honey to produce salves for recovery injuries. Even the mummified taken advantage of Egypt’s expert use of honey, as many of their sarcophagi were sealed with wax gathered from honey producing hives and full honeypots were normally offed to the dead as food during the afterlife. Believe it or not, some mummies were even embalmed in the golden liquid to enhance preservation of the body!

Overall, honey was an important resource in ancient Egypt. It served a great deal of diverse purposes and, through this, was a vital part of daily life. Yet, while the ancient Egyptians were the first to master honey production on a large scale, they were not the very first capitalize on the effort of honeybees. This title goes to the ancient individuals of Spain, who were robbing beehives practically 5,000 years prior to 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 illustrate a human figure gathering honey directly form a hive (Fig. 1). This figure, now called the “Male of Bicorp”, appears to be climbing up vines and eradicating of mad bees to gather what might be our species’ first taste of honey (worth it). This might not have actually been beekeeping on the scale of the Egyptians, but it was certainty a monumental point in the history of apiculture.

I think the history of people and honey is absolutely fascinating. As a history nerd, bug nerd, and enthusiast of honey, the topic checks all my boxes. However there is so much more to the history of honey than the origins of apiculture. For instance, did you know that upon his death in 323 BCE, Alexander the Great was transferred over 1,800 miles, from Babylon to Macedonia, immersed in a barrel of honey? Or that, in 400 BCE, when Greek soldiers attempted to take over 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 rich, and I encourage you to explore it more yourself. [2]

Nutrition Details

Honey is generally sugar. It is in fact higher in calories than the typical white sugar utilized for cooking or baking. Since 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 consists of:.

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

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

• Iron
• Zinc
• Potassium

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

The significance of bees

Honeybees not only produce honey but carry out an essential function as crop pollinators. Considered that 84% of the EU’s crops depend upon pollination, the European Commission established a strategy for honeybee health. Multiple factors contribute to the decrease in bees; among which may be pesticides, which prompted the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) to release assistance on evaluating the prospective threats of pesticides to bees and more just recently work towards the development of a database to actively collect info on bee health in Europe. [4]

What is honey made of?

A sweet substance, honey is made of different sugars, water, vitamins, anti-oxidants, enzymes and minerals. Because the majority of the wetness is eliminated during the honey-making procedure from bees, it never ever truly goes bad.

Processed Honey

Processed honey is heated at 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) and then rapidly cooled, eliminating and damaging advantageous bacteria, enzymes, pollen, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals. This, including extreme straining to “purify” the honey, is done mainly for aesthetic reasons. All in all, processed honey is significantly less useful for your body just so it will look quite on the shelf.

Raw Honey

Raw honey comes directly from the hive, after an apiarist gently filters it by hand to remove any debris. This preserves the nutritional qualities of the honey. Raw honey does not need to be pasteurized and is loaded with natural anti-oxidants that provides a variety of advantages. While it never spoils, raw honey tends to crystalize more quickly. [5]

12 Benefits of Honey – Benefits and Uses of Honey

Beneficial in weight Management

Did you know you can use Honey for Weight management? According to the popular author and nutritionist Mike McInnes, honey burns body fat even while when you are sleeping. It is among the very best foods for dropping weight. Medical professionals advise to have a spoonful of honey prior to going to bed. You can likewise consume a little honey with warm water on empty stomach early in the early morning. Having it first thing in the early morning, helps increase the metabolic process, which in turn helps in reducing weight faster. Honey is likewise good for enhancing your general health.

Enhances Immune system

Honey has countless medicinal properties that naturally assist in curing an aching throat. Its antioxidants and bacteria-fighting possessions likewise help against battling infections that are triggered by viruses, bacteria and fungis. According to medical professionals and researchers, buckwheat honey has the highest number of antioxidants and when taken in daily can be useful for boosting immunity in the long run and this is why honey has actually understood to be among the best resistance improving foods. It is always advisable to consume honey every morning before breakfast or even workout to get an extra kick of energy for the entire day. It likewise works as a cleansing toner which enhances resistance in kids.

Nurtures your skin and face

Utilizing Honey for skin is extremely useful because of its moisturizing and nourishing homes. Honey is the very best natural moisturizer, specifically for your dry skin and it is also very easy to apply. Raw honey not only unclogs pores however it likewise assists moisturize parched skin. It likewise helps curing split lips during winter seasons. Many individuals likewise use honey masks for complexion correction. Also being a natural antiseptic, it works for treatment of wounds, swellings, cuts, burns and other infections.

Boosts your memory

We are what we eat and hence it is very important to take in foods that help make our mental health strong to sustain in aging. Honey, the eternal sweetener has various health benefits, among which includes improving memory and concentration. Honey not only increases brain power and memory but likewise makes you a healthier person completely. Consumption of honey prevents metabolic tension and assists calm and soothe the brain, which helps in enhancing memory in the long run. The natural anti-oxidants and therapeutic homes in honey aid in boosting brains’ cholinergic system and circulation and declining cells that cause memory loss.

Natural Home Remedy for Cough

Honey is known to be one of the very best home remedies for dry cough in addition to damp cough. Research has actually also revealed that drinking a tablespoon of honey can minimize irritation in the throat. Honey is the favored natural remedy for cough, particularly for kids, as it assists to eliminate nighttime cough, enabling proper sleep.

Natural home remedy for Dandruff

Do you know how beneficial honey for hair can be? Honey is among the best natural home remedies for dandruff. It not just supplies nutrition to dry hair but it likewise offers you smooth and soft hair. You can also utilize honey and lavender with green tea to prevent hair fall. All you need to do is mix 2 tablespoons of Dabur Honey with equivalent amount of grease and use it on your hair. Keep this hair mask on for 15 minutes, and after that rinse it off before you shampoo.

Used for Recovering Wounds

Honey has anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant residential or commercial properties, which is why honey is utilized for recovery wounds. After any skin injury, germs that reside on your skin can infect and permeate the injury site. Honey, has actually been discovered to ruin these germs.

Function as a Natural Sleeping Help

Having trouble falling asleep? You should try drinking this beverage made from warm milk and honey prior to you sleep. For centuries, people have utilized this drink to help them sleep. This drink is fairly simple to make. All you need to do is add 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 people these days struggle with sinus related issues. Sinuses are small cavities in the skull that produce mucous to secure the breathing system from allergies and infections. When we experience infections the infections obstruct the sinus, traps the air and mucous which triggers distress. Honey on the other hand is a natural anti-bacterium and anti-septic that helps to clear the infections and minimize swellings. Honey likewise relieves throat and reduces coughs and reinforces the immune system thereby triggering less sinus attacks.

Assists with gum illness

Honey’s anti-bacterial and infection recovery properties help in dealing with and recovery wounds. Teeth and gum illness like gingivitis, bleeding and plaque can be dealt with to an excellent level with the regular use of honey. Honey is known to launch antiseptic hydrogen peroxide which acts as anti-microbial representative that avoids the development of germs. Professionals’ guidance using raw honey mixed with water to be used as mouthwash. Likewise rubbing honey directly on impacted gums provides instant relief from discomfort and swelling and other gum illness.

Natural Energy Consume

Honey is referred to as an outstanding source of natural energy as the natural unprocessed sugar present in it enters the bloodstream directly and this in turn can give a fast boost of energy. This quick boost works like a wonder for your workout, especially in longer endurance exercises.

Avoids and assists control Eczema

Eczema is a skin problem that triggers red, scratchy, flaky skin that causes pain. Usually, kids and teenagers suffer from 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 problem. Honey acts 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 happening or coming back once again. [6]

How to integrate more honey into your diet plan

Experimentation is essential when replacing honey for sugar. Baking with honey can cause excess browning and moisture. As a basic rule, usage 3/4 cup of honey for every one cup of sugar, decrease the liquid in the dish by 2 tablespoons and lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Quick ideas:

• Usage 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 entire grain toast and top with peanut butter.

Or, try these healthy and tasty dishes established 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 downsides of honey

1. Stomach problems and bloating

Stomach crampings and bloating are bad for our health and usually occur due to problems in the digestive system. Consuming too much honey can have an unfavorable effect on our digestive system and would result in gas, bloating and stomach problems. Excessive honey can even cause stomach crampings, diarrhea and even constipation.

2. Not at all recommended for diabetic clients

Honey in higher amounts is not at all advised for diabetic patients or even people who possess a risk of establishing diabetes. Honey increases your blood sugar level because of the high amount of sugar present in it. On the other hand, honey does not contain any fiber and this absence of fiber take part even more in increasing your blood sugar level levels as the absorption of the sugar into the blood stream ends up being quicker.

3. May result in overweight

Honey is generally chosen by individuals who are on their weight-loss journey. However you need to constantly consume honey with warm water or lemon juice to accomplish weight reduction. Consuming too much honey or eating honey without integrating it with water or lemon juice will result in weight gain. This might even lead to obesity.

4. Problems in the gastrointestinal system

Overconsumption of honey may cause the development of problems in the gastrointestinal system. Honey being high in fructose interferes with our small intestine’s ability to soak up nutrients. This might result in malfunctioning of our intestinal systems which in turn might result in digestive disorders, stomach ulcers, piles and even GERD.

5. Botulism

Some honey includes spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is not at all supported by the digestive system. This causes botulism poisoning in babies and even grownups which is understood to set off signs such as irregularity, decreased cravings, weak point and even vomiting.

6. Not recommended for individuals with allergies

Honey is not suitable for individuals adverse pollen or celery. People who dislike these things might instantly start sneezing or coughing as soon as they can be found in contact with honey. You need to never ever take chances specifically when it pertains to individuals who are allergy-prone. Honey would serve as a hazardous item for them.

7. Increased threat of bleeding

Honey is not good for individuals with an increased danger of bleeding (internally or externally ). People with bleeding disorders must be additional cautious about the dose of honey they are handling a routine basis. It is better to avoid honey for people who have increased dangers of bleeding.

8. Causes insulin insensitivity

Honey being acidic in nature erodes the enamel of teeth and lining of the stomach, intestines and esophagus which in turn may result in heartburn disease. Too much consumption of honey will result in insulin insensitivity. If you currently have insulin resistance (if you are taking drugs for hypertension, diabetes or cholesterol) you ought to also avoid honey.

9. Causes teeth cavities

Excessive consumption of honey is not at all good for your dental health. Excessive honey makes your teeth weaker and erodes the enamel of the teeth. It likewise establishes a stain on your teeth which may not look great. Honey is a bit acidic in nature and might raise the chances of developing dental cavities. You need to always brush frequently to preserve your oral health.

10. Not suggested for babies and pregnant women

Medical professionals never ever recommend honey for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and babies. Even a percentage of honey can cause negative results on an infant’s health. Pregnant ladies and lactating moms are never recommended honey without their physician’s consent.

How much honey suffices in a day?

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

Allergic reactions

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

Honey Substitute

Because honey is a sweetener, it can be substituted with sugar. The flavor and texture might not be the same when you make the swap. To replace 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 is 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 fantastic natural sweetener and sugar replacement. It’s also used all over the world for its antimicrobial, wound-healing, and soothing homes.

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

Topically used honey can minimize swelling and inflammation in your eye. It can likewise eliminate harmful germs that could be causing an eye infection.

Some individuals even utilize honey to try to gradually alter the color of their eyes, although there isn’t any research study to prove that it works. Keep checking out to learn what we understand so far about utilizing honey as a treatment for your eyes. [11]

Recommendations

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