Benefits, Nutrition and Who Should Avoid It?

Raw honey is a thick, sweet syrup made by honey bees. Unlike regular honey, raw honey is not pasteurized or filtered. As close to the hive as possible. You may be wondering if raw honey is healthy or if you can eat it on its own.

Raw honey is an excellent source of antioxidants that offer various health benefits. Contains healthy bee pollen, bee propolis and antioxidants.

This article will provide an overview of raw honey, including its benefits, nutritional content, precautions, and where to find it.

What is Raw Honey?

Raw honey is honey that comes directly from the beehive. It is produced by extracting honey from honeycombs. The producer then pours the honey onto mesh or nylon to remove wax and dead bees. From there, honey is bottled and sold.

Regular honey goes through the same process but is pasteurized and filtered before bottling. In the pasteurization process, high heat is applied to destroy the yeast in honey. This makes the honey taste softer. It also extends shelf life.

Because it is unpasteurized and unprocessed, raw honey may contain more nutrients than regular honey, such as those provided by pollen and propolis. Enzymes in honey are likely to decrease in processed honey due to heat treatment. The effects of processing on amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants have not been rigorously studied.

Raw honey has also been associated with a variety of possible health benefits.

Raw Honey Nutrition

Honey can be a healthy addition to your diet plan, but should be consumed in moderation. It is rich in natural sugars.

One tablespoon of honey contains the following calories and nutrients in grams (g) and milligrams (mg):

• Calories: 64
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Sugars: 17 g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Potassium: 11 mg
• Calcium: 1 mg

Health Benefits of Raw Honey

Raw honey has been linked to many potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and may protect against infections. Unlike some types of regular honey, raw honey contains no added sweeteners.

Antioxidant Effects

Raw honey is rich in plant compounds called: polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants linked to reducing inflammation in the body. They may also reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Since pollens have been removed from normal honey, it may contain less antioxidants than raw honey. Pollen also contains vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids, as well as antioxidants. Consuming pollen may help fight inflammation and improve liver function.

Antibacterial Agents

Raw honey is known for its antibacterial effects and can protect the body against bacterial infections. Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This enzyme is usually destroyed during pasteurization, so it is not present in regular honey. A 2017 study found that honey may protect against diseases Applicant yeast infections.

Wound healing

Honey may support wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Chronic inflammation can prevent tissues from healing properly. Compounds in raw honey may reduce inflammation, leading to faster healing of wounds.

Honey can also increase the number of white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body from infection. Reducing the risk of infection may also help wounds heal faster.

Relieves coughs

Taking a spoon of honey for cough is not just a folk remedy; There is research to support this. A 2021 review found that honey effectively relieved cough and sore throat symptoms in people with upper respiratory tract infections.

Researchers found that honey reduces cough and improves the severity of the disease. It may also shorten the length of infection by slowing the spread of bacteria throughout the body.

It treats diarrhea

Honey may improve digestive problems, including diarrhea. Honey contains compounds that protect against different types of bacteria. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This type of bacteria causes diarrhea and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.

Honey also contains prebiotics, which are substances that nourish good bacteria in the gut and improve digestive health.

Protects the Brain

Consuming raw honey may protect the brain from some neurological diseases. Polyphenols in honey reduce inflammation in the hippocampus, the area of ​​the brain responsible for learning and memory. This may have many cognitive benefits, including improved memory.

Who Should Stay Away from Raw Honey?

Raw honey is not safe for everyone, and it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet.

Unlike regular honey, raw honey contains pollen. If you have a severe pollen allergy, eating raw honey can cause a serious allergic reaction. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends that people with pollen allergies talk to an allergist before trying raw honey.

No type of honey, including raw honey, is safe for babies under 1 year of age. Raw honey may contain bacteria Clostridium botulinum, It can cause life-threatening botulism poisoning in babies.

Where to Find Raw Honey?

To find raw honey, look for honey jars that say “raw” on the label. You can find raw honey at your local farmer’s market or health food store.

It is important to note that organic honey is not the same as raw honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered. Organic honey is honey produced on a bee farm that meets U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Organic honey can be pasteurized or raw.

When Raw Honey Turns into Sugar

It is normal for honey to crystallize over time. If you notice that your honey jar no longer looks clear and smooth, first open the jar and smell it. If there is a foul odor or any signs of mold, throw it away.

To return your honey to its syrupy texture, try melting it in the microwave. Store your raw honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Summary

Raw honey refers to honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered like regular honey. Raw honey is prepared by extracting it from the honeycombs in beehives. It is poured over mesh or nylon to remove any wax or dead bees and then jarred.

Raw honey contains antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes that have been linked to various health benefits. Raw honey has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. People with pollen allergies should be careful when consuming raw honey. No honey, raw or otherwise, should be given to a baby under 1 year of age.