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                        The Buzz-worthy Benefits of Honey


Honey has been utilized since ancient times, not only as a sweetener, but has also been used for its medicinal and health benefits. Honey has phytochemicals, can function as an anti-oxidant, and anti-microbial and has probiotic properties. Honey contains all of the 9 essential amino acids, trace minerals, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Honey is made by honey bees from the nectar of a variety of flowers- coneflowers, daisies, globe thistle, and milkweed to name a few. Each providing a different nutritional profile. Honey can either be raw or processed. It is important to chose raw over processed when purchasing your honey. 

Raw honey-very minimal processed. The honey is extracted from the honeycombs and poured over cheesecloth to remove impurities, such as beeswax and even dead bees.  This honey is bottled and ready to be served.







Processed or Pasteurized honey- this process involves high heat to kill microbes, but during this process antioxidants and pollen in the honey can be destroyed. Also many times during processing, sugar or syrups are added to the honey to save money. 





Benefits of honey

Studies show that honey can help improve heart health due to its anti-inflammatory effects. The antimicrobial effects can promote burn and wound healing, especially with Makura honey that comes from the Makura flower. The probiotic effects of honey can stimulate gut health. The antioxidant properties of honey help rid the body of reactive oxidative species (ROS) that cause damage to cells of the body.  

Sugar substitute

To replace sugar; in any recipe that calls for sugar, substitute 3/4 cup to 1 cup of honey for every 1 cup of sugar (adjust liquid as needed). Remember honey does have a distinct flavor and may altar the the taste of the recipe. 

Honey has many health benefits especially when put up against sugar. Honey doesn't raise blood glucose as quickly as white sugar, but it is a simple sugar and behaves like it in the body. As with any sugar, honey should be used in moderation. Unlike sugar, honey provides health benefits that can't be beaten!


AH

References:

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