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Honey
Honey has been revered through the ages for its healing
properties. Greek, Roman, Islamic, Chinese, Egyptian,
Sub-Saharan African and Native American cultures all used
honey medically. Honey has been used to treat sore throats,
colds, flu, skin and stomach ulcers, diarrhea, other
digestive disorders and for dressing wounds.
Recent research has confirmed the healing properties of
honey. It has been demonstrated to be a broad-spectrum
antibiotic, inhibiting the growth of numerous pathogenic
bacteria. It has also been diagnosed as an antifungal.
Honey’s other characteristics are: antibiotic, antiviral,
anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, expectorant,
anti-allergenic, laxative, anti-anemic, and tonic.
Honey is far more popular and recognized for its nutritional
effects in Europe than it is in the US. Some might argue
that the all powerful drug companies play some part in the
suppression of information about natural products. Others
doubt that this is actually the case. The information is
there for all of us to see, regrettably, we tend to wait
until after the event, or until after we develop a specific
illness, before we look for effective preventative
medicines.
Raw, unprocessed honey is the most nutritious type, and is
best for its therapeutic value as a medicinal agent. Over 75
individual substances are found in honey. Glucose and
fructose are the major sugars found in honey and are
monosaccharides (simple sugars). Simple sugars are more
easily assimilated then other forms and don’t require the
additional processing necessary for white sugar, a
disaccharide, to be digested. Honey is an invert sugar
composed of 38 percent fructose, 31 percent glucose, 1
percent sucrose and 9 percent additional sugars.
Honey contains proteins, carbohydrates, hormones, organic
acids, and antimicrobial compounds. Honey is a good
carbohydrate source and supplies energy at 63 calories per
tablespoon. It is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and
trace elements such as: Vitamin A, Betacarotene, B-complex
vitamins (complete), Vitamin C , Vitamin D, Vitamin E,
Vitamin K, Magnesium, Sulfur, Phosphorus, Iron, Calcium,
Chlorine, Iodine, Sodium, Copper, Manganese.
Note: Raw honey contains a rich supply of live enzymes,
which are required for the proper functioning of all body
systems. Like royal jelly, bee pollen and Propolis, some
substances in honey cannot be identified; hence, they cannot
be chemically reproduced.
Actions of Honey:
Increases calcium absorption
Can increase hemoglobin count and treat or prevent anemia
cause by nutritional factors
When combined with vinegar, can help arthritic joints
Fights colds and respiratory infections of all kinds
When used externally, speeds the healing process
Can help to boost gastrointestinal ulcer healing
Works as a natural and gentle laxative
Provides an array of vitamins and minerals
Supplies instant energy without the insulin surge caused by
white sugar
Honey provides the perfect base for other beehive foods like
Royal Jelly, Pollen, and Propolis. It only stands to reason
that all beehive products would complement each other,
however, honey offers other advantages as well. For one
thing, it serves to preserve and protect the nutrient value
and potency of Royal Jelly and other bee products. In
addition, because Royal Jelly is bitter to the taste, Honey
provides a nutritious and delicious medium, making
unpleasant tasting substances palatable. Nature designed the
hive and its food. What better way to present them for human
consumption than together as complementary foods.
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