Honey has nutritional benefits and we all are well aware of this fact. But, raw honey can contribute to your health significantly as compared to processed honey. Research endorses raw honey’s nutritional benefits. Due to the processing and pasteurization that regular honey goes through many of the nutritional elements are compromised.

 

 

The use of natural honey has not only nutritional values but has medicinal value as well. It is a nutraceutical agent. Generations after generations natural honey have been accepted as food and medicine. In fact, it has been accepted across various traditions and civilizations- modern and ancient.

 

 

Let us study and probe a bit more into this rich and the most unassuming food element.

 

 

For this, we need to first understand what is natural honey?

 

 

Natural honey is produced by bees- in the wild or in bee farms. Flowers have nectar that honeybees collect and it is then stored in the beehive made of honeycombs – small, hexagonal-shaped cups. Honey is spread on honeycombs, which is fanned by the bees to make it dry. Thus, honey becomes concentrated and eventually, the bees seal the honeycombs with wax.

 

 

Honey in these beehives contains bee pollen, parts of dead bees and beeswax as well. When honey is processed it is passed through a filter to remove the impurities.

 

 

Regular honey that we eat is pasteurized. This means that honey manufacturers heat it to kill the yeast cells. Well, this is done to increase the shelf life, make it look transparent and attractive. It eventually affects the taste of honey. Thus, regular honey tastes different from natural honey.

 

 

Another benefit of natural honey is that it is sold raw (unheated), and this ensures that you are getting higher nutritional value.

 

 

Now that we know how natural honey is made and why it is preferred let us further probe into the nutritional values of raw honey:

 

 

 

1. Compounds:

 

 

Natural honey contains compounds such as antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. Though the composition of raw honey varies across environments. One factor that changes the composition is the types of flowers from where the bees collect honey.

 

One tablespoon of natural honey would comprise of 64 calories and 16 grams of sugar. Natural honey also has compounds that work as antioxidants, ascorbic acid, and flavonoids.

 

It should be noted here that antioxidants reduce oxidative stress in our bodies. It is believed that you can reduce the risk of chronic disease if you eat an antioxidant-rich diet.

 

Pasteurization reduces antioxidants thus it is not preferred by many.

 

 

2. Vitamins and minerals:

 

 

Natural honey contains:

 

Vitamin B6, Antothenic acid, Riboflavin, Thiamine

Their amounts vary depending upon the choice of flowers as the source of honey.

Minerals available in natural honey are:

Iron, Phosphorus, Sodium, Manganese, Zinc, Calcium, copper, Potassium

 

 

3. Calories:

 

 

For calorie conscious people it’s necessary to know that one tablespoon of natural honey has 64 calories. At the same time, it is sodium-free, fat-free and cholesterol-free. This is exactly why we say honey is unassuming yet rich in terms of providing health benefits.

 

 

Usually raw honey has approximately 80% of carbohydrates, 18% of water and 2% of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals.

 

 

 Benefits of Raw Honey?

 

 

Digestion:

 

 

Several enzymes are present in natural honey, which improve the digestion of food substances especially starch, carbohydrates, and sugars. Sugar is consumed as a source of energy and honey too is consumed for the same reason. But, sugar constituents of natural honey are present as simple sugars or monosaccharides.

 

 

While refined sugar goes through the processes of digestion into simpler forms before it’s absorbed by our body. But, sugar molecules in natural honey are in pre-digested form thus, it can be absorbed directly by our system.

 

 

Memory and energy booster:

 

 

Feeding honey to children can improve memory and growth. It reduces anxiety and improves children’s performance in the later stages of life.

 

 

When energy-giving substances are consumed prior to any physical exercises it improves performance and rejuvenates muscles. Dietary supplementation in natural honey provides up to 17g of carbohydrates with every tablespoon consumed. It gives the much-needed energy for sportspeople and is an inexpensive substitute for the enhancers used by sportspeople.

 

 

Growth:

 

 

Food is consumed for nutritional value, nourishment, growth and healthy living. When natural honey is consumed regularly it’s extremely beneficial. It is a complete meal as it contains major components of a meal and also micronutrients that enhance digestion and absorption. All these components are necessary for the metabolism and smooth functioning of our body.

 

 

Now that you know the benefits of natural honey you should opt for it.

 

 

Visit our site (Nirlesh Foods Private Limited or Navmi) www.navmi.co.in to know more about nutritionally pure and unprocessed food. Make a conscious and healthy choice of foods.

 

 

Read More Article: 

 

 

Ways in which natural or raw honey helps your health become better

 

 

Honey and Diabetes: Can You Eat Honey If You Have Diabetes?

 

 

What are the benefits of drinking honey with warm water?