Packed with health benefits, honey is considered a must for creating a nutritional, plant-powered diet. Honey comes in a few different forms – which is right for you? Find out here.
7 Health Benefits of Honey
Often used as an alternative to table sugar, honey has a rich sweetness that’s easy to enjoy. But this velvety goodness is also appreciated for its incredible nutritional content. Here are some of the most impressive health qualities of honey.
- All Natural: All those icky ingredients that make processed food taste bearable? Honey doesn’t have ‘em! This sweet treat doesn’t have – or need – additives, preservatives, or artificial ingredients to maintain a tasty flavor and long shelf life. For those on a clean diet, honey is an easy option for getting vitamins and minerals from a natural food source.
- Loaded with Essential Minerals: Calcium, iron, zinc, vitamin C – honey has essential minerals that help the body stay strong.
- Cancer Prevention: By supporting healthy white blood cells, honey is believed to play an active role in preventing the spread of cancer cells.
- Better Digestion: Tummy turbulence? Honey can help with that! Honey has a prebiotic quality, which means it can help reintroduce good bacteria to the gut – essential for smooth and easy digestion.
- Cough Suppressant: Because of its soothing quality, honey is a natural remedy for sore throats, intentionally used to ease scratchiness, congestion, and soreness.
- Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant: Inflammation is linked to higher rates of heart disease, cancer, and other debilitating conditions. Honey is rich in flavonoids, phytochemicals, and vitamin C, which are all helpful in the fight against free radicals at the cellular level. This makes honey an excellent option for preventative care.
- Natural Sweetener: Did you know that honey has a lower Glycemic Index than sugar?! Enjoy the sensation of sweetness without ramping up blood glucose levels.
Light or Dark – Honey Color Can Hint at Flavor & Nutrition
From light yellows to rich browns, honey can be found in every shade of amber. The variation in color comes from the different plant profiles used when honeybees forage for pollen.
In addition to subtle flavor differences, dark varieties like Manuka honey tend to be slightly more nutritional than light varieties like clover and acacia honey. This traces back to the mineral content of the soils and plants where honeybees pick up pollen. While the mineral content is more concentrated in dark honey, light honey is still considered a powerhouse for providing an immense amount of vitamins and minerals in a relatively small package!
Creamed, Combed or Raw?
Liquid honey is often the most versatile, as it can easily be spread on breads, drizzled on top of desserts, and stirred into tea or coffee. But there are other ways to enjoy this delicious, nutritious ingredient!
Raw honeycomb provides another option for adventurous eaters looking for a chewier option. Raw honeycomb – including its waxy little cells – is safe to eat and super healthy! Stack a thin slice of honeycomb on top of cheese or chocolate for a delectable snack that’ll feel like a luxury.
Creamed honey is another great option for folks who like a thicker, butter-type consistency. Creamed honey is great for spreading on top of warm bread or toast, and it can even be used as an alternative for icing on pound cakes.
Delicious and nutritious – honey is a treat you can use to satisfy a sweet tooth without feeling guilty!
