Raw honey or commercial honey is the topic for this article, and you need to know the truth that not all honeys are created equal.
Honey, the thick golden liquid produced by bees from the nectar of flowering plants is one of the most natural sweeteners. Sugar did not become available till the sixteenth century, so before that honey was the most popular sweetener. Honey’s color, taste, aroma and texture depends upon the flowers the bees go to and the season in which the pollen is harvested and honey is created. Honey has many incredible benefits to it such as antibacterial properties, digestive issues and the ability to heal a sore throat. However it is vitally important as to which type of honey you buy. Before you buy that less expensive bottle on the shelf I want to share with you the importance of buying organic, raw and unfiltered because there is a big difference in quality and health benefits.
Commercial Honey
Commercial honey is most often overly processed and chemically refined. It is exposed to high heat in the processing and the heat destroys natural enzymes and vitamins that are in honey. So, it literally removes all of the benefits of honey. Commercial honey also goes through a filtering process which removes all of the phytonutrients which is an element that helps your body protect itself from germs and is anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.
Commercial is more than likely taken from bees that are filled with antibiotics and it has added sugar placed into the honey. They are also getting this honey from non-organic hives would could have spiders and other insects and it is not cleaned with organic products which may lead to exposure of toxins and pesticides. The FDA retains that any honey products that are ultra-filtered will have added high fructose corn syrup to them, thereby not getting any nutrients that a person should normally ingest when eating real raw honey. Commercial honey, in many cases, removes the bee pollen, which is loaded with nutrients.
Raw Honey
Raw honey is best described as honey that exists in the beehive. It is made by extracting honey from the honeycombs and then pouring the honey over a mesh cloth to strain away the impurities like dead bees and beeswax. Once it is strained it is bottled and ready to enjoy. That’s it, simple and quick. It is not heavily processed and chemically refined and has no added sugars or toxins. It’s real, God made. It is the way it was intended to be eaten. So what are the benefits?
1. Antioxidants
Raw honey has nearly 30 types of bioactive plant compounds which act as antioxidants in our bodies. Antioxidants help block free radicals and other toxins. It also helps naturally boost the immune system. And studies have also shown that it contains disease fighting antioxidants which have proven in recent studies to kill cancer cells.
2. Bee Pollen Benefits
Bee pollen is packed with over 250 substances including vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Bee pollen has been linked to helping promote the function of the liver and helps fight inflammation throughout the body. It has also been shown to support the heart against diseases and strokes. Another benefit to bee pollen is that it can aid in seasonal allergies. Many people have found that eating raw local honey during the season stops their trigger of allergic reactions and lessons the severity of allergies over time.
3. Energy Booster
Because honey is made from natural sugar it gives a natural boost of energy and is really good for pre and post workouts. One tablespoon of honey converts to to seventeen grams of carbohydrates that your body easily converts to energy in the form of glycogen. Because the sugar is natural, the boost of energy is as well so it doesn’t leave you drained afterwards.
4. Reduces Diabetes
Raw honey can reduce the risk of developing diabetes. It helps balance blood sugar levels. It has the ability to increase insulin and decrease hyperglycemia. A study showed that combining raw honey and cinnamon is a powerful combination that helps reverse diabetes. The two foods combined creates a low-glycemic combination. Try a little bit of honey and cinnamon to your daily diet and track how your body reacts.
TAKE ACTION:
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Try replacing your sugar or sweeteners with honey |
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Buy raw organic honey instead of commercial |
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Use raw organic honey in recipes and in your daily lifestyle to gain all of the benefits |
