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A sweet viscid material elaborated out of the nectar of flowers in the honey sac of various bees. [1]
The interesting history of honey
Honey is, of course, produced by honeybees (genus Apis). These pests forage throughout the day, checking out flowers and collecting nectar (sweet liquid produced by flowers to draw in pollinators). They later on return to their hives and deposit this nectar in waxy honeycombs, where their hive-mates fan the liquid with their wings to evaporate excess water. This procedure condenses the sugar and changes the nectar into honey, which is then saved for future durations of scarcity when fresh nectar might be limited. This procedure of “forage and storage” started with extremely first honeybees and went undisturbed for nearly 14 million years. About 10,000 years ago, nevertheless, humans discovered that honeybees produce much more honey than is essential to maintain a hive and that honey can be safely gathered from beehives when they are appropriately taken care of. It was upon this discovery that the first beekeepers were born.
Our first record of organized beekeeping (likewise referred to as apiculture) dates back to ancient Egypt, circa 3,500 BCE. There, honey was frequently used by all classes of individuals, suggesting that Egyptians mastered beekeeping on a very large scale. Indeed, records show the Egyptians constructed sophisticated systems for honey production, consisting of specialized rafts for moving beehives along the River Nile to preserve close distance to seasonal, flowering plants. It comes as little surprise then that Egyptians found a great deal of useful applications for honey. People used the liquid as a sweetener in food, while medical professionals profited from the natural antibiotic properties of honey to produce salves for healing wounds. Even the mummified taken advantage of Egypt’s specialist use of honey, as many of their sarcophagi were sealed with wax collected from honey producing hives and full honeypots were generally offed to the dead as food throughout the afterlife. Think it or not, some mummies were even embalmed in the golden liquid to improve conservation of the body!
In general, honey was a valuable resource in ancient Egypt. It served a large number of diverse functions and, through this, was a vital part of everyday life. Yet, while the ancient Egyptians were the very first to master honey production on a large scale, they were not the first profit from the effort of honeybees. This title goes to the ancient people of Spain, who were robbing beehives almost 5,000 years prior to the Egyptians were slathering their mummies in honey. In the early 1920’s, cave paintings were discovered in the Cuevas de la Araña of Valencia, Spain that clearly depict a human figure collecting honey straight form a hive (Fig. 1). This figure, now called the “Guy of Bicorp”, seems climbing vines and battling of upset bees to collect what might be our species’ first taste of honey (worth it). This may not have been beekeeping on the scale of the Egyptians, however it was certainty a monumental point in the history of apiculture.
I believe the history of humans and honey is absolutely fascinating. As a history nerd, bug nerd, and lover of honey, the subject checks all my boxes. However there is a lot more to the history of honey than the origins of apiculture. For instance, did you know that upon his death in 323 BCE, Alexander the Great was transferred over 1,800 miles, from Babylon to Macedonia, immersed in a vat of honey? Or that, in 400 BCE, when Greek soldiers tried to take over the Persian throne, Persian generals beat the Greeks by feeding regional honeybees hazardous rhododendron flowers, which in turn poisoned the honey supply of the Greek army? The history of honey is abundant, and I motivate you to explore it more yourself. [2]
Nutrition Info
Honey is generally sugar. It is in fact higher in calories than the normal white sugar used for cooking or baking. Since it is sweeter, you might require less if you’re using it as a substitute. Likewise, honey adds taste that white sugar does not have.
One tablespoon of honey includes:.
- Calories: 64
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 17 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 17 grams
Honey includes some minerals and vitamins in trace amounts, including percentages of:.
Raw honey is not superior to processed honey in nutrition or health advantages. Researchers found that processing does not affect honey’s dietary value or antioxidant levels. [3]
The value of bees
Honeybees not just produce honey however undertake an essential function as crop pollinators. Given that 84% of the EU’s crops depend on pollination, the European Commission developed a technique for honeybee health. Several elements add to the decline in bees; one of which might be pesticides, which triggered the European Food Security Authority (EFSA) to release guidance on examining the potential threats of pesticides to bees and more recently work towards the advancement of a database to actively collect info on bee health in Europe. [4]
What is honey made from?
A sweet compound, honey is made of various sugars, water, vitamins, anti-oxidants, enzymes and minerals. Because most of the wetness is removed throughout the honey-making procedure from bees, it never actually goes bad.
Processed Honey
Processed honey is heated up at 158 degrees Fahrenheit (70 degrees Celsius) and after that rapidly cooled, killing and damaging beneficial bacteria, enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, minerals and vitamins. This, consisting of extreme straining to “purify” the honey, is done mostly for aesthetic factors. All in all, processed honey is significantly less beneficial for your body just so it will look quite on the shelf.
Raw Honey
Raw honey comes straight from the hive, after an apiarist lightly filters it by hand to eliminate any particles. This preserves the dietary qualities of the honey. Raw honey doesn’t require to be pasteurized and is packed with natural anti-oxidants that uses a myriad of advantages. While it never spoils, raw honey tends to crystalize more rapidly. [5]
12 Benefits of Honey – Advantages and Uses of Honey
Beneficial in weight Management
Did you understand you can utilize Honey for Weight management? According to the well-known author and nutritional expert Mike McInnes, honey burns body fat even while when you are sleeping. It is one of the very best foods for slimming down. Physicians advise to have a spoonful of honey before going to bed. You can likewise consume a little honey with warm water on empty stomach early in the early morning. Having it first thing in the early morning, assists increase the metabolic process, which in turn helps reduce weight much faster. Honey is likewise good for improving your total health.
Reinforces Immune system
Honey has numerous medicinal properties that naturally help in treating a sore throat. Its antioxidants and bacteria-fighting assets likewise assist against fighting infections that are caused by viruses, germs and fungi. According to physicians and scientists, buckwheat honey has the highest variety of anti-oxidants and when taken in daily can be helpful for improving resistance in the long run and this is why honey has actually known to be one of the very best immunity increasing foods. It is always advisable to take in honey every morning prior to breakfast or perhaps workout to get an additional kick of energy for the whole day. It also works as a cleansing toner which improves resistance in children.
Nourishes your skin and face
Using Honey for skin is very beneficial because of its moisturizing and nourishing residential or commercial properties. Honey is the very best natural moisturizer, particularly for your dry skin and it is also really easy to use. Raw honey not just unblocks pores but it also helps hydrate parched skin. It also assists treating cracked lips during winters. Lots of people also utilize honey masks for skin tone correction. Also being a natural antibacterial, it works for treatment of wounds, contusions, cuts, burns and other infections.
Increases your memory
We are what we eat and hence it is really essential to take in foods that assist make our mental health strong to sustain in old age. Honey, the everlasting sweetener has various health benefits, among which includes improving memory and concentration. Honey not just increases brain power and memory but also makes you a much healthier individual entirely. Intake of honey prevents metabolic tension and helps calm and relieve the brain, which helps in enhancing memory in the long run. The natural antioxidants and healing homes in honey aid in increasing brains’ cholinergic system and flow and declining cells that cause memory loss.
Home Remedy for Cough
Honey is understood to be one of the best natural home remedy for dry cough as well as damp cough. Research has actually also shown that consuming a tablespoon of honey can reduce inflammation in the throat. Honey is the preferred natural solution for cough, particularly for kids, as it assists to relieve nighttime cough, enabling appropriate sleep.
Natural home remedy for Dandruff
Do you understand how beneficial honey for hair can be? Honey is one of the best natural home remedy for dandruff. It not only supplies nourishment to dry hair but it likewise offers you smooth and soft hair. You can likewise utilize honey and lavender with green tea to prevent hair fall. All you need to do is mix 2 tablespoons of Dabur Honey with equivalent amount of grease and use it on your hair. Keep this hair mask on for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off prior to you shampoo.
Used for Recovering Injuries
Honey has anti-bacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant residential or commercial properties, which is why honey is used for healing injuries. After any skin injury, bacteria that reside on your skin can infect and penetrate the wound website. Honey, has been found to destroy these bacteria.
Acts as a Natural Sleeping Help
Having problem falling asleep? You must attempt drinking this beverage made of warm milk and honey just before you sleep. For centuries, people have actually used this drink to help them sleep. This beverage is fairly simple to make. All you require to do is add a teaspoon of Dabur Honey into a glass of hot milk, or add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Dabur Honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip to cause sleep.
Reduces sinus concerns
With increasing pollution and dust many individuals these days struggle with sinus related problems. Sinuses are small cavities in the skull that produce mucus to secure the breathing system from allergic reactions and infections. When we suffer from infections the viruses obstruct the sinus, traps the air and mucous which causes distress. Honey on the other hand is a natural anti-bacterium and anti-septic that helps to clear the infections and lower swellings. Honey also soothes throat and minimizes coughs and reinforces the body immune system thus triggering less sinus attacks.
Aids with gum diseases
Honey’s anti-bacterial and infection healing residential or commercial properties help in dealing with and recovery wounds. Teeth and gum illness like gingivitis, bleeding and plaque can be dealt with to an excellent level with the regular use of honey. Honey is understood to launch antiseptic hydrogen peroxide which acts as anti-microbial agent that avoids the growth of germs. Experts’ guidance the use of raw honey blended with water to be utilized as mouthwash. Also rubbing honey straight on affected gums gives immediate relief from pain and swelling and other periodontal illness.
Natural Energy Consume
Honey is called an excellent source of natural energy as the natural unprocessed sugar present in it enters the bloodstream straight and this in turn can give a fast boost of energy. This quick increase works like a marvel for your exercise, specifically in longer endurance workouts.
Prevents and helps control Eczema
Eczema is a skin problem that triggers red, itchy, flaky skin that causes pain. Typically, children and teenagers experience eczema that can be treated with eczema. Those suffering can make a mix of raw honey and cold-pressed olive oil and apply on the skin to eliminate the issue. Honey functions as a natural cleanser by removing dirt and making the skin smooth and soft. It can also be utilized for exfoliation of the skin by mixing it with oats in order to get rid of dead cells. Routine use of honey avoids eczema from occurring or coming back once again. [6]
How to incorporate more honey into your diet plan
Experimentation is crucial when replacing honey for sugar. Baking with honey can cause excess browning and wetness. As a general rule, usage 3/4 cup of honey for every single one cup of sugar, reduce the liquid in the recipe by 2 tablespoons and lower the oven temperature by 25 degrees Fahrenheit.
Quick ideas:
- Usage honey to sweeten your dressings or marinades
- Stir honey into coffee or tea
- Drizzle honey on top of toast or pancakes
- Mix honey into yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal for a more natural sweetener
- Spread raw honey over whole grain toast and top with peanut butter.
Or, try these healthy and scrumptious recipes developed by signed up dietitians:.
- Honey-glazed roasted sweet potatoes
- Basil honey mango sorbet
- Honey Dijon vinaigrette with arugula, pear and walnut salad
- Grilled fruit kebabs.
- If saved in an airtight container, honey can be kept indefinitely [7]
Adverse effects and drawbacks of honey
1. Stomach problems and bloating
Stomach crampings and bloating are not good for our health and usually take place due to problems in the digestion system. Eating excessive honey can have a negative effect on our digestion system and would cause gas, bloating and stomach issues. Excessive honey can even cause stomach crampings, diarrhea and even irregularity.
2. Not suggested for diabetic patients
Honey in higher quantities is not at all recommended for diabetic patients or even individuals who possess a risk of establishing diabetes. Honey increases your blood sugar level because of the high quantity of sugar present in it. On the other hand, honey does not include any fiber and this absence of fiber take part further in increasing your blood sugar level levels as the absorption of the sugar into the blood stream becomes quicker.
3. Might result in overweight
Honey is usually chosen by people who are on their weight-loss journey. However you must always consume honey with warm water or lemon juice to achieve weight-loss. Eating too much honey or consuming honey without integrating it with water or lemon juice will cause weight gain. This could even result in weight problems.
4. Issues in the gastrointestinal system
Overconsumption of honey might lead to the development of problems in the intestinal system. Honey being high in fructose hinders our small intestine’s ability to soak up nutrients. This may cause malfunctioning of our intestinal systems which in turn might result in gastrointestinal disorders, stomach ulcers, piles and even GERD.
5. Botulism
Some honey contains spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum which is not at all supported by the digestive system. This results in botulism poisoning in infants and even grownups which is known to activate symptoms such as constipation, reduced appetite, weak point and even vomiting.
6. Not at all advised for individuals with allergic reactions
Honey is not suitable for people allergic to pollen or celery. People who are allergic to these things may instantly start sneezing or coughing as quickly as they are available in contact with honey. You must never ever take possibilities particularly when it concerns individuals who are allergy-prone. Honey would act as a poisonous item for them.
7. Increased danger of bleeding
Honey is bad for individuals with an increased risk of bleeding (internally or externally ). People with bleeding disorders should be additional careful about the dosage of honey they are handling a routine basis. It is better to avoid honey for individuals who have actually increased risks of bleeding.
8. Causes insulin insensitivity
Honey being acidic in nature erodes the enamel of teeth and lining of the stomach, intestines and esophagus which in turn may lead to acid reflux illness. Excessive intake of honey will lead to insulin insensitivity. If you already have insulin resistance (if you are taking drugs for hypertension, diabetes or cholesterol) you ought to also avoid honey.
9. Causes teeth cavities
Excessive usage of honey is not at all good for your oral health. Too much honey makes your teeth weaker and deteriorates the enamel of the teeth. It also develops a stain on your teeth which may not look excellent. Honey is a bit acidic in nature and might raise the chances of establishing dental cavities. You must constantly brush frequently to preserve your oral hygiene.
10. Not suggested for babies and pregnant females
Physicians never ever recommend honey for pregnant ladies, nursing mommies, and babies. Even a small amount of honey can trigger unfavorable results on an infant’s health. Pregnant females and lactating mamas are never ever recommended honey without their doctor’s authorization.
How much honey is enough in a day?
It is advised to have not more than 10 tablespoons of sugar per day. So calculate the total quantity of sugar you are consuming to the amount of honey you are taking per day. For example, if you are taking in 3 tablespoons of sugar in a day from other sources you ought to not have more than 7 tablespoons of honey each day. [8]
Allergies
Honey is not a common allergen, nevertheless, case studies revealing anaphylaxis have been reported.8 Anaphylaxis from the usage of honey is an IgE-mediated reaction (a true food allergy). Propolis has been recorded as a contact irritant for those associated with the collection of honey. If you presume an allergy to honey, see your doctor for a complete examination. [9]
Honey Substitute
Considering that honey is a sweetener, it can be replaced with sugar. The flavor and texture may not be the same when you make the swap. To replace one cup of honey, usage 1 1/4 cups of sugar and 1/4 cup of an extra liquid such as water or a liquid that is in the dish. Another swap is one cup of honey for 1/2 cup of sugar plus a 3/4 cup of corn syrup. [10]
Conclusion
Honey is a fantastic natural sweetener and sugar replacement. It’s also used all over the world for its antimicrobial, wound-healing, and soothing properties.
While not as popular in Western cultures, Ayurveda and other natural recovery traditions have actually been utilizing honey for centuries to treat health conditions of the eye.
Topically applied honey can lower inflammation and inflammation in your eye. It can also eliminate harmful germs that could be causing an eye infection.
Some individuals even utilize honey to attempt to gradually change the color of their eyes, although there isn’t any research to prove that it works. Keep checking out to learn what we know up until now about utilizing honey as a treatment for your eyes. [11]
References
- https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/honey
- https://bugsinourbackyard.org/the-fascinating-history-of-honey/
- https://www.webmd.com/diet/honey-health-benefits
- https://www.eufic.org/en/healthy-living/article/the-health-benefits-of-honey-and-its-nutritional-value
- https://www.powerblanket.com/blog/honey-chemistry-what-is-honey-made-of/
- https://www.daburhoney.com/benefits-of-honey.aspx
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/302572
- https://healthandhealthier.com/side-effects-of-honey/
- https://www.verywellfit.com/honey-nutrition-facts-and-calories-4164274
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/honey-history-1807611
- https://www.healthline.com/health/honey-in-eyes