How Good Is Raw Honey?

These days there are so may health trends kicking around, it can be confusing working out what is actually good for you and what is not so great for the human body. One health food you can rely on is Raw Honey. It has been used for thousands of years to treat ailments and has an abundance of health benefits.

Firstly, we are talking about Raw honey or unpasteurized honey. This is honey that has come directly from the beehive and into the jar, it has not undergone any further processing and most importantly no heat has been applied to the honey thereby pasteurizing it. Most store bought honey has been pasteurized, this process involves applying high heat to the honey to kill unwanted yeast, it can improve colour and texture, removes any crystallization and can improve shelf life. However, many of the beneficial nutrients are destroyed in this process.

So what is so good about raw honey?

1. Raw honey is full of antioxidants. Antioxidants fight fee radicals in your body, free radicals are compounds that build up in your body and can be harmful in high levels.

2. Raw honey contains important vitamins such as calcium, magnesium, manganese, potassium, pantothenic acid and riboflavin.

3. Raw honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. Research has shown that the propolis in raw honey has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties and has applications both internal and topical.

4. Raw honey contains phytonutrients. The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power. They’re also thought to be the reason raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits. Heavy processing in regular honey can destroy these valuable nutrients.

5. Raw honey is good for gut health. It contains probiotics that help to nourish the good bacteria in our digestive system.

6. Honey is an old sore throat remedy that soothes the ache and can help with coughs. Add it to hot tea with lemon when a cold virus hits.