Honey: Sweet Goodness
Honey: Sweet Goodness
Honey is made from the nectar gathered by bees from the flowers of shrubs and trees.
This nectar is digested by the bees to give honey which is then collected and stored in their hives.
As food for the bees and food for their young larvae.
It is fiercely guarded by bees with a painful sting.
People and bears (real and make believe) do love its sweet taste.
Honey was the prime sweetener until the advent of white sugar took over its sweet role.
Honey is mainly composed of water and two sugars, glucose and fructose, the composition of these sugars vary depending on the variety of honey.
Glucose is less soluble in water than fructose, so some honeys contain more glucose than fructose will crystallise more easily.
The sweet taste of honey is only one the many facets that defines this treasure of the hive.
Enzymes, antioxidants and natural plant pigments make up the rest of the honey.
These parts give the honey its unique taste, colour and sometimes impart special medicinal properties to a particular honey.
The main reason for the large number of honey varieties is the different types of nectar source.
Different honey varieties also mean different flavours and aroma.
Generally, honey that is light in colour has a mild flavour and the ones with a darker colour usually have a stronger flavour.
It is a great source of carbohydrates which provide energy to our bodies, honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes.
The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly to give immediate energy, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing more sustained energy.
Honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant compared to other types of sugar.
Amongst the many health benefits of honey, it can be a powerful immune system booster.
Sore throats and coughs can be soothed with its sweetness and antibacterial powers.
Honey’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve the digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease.
Honey has been applied since ancient times to heal wounds.
Only recently with the modern scientific analysis, the antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties of honey have been confirmed.
Manuka honey in particular has a unique manuka factor (UMF) that helps to fight H. pylori infections in the digestive system as well as helping to heal burns and open wounds.
Honey, a versatile and healthful food that is more than just sweetness and light.
