Honey: The Benefits of this Sweet Gold

The concept of superfoods has reached a high level in the diets of those who zealously care for their health, not only because they are natural, but because of the immense benefits they bring to the body, such as honey.

Honey, a Superfood

This mellow, sweet and delicious product made by bees is in the Top 10 of this food category.

It has even been called sweet gold, so in this post we will delve into the qualities, benefits and uses of honey in all aspects.

We must remember that Superfoods are classified as such because they possess in their composition a great variety of minerals, vitamins, antioxidants, trace elements, an endless number of nutrients that benefit the functioning of some organs, providing them with the necessary elements to combat and prevent certain diseases.

It’s use in history

Honey has always been used by our ancestors to fight certain skin conditions.

They applied honey “cataplasms” with some herbs to cure bites, burns, and wounds.

But, since when did we consume honey?

Historians do not agree on an exact date, however there are ancient documents such as the Papyrus of Thebes (1550 BC) where it is described that Egyptians fed their children with pure honey, considering them the tears of Rá.

It was the same people in Egypt who used this viscous substance to relieve cuts, sores and burns, as well as transporting their meat stocks in barrels with honey because they attributed preservative qualities to it.

The Greeks, for their part, specifically Hippocrates, recommended its consumption to live longer and with more energy. It was also applied to ulcers and consumed by the old sages of Greek society.

Where does it come from?

As we were taught at school, honey is produced by bees, animals that collect the nectar from the flowers, combine it by chewing and mixing it with the saliva enzymes, which they then deposit in cells of the hive.

This yellowish substance suffers an ageing period in which it gains its properties.

How is the quality measured?

The quality of the product will depend on the method of removal.

If pressed or centrifuged, using temperatures below 45 degrees will avoid removing some of its components.

Nutritional Properties

However, the structure of this delicious nectar contains organic acids such as phosphoric or citric, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and C, folic acid, essential amino acids.

It also contains minerals: iron, iodine, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, silicon, silver and gold.

It also has 80% sugars such as glucose and fructose.

Flowers and honey

As we point out, the quality and uses of honey depends on the flower from which the nectar comes.

Honey for soft skin.

How to recognise pure honey

When our grandparents bought honey on the market, we saw the liquid move in different directions and even watched a bubble slowly rise to the top.

This test is in effect to determine how pure honey is.

The method is as follows: Take the bottle, move it from top to bottom, the bubble that forms in the bottom, should rise slowly.

Another sign is that if it is two or three months old and it does not form a clear, hardened color residue on the bottom of the bottle, your honey was combined with crystallised sugar.

To identify purity, there are two somewhat rudimentary but effective procedures:

1. If it burns, it’s pure
2. If you put a little on your thumb and it stays there, without running, it’s pure

We must bear in mind that pure honey does not froth and can last a long time without losing its properties.

Benefits of Honey

As we have already seen, consumption of honey from bees brings innumerable benefits to the body.

Lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels

It is proven through scientific studies only when a tablespoon of pure honey is ingested every day.

Helps control blood sugar and diabetes

Substituting white sugar for honey to sweeten drinks, as well as eating it at breakfast has a positive effect on your weight.

Helps with heart health

Experts advise taking honey diluted in water so that its antioxidants intervene in the best functioning of this vital organ.

As verified by our ancestors, the components of this substance provide energy to our body.

It is attributed a revitalising factor eliminating fatigue and weakness.

Works miracles with skin

It has been shown to have moisturising attributes, which has been fully exploited by the cosmetic industry through gels, masks and even astringent solutions.

Helps aid sleep

Mixing honey with other factors such as warm milk is a perfect vehicle for restful sleep.

This recipe has passed from generation to generation so it is part of popular wisdom.

Antibacterial and antiviral

The presence of flavonoids and hydrogen peroxide is a guarantee of its antibacterial power.

How to take it?

There are several ways to use it:

If this information helped you, wait for our next articles on superfoods and natural remedies.

Bibliography Sources

1. “Descubre el poder de la miel” Cocina, belleza y salud. Ángela Pardo García 2005
2. “Dones del cielo. Abeja y miel en el Mediterráneo antiguo” Pilar Fernández Uriel. 2011
3. “Cómo cura la miel y otros productos del panal” Patricia Conti. 2012

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