The Sweet Science: Unraveling the Wonders of Natural Honey

All of us hold honey dear for varying purposes, be it cooking, wound healing, or as a natural sweetener. But have you ever wondered about how honey was discovered and how we, as mankind, realized its importance?

 

Back in the day, when primitive tools were the weapons of mass destruction and deforestation was yet to be a term, every gesture of nature was keenly observed, as was the travel trajectory of honey bees. Being accustomed to transcending in groups from flower to flower, collecting the potion we call nectar, one thing that distinguished honey bees from the rest of the animals and insects encountered naturally was their near-fixed locus, which led to a fixed destination every time.

While walking amidst a cluster of trees, a group of humans followed the honey bees to their tracks and discovered what we today call a hive.

After due precautions, honey was extracted from the comb, and as time passed, its varying benefits were realized, and beekeeping culminated into a commercial profession serving millions across the globe.

While everyone might be aware of the benefits that honey presents us with, what often goes under the radar is the science that comes with it. Read along as we tell you about the mechanism through which honey benefits and how it truly stands to be a 'golden elixir' in every aspect.

Antioxidant Properties

All the food that we ingest during the course of the day comes with different compositions, chemical buildup, and, more specifically, different nutrients. During the course of digestion, the complex fabrications in food are broken into simpler forms for better absorption; however, the same can be a cause for concern if left unattended. Of the various types of honey, Kashmir honey, for example, contains a variety of antioxidants that include flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help combat the buildup of oxidative stress in the body by neutralizing the accumulation of harmful free radicals.

Wound Recovery

Wound healing was one of the earliest applications of honey that humans found. The best honey in the world, like Kashmir honey, has inherent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities that make it useful for healing wounds, preventing infections, calming the skin, and accelerating tissue regeneration. When honey comes into touch with bodily fluids, it produces hydrogen peroxide, which has antibacterial properties that can effectively treat pathogen infestation in wounds.

Better digestive health

If we told you that there is a certain class of bacteria that resides in your stomach, would you believe it? Might be. But what if we tell you that they not only reside but are also beneficial for your well-being? That is precisely what prebiotics and probiotics can help you with.

A number of gramme-positive bacteria, which are most commonly found in dairy products, can help us break down food more efficiently into simpler compounds for better absorption. Honey, when consumed regularly, can promote the health of such bacteria within a beneficial threshold and hence improve your digestive experience without making much effort. It can also help keep gastrointestinal issues at bay.

Source of Swift Energy

Whether they play football, cricket, hockey, or another sport, athletes are always on the lookout for foods that will provide them with a rapid energy boost in a short amount of time, allowing them to perform at their best without losing any ground. But why just athletes? Everyone needs a quick supply of energy in our fast-paced world. Most of the world's best honey contains natural sugars like fructose and glucose, which can provide you with a quick energy boost that lasts all day. 

Additionally, because honey is naturally formulated, its sugars may readily be broken down into compounds that are absorbed and can aid in the extraction of most nutrients from food for those with sluggish metabolisms. For these reasons, honey is a great substitute for sugar cravings and honey for weight loss is highly recommended.

Improves skin health

Recall that honey has the ability to eliminate free radicals and lessen oxidative stress within your body. Guess what, though? Honey has the ability to eliminate free radicals from your skin in addition to the inside.

The world is changing, and so is the environment that we live in. The rise in pollution exposes us to the dangers of radiation, which can endanger our well-being and ruin our natural skin quality over a period of time. As an ode to its soothing and moisturizing properties, honey prevents greater deposition of free radicals on the skin and can also help treat acne, dry skin, and minor skin irritations.

Immune system support

When you combine the many health benefits of honey, like decreased oxidative stress, better digestion, and even the potential to prevent allergies, honey is a strong candidate to strengthen your immune system's defenses against foreign pathogens that could harm your well-being.

But wait, though we have pondered the goodness that honey presents us with, how do we know that the honey we are so optimistic about is genuine and not adulterated?

1. Look out for labels and certifications such as non-GMO, NMR-tested, and organically sourced to ensure that no sugar or chemicals are put into the manufacturing process of your product.
2. Prefer honey that comes in glass containers as opposed to those that come in plastic packaging. While glass containers are nearly inert to atmospheric reactions, plastic containers, though cheap to manufacture, may expose stores of honey to carcinogens, rendering you vulnerable to chronic diseases.
3. The texture and color that honey comes with can often work as a sign of the intensity of sweetness it comes with. While lighter-coloured honey tends to be mild in flavor, a different texture is a specimen of the source that honey is extracted from.

Needless to say, the benefits that honey presents us with are pretty much unmatched. Shop responsibly and check all the certifications to give yourself and your loved ones the blessing of a healthier future.

Let the sweeter days begin.