Honey has been used as both food and medicine since time immemorial. It is not only sweet but also has numerous health benefits. Doctors all over the world advise people to use honey instead of sugar as their sweetener because it is the healthier choice. In this article, we look at some of the reasons why honey is important.
Firstly, honey contains vital nutrients. Honey is made by bees. Bees make honey from the sugar they collect from flowers in the environment. Bees usually consume, digest, and regurgitate nectar to produce honey, which they store as food. There are different types of honey, and their taste depends on the types of flowers the bees get nectar from. Honey contains maltose, sucrose, fructose, and glucose, which is why it is sugary. It does not contain proteins, fats or fiber. Research, however, shows that honey contains vitamins, though only a small percentage. One would have to eat a lot of honey to consume the right amount of vitamins, and this is why it is not reasonable for one to rely on honey alone for their vitamins. Research also shows that darker honey contains more antioxidants and plant compounds than lighter honey.
Secondly, honey is better than sugar, more so for those who suffer from diabetes. Honey reduces risk factors for heart disease, which is usually common in those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Several studies have shown that honey raises good HDL cholesterol while reducing bad LDL cholesterol. These studies also show that honey reduces inflammation and triglycerides. However, this does not mean that should throw all caution to the wind when consuming honey. You should not overdo its consumption, because doing so could put you at risk. It is important to note that some honey manufacturers adulterate honey with plain syrup to increase their profit margins. This is why you need to look into any producer before you buy their honey. Ensure that you select the best because adulterated honey is not good for your health.
Thirdly, honey is important because it is rich in antioxidants. Organic honey contains phenolic compounds and organic acids, which are vita antioxidants in the body. Some researchers claim that buckwheat honey increases antioxidant value in one’s blood. Antioxidants are vital because they have been known to reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer, heart attacks, and even strokes. An increase in antioxidants could also improve your eye health and lower blood pressure. Reduced blood pressure is important because those with high blood pressure are at risk of getting certain heart conditions. Antioxidants help in the dilation of heart arteries and an increase in blood flow. Studies were done on both rats and humans also show that the antioxidants in honey prevent blood clots in the heart.
With all these benefits, it is no wonder that people today are replacing sugar with honey. To ensure that you consume the best, ensure that you choose the right supplier. Choose a supplier who is well-known to produce high-quality honey. They may be more expensive than other alternatives you have, but always remember that you have to pay for quality.