One of the most common kitchen ingredients, honey is
used for beauty and health treatments as well. Here’s a look at some facts you
should know about honey.
Honey never gets spoiled; however, it can ferment if
moisture seeps in. To avoid it, store the honey in tight-lid jars. If you see
granules, place the jar without lid in a bowl of hot water for some time.
Honey is essentially a mix of sugars and carbohydrates
and doesn’t contain any fiber, fat or protein virtually.
Honey has antioxidants that protect against cellular
damage. When consumed in moderation, it can also help in reducing body weight
and cholesterol level in diabetic patients.
Because it is antiseptic in nature, honey can be
applied on cuts and burns to avoid infection.
Honey is made of natural fruit sugars – glucose and
fructose – which are easy to digest and hence is a quick source of energy.
It takes nectar from over two million flowers to produce
a pound of honey.
Honey helps reduce the risk of some cancers and
heart-related diseases as it contains antioxidants and flavonoids.
In 11th century A.D. Germany, honey was used to
sweeten beer and was a prized commodity. Farmers and peasant paid feudal lords
honey and beeswax as tribute.
It is the only food that contains pinocembrin (an
antioxidant that can help improve brain functioning). It is also rich in
vitamins, minerals and enzymes.
Because it can moisturize and protect from
infection, it can be used to treat dry, cracked lips.
Adding a little honey to one's diet can boost
immunity levels. A study at School of Medicine, Cardiff University, U.K., found
that intake of manuka, a type of honey, can boost the production of immune
cells.
It can be easily purchased in a crystal form and
later used as liquid when re-hydrated.
There are at least 40 types of honey available and
each has unique properties and a distinctive taste. Some are high in
antioxidants while some vary in glycemic index (a ranking showing how certain
compounds affect blood sugar levels).
Honey can improve athletic performance. Due to its
low glycemic index, it's a good substitute to post-workout carbohydrates which
are needed to replenish blood sugar after a strenuous workout. It also
maintains glycogen levels.
Did you know honey is the only food produced by
insects and eaten by humans?
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