15 Interesting Facts About Honey

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?