Honey: delicious and healthy
Honey is much more than just a culinary ingredient or a sweet treat for bread or in a hot drink. This natural substance, produced by bees, has many health benefits. Here is a brief overview of its most important properties, along with some tips and tricks to make the most of it!
Honey lovers appreciate both its sweetness and the energy boost it can provide, as it is quickly absorbed by the body. Furthermore, honey has been used for thousands of years as a natural remedy for all kinds of ailments, in addition to its widespread use in food and as a beauty product.1 Honey is delicious and healthy!
A short list of the health benefits of honey
Antibacterial and antiseptic2: honey contains hydrogen peroxide, a natural product formed by an enzyme secreted by bees (glucose oxidase). It creates a hostile environment for bacteria, thereby limiting their proliferation.
Anti-inflammatory3: honey can reduce inflammation thanks to its natural antioxidants, such as flavonoids and polyphenols. These substances help soothe irritated or inflamed tissue.
Accelerates healing4: honey is used to treat wounds and burns because it maintains a moist environment and prevents infection.
Soothes digestive issues5: honey is said to be able to alleviate stomach conditions such as ulcers, acid reflux, and bacterial infections (such as those caused by Helicobacter pylori).
Immune-boosting effect6: honey stimulates the immune system thanks to its enzymes, vitamins (B, C), and antioxidants. Regular consumption can strengthen the body's natural defenses.
Naturally suppresses coughs7: honey is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an effective natural treatment for coughs. It soothes the throat and reduces irritation.
Antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory... if you consume honey wisely and in moderation, it is delicious and healthy!
Honey is great, but not for children under 1 year old
Because honey is unpasteurized, it is not recommended for children under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism. This is a serious form of poisoning caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum8. The spores of this bacterium are harmless to adults and older children thanks to their mature, acidic digestive systems. However, in children under 12 months, the digestive system is not yet fully developed and does not produce enough acid to inhibit the growth of these spores.
Does metal cutlery affect the benefits and taste of honey?
The idea that you should not use a metal spoon to scoop honey comes from folklore. Some believe that honey loses its medicinal or energetic properties when it comes into contact with metal. Although there is no scientific evidence for this, these beliefs persist in certain cultures, and some prefer to use wooden, ceramic, or plastic utensils. However, the interaction between honey and metal does have a scientific basis.9 Honey is slightly acidic, with a pH between 3.2 and 4.5. If you use metal utensils, a limited chemical reaction can occur between the acids in the honey and the metal. This can slightly alter the taste of the honey and, in theory, accelerate the loss of certain antioxidants in the honey.
Do high temperatures have a negative effect on the properties of honey?
The natural enzymes in honey have a positive effect on digestion and offer medicinal properties. These enzymes are heat-sensitive. Their activity begins to decline from 40°C, and above 60°C they are destroyed, making the honey less nutritious and less effective therapeutically10. The same applies to the natural antioxidants in honey (flavonoids, polyphenols), which are also sensitive to heat.11 Heating honey can also alter its natural taste and aroma, making it less flavorful. In short, to preserve the properties of honey, you should not add it to boiling liquids. Ideally, wait until the liquid has cooled to below 40°C before adding the honey.
Honey is an exceptionally healthy food. Do note: not all honey is the same. Nowadays, honey is generally obtained using an extractor (centrifuge) and then heated. This is a quick method, but it significantly reduces the quality and taste of the honey. Cold-pressed honey is obtained through a much (very much!) slower process, where the temperature does not change and a manual honey press is used. In this way, the honey retains its natural properties.
Scientific references
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