Honey Facts

 

 

History of Honey:

Beekeeping has been practiced as early as 15,000 B.C. 556 worker bees fly 33,000 miles to produce 1 lb. of honey. Approximately 90% of the honey produced by bees is harvested and then consumed as “table honey”. Honey can be used in baked goods to help preserve freshness, and can replace sugar in a variety of recipes. Honey is considered to be nature’s most perfect food, as it never spoils!

 

 

Nutrition:

This most remarkable food is composed of simple sugars which provides instant energy. Besides honey’s nutritional value, it also works to fend off and protect the body from colds and infections. Honey also provides many other benefits such as, its unique combination of glucose and fructose that provides quick energy that can help prevent fatigue and boost athletic performance. Honey also contains a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids. Vitamins in honey include; thiamin, vitamin B-6, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. Minerals in honey include; copper, iron, calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium, and zinc. Honey also contains one pinocembrin that is found exclusively in honey.

 

 

Healing Power of Honey:

Honey was used in ancient times as a remedy for burns, cataracts, ulcers, and wound dressings. Perhaps it was used because it was soothing when applied to open wounds. Given its physical properties, honey provides a protective barrier and with its osmotic properties, it creates a moist wound-healing environment as a solution that does not stick to the wounded tissue. Recently, the antibacterial properties of honey have begun to be evaluated. It has been suggested that honey may help prevent bacterial colonization in wounds as well as protect and aid in the healing process. The action of honey has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation as well as reduce exudates formation more promptly than standard treatments. Today, honey is still used as a first-aid tool in remote locations where infections can set in before conventional medical treatment can be obtained.