General Health part of Myhealthblogging.com Channel

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honey bees, and derived from the nectar of flowers.

Honey is a mixture of sugars and other compounds. With respect to carbohydrates, honey is mainly fructose (about 38.5%) and glucose (about 31.0%). The remaining carbohydrates include maltose, sucrose, and other complex carbohydrates.

Honey contains several vitamins, such as vitamin B6, vitamin C, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid. Essential minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc as well as several different amino acids have been identified in honey. It also contains several compounds which function as antioxidants. Unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.

For at least 2700 years, honey has been used to treat a variety of ailments through topical application, but only recently have the antiseptic and antibacterial properties of honey been chemically explained. As an antimicrobial agent honey has potential for treating a variety of ailments. Antibacterial properties of honey are the result of the low water activity causing osmosis, hydrogen peroxide effect, and high acidity.

Well, there are some benefits that we can take by consuming honey : - Osmotic effect - Cholesterol control - In diabetic ulcers, topical honey has been used successfully in a comprehensive treatment of diabetic ulcers when the patient cannot use other topical antibiotics. - The pH of honey is commonly between 3.2 and 4.5. This relatively acidic pH level prevents the growth of many bacteria. - Nutraceutical effects : honey may have some significant nutraceutical effects (or positive long-term health effects resulting from honey’s consumption). In addition to its primary carbohydrate content, honey often contains polyphenols, which can act as antioxidants. Antioxidants in honey have even been implicated in reducing the damage done to the colon in colitis.

But, don’t forget our rule of thumb : there are some considerations before we decide to consume medicines/ vitamins/ foods and drinks. Consuming honey is not out of exception, since too much honey is not good either. Ask your doctor! :-D

Topik: Cancer, Cholesterol, Dietary, Foods