Honey, a luscious golden elixir, has not only graced our breakfast tables and sweetened our tea, but has been revered for its medicinal benefits for millennia. While it's a natural sweet treat for many, there are some intriguing facts about honey that may surprise you. Let’s go through the top five medicinal magic properties of honey.
It’s antimicrobial:
Honey's claim to fame is not just its sweetness. Rich in antioxidants, it fights off free radicals and repairs tissue damage. With its natural antibacterial properties, honey speeds up the healing of wounds and even combats certain harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.
Thanks to its anti-inflammatory effects, it's also a soothing remedy for sore throats and coughs. The osmotic effect of honey draws out bacteria from inflamed pores, making it a darling in many skincare regimens. If you make homemade yogurt like I do, you should know that “raw” honey will not ferment because the natural antibiotic properties will kill your probiotic starter culture during incubation.
Different flowers are used:
Not all honey is created equal. From almost clear to deep brown, honey's hue is largely determined by its floral source. Dark honey, like buckwheat, is rich in antioxidants and flavor. By the way, buckwheat-derived honey is still wheat- and gluten-free. Lighter honey, such as those from orange blossoms, offers a milder taste. And then there's the star of the honey world — Manuka. Hailing from New Zealand, Manuka honey boasts unique therapeutic properties, often used in wound care.
Honey and babies:
Honey and toddlers? Wait until their first birthday! Infants younger than 12 months shouldn't be given honey due to the risk of botulism. But as children grow older, they can safely savor its sweetness.
Is it vegan or vegetarian?:
Honey's place in the vegan or vegetarian diet stirs debate. While it comfortably sits on vegetarian menus, its vegan status is contentious. Since it's a bee byproduct and some commercial honey practices may harm bees, many vegans prefer plant-based sweeteners like Bee Free Honee, monk fruit, or Stevia.
Allergies:
If you are allergic to some flowers, as many people are, it's natural to question whether the honey derived from that flower's nectar also would trigger an allergic reaction.
However, honey allergies stemming from floral sources are quite rare. This is because the pollen grains from flowers responsible for most pollen allergies are too large to be carried by bees. Instead, bees carry smaller, nectar-bearing pollen grains that rarely cause allergic reactions. Once collected, bees return to their hive and transform this nectar into honey by a process of regurgitation, enzymatic activity, and evaporation.
In short, honey is not collected from a flower’s stems or leaves. That said, it's always good to avoid potential problems with honey if you have severe allergies and, of course, consult your allergist/immunologist doctor.
I have a longer version of this article on my website, suzycohen.com, if you’re interested in more medicinal facts about honey.
The Sweet Benefits of Honey for Babies!
Benefits of honey: Today, we have a sweet topic to discuss that's all about the benefits of honey for babies. It's no secret that honey has been cherished for its health properties for centuries, but did you know it can also be a wonderful addition to your baby's diet? Stick around as we explore the incredible advantages honey can offer to your little ones.
Nutritional Powerhouse
Honey is rich in essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it an excellent choice to support your baby's growth and development.
Natural Cough Remedy
Honey can provide relief from coughs and sore throats, which can be especially helpful for newborns who are prone to colds and congestion.
Immune System Booster
Honey has antibacterial properties that can strengthen your baby's immune system, helping them fend off illnesses. Honey's natural sugars can aid in digestion and alleviate constipation, ensuring your baby's tummy stays happy.
Skin Soothing Benefits
Honey can be used topically to soothe diaper rashes and minor skin irritations, keeping your baby comfortable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, honey is a natural wonder that can offer a myriad of benefits to your newborn baby. However, it's important to note that honey should not be given to infants under one year of age due to the risk of infant botulism.
Always consult with your pediatrician before introducing any new food to your baby's diet. That wraps up our exploration of the benefits of honey for newborn babies. We hope you found this information helpful and informative.
This article originally appeared in The Gainesville Sun: Five Sweet Revelations: The Buzz of Honey and its Medicinal Benefits
You must be logged in to post a comment.