Raw honey isn't filtered, strained, or heated above natural
hive temperatures (usually 115° F), a process used in conventional
honey that can destroy beneficial enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants.
One step better is organic raw honey. In regular honey, honeybees can sometimes carry back pollen from flowers that have been sprayed with herbicides or pesticides. Buying organic, means that you're getting honey that is carefully harvested from remote, untouched areas where the bees' only option is wild growing chemical free plants.
Organic raw honey has so many health benefits that it's truly a super-food, no wonder it's been used for thousands of years.
In my Oil Cleansing Method post, I mentioned that in the morning I cleanse my face with raw honey, and I still do! But honey has so many more benefits beyond beauty.
 |
| source |
ENERGY
Carbohydrates in the form of
glucose and fructose supply the body and mind with energy which can boost
endurance, and reduce muscle fatigue. Many athletes use raw honey for
an inexpensive, natural energy source to sustain them throughout their
training. Eating one spoonful is really all you need or, if you prefer, add it to your pre-workout smoothie.
WELLNESS
Since it contains antioxidants, vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5,
B6, as well as vitamin C, and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium
chlorine, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, zinc and phosphate it's pretty much like nature's daily vitamin. It also contains the flavonoid pinocembrin which promotes healthy enzyme activity. And raw honey supports Bifidobacteria, by containing pre/pro biotics, which is essential for efficient digestion and good health. That's why it's been known to help counteract ulcers and gastrointestinal issues. Raw honey's anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties also make it perfect for treating minor abrasions & sores, as well as sore throats, laryngitis and pharyngitis.
Please keep in mind though that children under one year of age should not consume honey as it could contain Clostridium botulinum spores and toxins. This can cause infant botulism because their intestinal tract is not mature enough to inhibit the growth of Clostridium botulinum.
Honey
tastes
sweeter than sugar, so less is needed to sweeten baked goods and
beverages. Studies have actually shown that foods prepared with honey
last longer as well, so it's sort of like a natural preservative.
I do like to add it to my green tea or on almond butter toast on occasion, but I especially like to eat some if I feel a sore throat or a cold coming on. I feel like it lessens whatever I'm 'catching'.
ALLERGIES
Because of these anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties, raw honey can also possibly help treat environmental allergies and asthma. For example, a common folk remedy for hay fever is to consume honey that has been produced
by honeybees in the area. Consuming the very thing you are sensitive to may seem crazy, but the idea behind this is to sensitize
yourself to local pollens so that you eventually build up a resistance to it.
I haven't yet tried this out on my seasonal allergies...well at least not regularly enough to make a difference. I think I'll start to eat a bit each day and see how I fare next season.
BEAUTY
Raw honey is amazing for people with all types of skin types. It's anti-microbial and anti-septic properties make it perfect for oily and acne prone skin, by attacking the bacteria that cause outbreaks. It is also a natural humectant, meaning it has the ability to attract and retain
moisture. This is good for problem skin becasue moisturizing the skin aids in rejuvenation. This also makes it great for people with dry and sensitive skin. It's vitamin and antioxidant rich composition helps mature skin to combat signs of aging and to look more youthful and plump.
All of these properties make it a great addition to your beauty routine and why I include it in mine. It gets rid of impurities & bacteria and leaves the skin fresh & full of moisture. Who doesn't want that?
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Raw honey can be in a liquid or solid (creamed) form. If you purchase raw honey in the liquid form, it may crystallize or solidify over time. It can be clear, or opaque, or milky, and most often contain bits of raw bee pollen. Its color can vary from white, to various shades of yellow, and even brown. All of this depends on the type of flower that the bees retrieved the nectar from. It is not possible to tell whether a honey is raw or pasteurized based on color, taste or form alone, so to be sure that your honey is raw, it must say so on the label.
WHERE TO GET IT
If you're looking for some good options, check these out:
YS Eco Bee Farms (I like this one)
Or try to find it locally and buy from an independent farmer. This way, you can you help boost your local economy.
I hope this helped give a better look inside the wide world of Raw (Organic) Honey and maybe gave you a different view of it, other than just an additive to tea.
Check back over the next couple weeks for recipes of my homemade all-natural face mask/scrubs,
made with raw honey!
SOURCES:
http://wakeup-world.com/2012/07/23/the-health-benefits-of-raw-honey/
http://www.globalhealingcenter.com/natural-health/health-benefits-of-organic-locally-grown-raw-honey/
http://www.swansonvitamins.com/blog/guest-authors-on-natural-health/raw-honey-the-complete-story
No comments:
Post a Comment