Posted by: RawGuru in organic honey, manuka honey on
Dec 28, 2010
For most of us, honey has been a part of our diet since childhood. We all probably remember having a honey bear sitting on the counter, using it on toast or peanut butter honey sandwiches. It wasn’t until much later in my life that i learned about the amazing benefits and attributes of honey in it’s raw, organic form. It is truly one of the most actively healing foods on the planet and has been revered for centuries as exactly that.
Honey is made from the nectar of flowers collected by bees. They store the nectar in their honey sac where it mixes with acid secretions, and transport it to their hives where it is sealed up in honey comb. A truly raw unfiltered honey will contain all of the pollen of the flower which is extremely rich in minerals, b vitamins, and amino acids. Honey also contains plant hormones from the flower nectar which are beneficial to the human body and endocrine system. Raw honey and bee pollen, when used medicinally and from sources local to the area you live in, can help tremendously with seasonal allergies. This is because the exposure to various different plant nectars and pollens over time enable the body to adapt and not be triggered into an allergic state of inflammation when exposed to pollens in the environment.
Truly raw unfiltered honey will also contain propolis, which is a resin-like sap that the bees collect from various different plants most commonly the buds and bark of coniferous trees, and us it as an antibacterial seal in their hives. The presence of propolis in truly raw honey makes it incredibly antibacterial and anti viral and virtually unable to spoil. Together with the antioxidant value, high levels of nutrients and minerals, and other compounds that we have yet to even discover, honey becomes an absolute power house of goodness. Honey works to support our immune system and can be used in place of harsher drugs to cure and prevent common colds, flu, sore throat, and sinus infections.
When using honey it is important to be aware that it is full of life giving enzymes, and so it should be kept under a certain temperature to maintain all of it’s health benefits. The enzymes in honey make it very easy to digest, and can have a calming effect on an upset stomach. It is rich in over 5000 enzymes! These enzymes, such as amylase, will help to break down food easing the burden on our digestive systems.The fact that honey is an easy to assimilate form of simple carbohydrates, which are already broken down by enzymatic activity, make it an ideal energy food for athletes or anyone needing an additional energy boost. Making a honey booster shot with some lemon and ginger added will definitely give you some pep in your step to get you through the day (or run a marathon). Athletes love honey because it stimulates glycogen production in the liver, which not only makes quick energy for our muscles, but also our brains. Honey is definitely an ideal support food for anyone with an active lifestyle, both physically and mentally.
