Benefits of Unpasturized Honey

Honey, nature’s miraculous gift to mankind, is created by a beautiful natural process where the nectar from flowers combines with enzymes from a honey bee to turn it into the delicious sweetener that we all know and enjoy. The honey, as we most often enjoy has been processed to remove impurities and pollen. Although this process ensures that the honey we use is safe for consumption as per the standard health norms, the fact remains that many of the nutritional benefits are also lost in the process. Let’s take a look at the benefits of unpasturized honey.

1.Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties:

Raw honey is full of phytonutrients. For instance, it contains propolis, a resin used by the bees to protect the hive from bacteria, fungus, and other micro-organisms. This substance is created by the bees by combining plant resins with its own secretions. These phytonutrients are believed to have cancer and tumor preventing properties. Studies have shown that some of these phytonutrients reduce the risk of colon cancer. The heating and processing of honey results in loss of these phytonutrients.

2.Natural sugar replacement:

Honey is considered a natural replacement for white sugar. Studies have shown that honey promotes blood sugar control. It is considered the ideal liver fuel as it contains fructose and glucose in the ratio of 1:1, which is believed to be the best ratio for optimal liver functioning. Therefore, consumption of honey leads to better tolerance to sugar, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduces risk of cardiovascular problems and obesity.

3.Rich source of anti-oxidants:

Honey is rich in anti-oxidants, which reduces oxidative stress and helps diabetics in enhancing their endothelial functions. These are functions related to the cells that line the blood vessels and are vital to maintaining vascular health.

4.Enhances immunity:

Studies have shown that honey is very effective in reducing the incidence and risk related to several diseases by improving immunity. Honey has been found to reduce the production of excessive white blood cells that occur as a result of neutropenia and improve reduced platelet count that occurs due to thrombocytopenia. It has also aided in the enhancement of quality of life of several cancer patients, by enhancing their general immunity.

5.Heals wounds and injuries:

Raw honey has been used since time immemorial for treating wounds and injuries. Although, it has been brushed away as a grandmother’s quick fix, recent research has shown that it has a scientific basis. Honey has lot of nutrients; further, it is also high in sugar and low in water. Therefore, when applied on a wound or injury, it absorbs the excess moisture within the wound. This environment ensures that the bacteria cannot grow and its survival is terminated, helping the wound to heal faster. Also some types of honey are rich sources of hydrogen peroxide, which is capable of destroying micro-organisms in wounds and ensure faster healing.

Thus, unpasturized honey, in addition to the various health benefits of processed honey has many more benefits. Most of these benefits are lost when the honey gets processed. However, there are also certain risks to using raw honey as sometimes it contains impurities that could do more harm than good. So, basically the source of your honey matters. When you know that the source of your honey is reliable, then go ahead and enjoy the real honey with all its goodness.

Benefits of Unpasturized Honey