Honey, the main product of the hive, consists mainly of sugars and water, along with small amounts of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
On average, honey contains 17.1 percent water; 82.4 percent of total carbohydrates; and 0.5 percent of proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. The main sugars are fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose.
Honey also contains a variety of antioxidants that neutralize free radicals and, in general, darker honeys have a higher antioxidant content than lighter honeys. Because honey contains many more nutrients than table sugar, it is a much healthier sweetener.
Honey as an antibiotic
Another important property of honey is its antibiotic action. It has even been shown to be superior to some conventional antibiotics used in the treatment of certain infections. Experiments with honey show that it has certain properties that act against bacteria. Interestingly, the newborn bees are fed with honey diluted by the nurse bees, responsible for their care, as if they knew the high characteristics of honey.
Honey is valuable in the treatment of burns, infected wounds and ulcers. A study conducted in West Africa showed that many surgeries, such as a skin graft, honey, applying it in the local area prevented the presence of wounds.
Honey for coughs and colds
Honey has been used as a home remedy for centuries to help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the common cold. Researchers at the Penn State College of Medicine have published a study comparing honey with certain over-the-counter medications for the relief of cold symptoms, such as cough. In several cases, honey surpassed modern medicines.
Honey and digestion
Honey has also traditionally been used for stomach ulcers and heartburn. In fact, Western research indicates that honey can stop the growth of H. pylori, the bacteria responsible for many cases of gastritis and stomach ulcers.
Bifidobacteria are a group of "good" bacteria that are considered important for the health of the digestive tract. Honey acts as a probiotic to promote the growth of bifidobacteria and cure the stomach. It can even help to counteract constipation.
Honey for healthy teeth
Although honey is sweet, it helps maintain and protect the teeth. It shows antimicrobial effects against several bacterial species of dental plaque. Honey has been shown to drastically reduce acid production, while it can kill the bacteria responsible for tooth decay and block the growth of oral bacteria. Honey helps with the treatment of periodontal disease, ulcers in the mouth, and other diseases of the mouth.
Honey for insomnia
Honey helps in nervous disorders such as insomnia and acts as a tonic in the recovery of any damage to the human nervous system. In cases of lack of sleep, you can drink a teaspoon of honey mixed with warm water before bedtime to help improve sleep.
Honey against allergies
It is not really known why direct exposure to pollen causes allergy in some people, while small doses of honey do the exact opposite. Experts believe that the very small amount of pollen in honey acts as a homeopathic medicine. One teaspoon of unfiltered and unprocessed honey daily can work wonders for allergies.
Honey has large amounts of properties related to the cure of ailments. Always have a jar of honey in the house pantry