Honey’s Surprising Health Benefits You’re Probably Missing Out On
Honey is arguably one of the best superfoods out there. AND It’s one of the only foods on earth that is completely non-perishable… did you know that honey can survive for thousands of years? When I say survive I mean that quite literally – honey can last so long thanks to the living bacteria inside of it!
The bacteria found in honey is full of benefits! It’s proven to support digestive health, immune health, skin health and so much more. It’s antibacterial, antimicrobial… so much so that, fun fact: hospitals use special honey-infused bandages to help promote wound healing!
But not all honey is created equal. There’s a shocking fact that the big-shots in the honey industry industry don’t want you to know, and learning it might change the way you shop!
Why Most Store-Bought Honey Lacks Beneficial Bacteria
All honey starts enriched with good bacteria. But this living bacteria can’t survive the processes used by industrial scale producers.
After it is harvested from the hives, honey often undergoes pasteurization to meet certain standards for texture, shelf life, and appearance. And a part of this pasteurization process is to heat-treat the honey. Yup, even the highly renowned ‘Manuka’ honey is usually heat treated and lacking the good stuff. This can be quite misleading for consumers – when you’re paying top dollar for a premium product, you’d expect to reap the medicinal benefits! But sadly, once the bacteria in honey is killed off, you’re basically left with a pricey jar of honey-flavoured sugar syrup. Lovely tasting, but not packed with benefits.
Where To Find Bacteria-Rich Honey
Firstly, make sure you’re buying raw honey. Raw honey is the pure, unfiltered, and unpasteurized nectar collected from bees, maintaining its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and beneficial nutrients.
Secondly, shop local! Small beekeeping-businesses often use minimal processing in small-batch production, helping to preserve the natural enzymes, antioxidants, and phytonutrients that are often killed in commercially processed alternatives. Small producers often prioritize ethical and sustainable practices, so purchasing your honey this way not only supports your local community, but the environment too!
2 Tips To Help You Maximise The Benefits Of Raw Honey:
- AVOID HEAT
Living bacteria is sensitive to temperature. To preserve the benefits of your honey, allow your food/drink to cool before adding in your honey.
- EAT HONEYCOMB
Honeycomb, the intricate hexagonal structure crafted by bees using their own wax, serves as a natural storage vessel, keeping the honey perfectly preserved. Honeycomb can be purchased in chunks from local producers! It’s honey in its most unaltered form… oozing in golden-goodness and packed with health benefits.
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