Benefits, Nutrition, and Who Should Avoid It

Raw honey is a thick, sweet syrup made by honey bees. Unlike regular honey, raw honey is not pasteurized or refined. It’s as close to the hive as you can get. You may be wondering if raw honey is healthy or if you can eat it on its own.

Raw honey is a great source of antioxidants, which offer various health benefits. It contains healthy bee pollen, bee propolis, and antioxidants.

This article will provide an overview of raw honey, including its benefits, nutritional content, precautions, and where to find it.

What is Raw Honey?

Raw honey is honey that comes straight from the hive. It is produced by extracting honey from the beehives. The producer pours the honey over mesh or nylon to remove beeswax and dead bees. From there, the honey is bottled and sold.

Regular honey goes through this same process but is also pasteurized and filtered before bottling. The pasteurization process applies high heat to destroy yeast found in honey. This makes the honey taste and feel smoother. It also extends the shelf life.

Because it is unpasteurized and unprocessed, raw honey may contain more nutrients than regular honey, such as those provided by pollen and propolis. Enzymes in honey are likely to be reduced in processed honey due to heat treatment. Effects of processing on amino acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants have not been rigorously studied.

Raw honey has also been linked to several potential health benefits.

Raw Honey Nutrition

Honey can add to your eating plan but should be enjoyed in moderation. It is rich in natural sugars.

One tablespoon of honey contains the following calories and nutrients in grams (g) and milligrams (mg):

• calories: 64
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Sugars: 17 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Potassium: 11 mg
• Calcium: 1 mg

Health Benefits of Raw Honey

Raw honey has been linked to several potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and may protect against infection. Unlike some types of regular honey, raw honey has no added sweeteners.

Effects of Antioxidants

Raw honey is rich in known plant compounds polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that have been linked to reduced inflammation in the body. They may also reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Regular honey may have fewer antioxidants than raw honey since pollen is removed. Pollen also contains antioxidants, as well as vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. Pollen consumption may help fight inflammation and improve liver function.

Antibacterial agents

Raw honey is known for its antibacterial effects and can protect the body against bacterial infections. Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This enzyme is usually destroyed during pasteurization and is therefore not present in regular honey. A 2017 study found that honey could protect against Candida yeast infections.

Wound Healing

Honey may promote wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Chronic inflammation can keep the tissues from healing properly. By reducing inflammation, the compounds in raw honey may lead to faster wound healing.

Honey can also increase the number of white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body from infection. Reducing the risk of infection can also help wounds heal faster.

Cough relief

Taking a spoonful of honey for a cough is not just a folk remedy; there is research to back it up. A 2021 review found that honey effectively relieves cough and sore throat symptoms in people with an upper respiratory tract infection.

Researchers have found that honey reduces cough and improves the severity of the illness. It can also slow the spread of bacteria in the body, shortening the duration of the infection.

Treats Diarrhea

Honey can improve digestive issues, including diarrhea. Honey contains compounds that protect against different types of bacteria including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This type of bacteria causes diarrhea and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.

Honey also contains prebiotics, substances that nourish good bacteria in the gut and improve digestive health.

Protects the Brain

Consuming raw honey may protect the brain from certain neurological diseases. The polyphenols in honey reduce inflammation in the hippocampus, an area of ​​the brain responsible for learning and memory. This may have a number of cognitive benefits, including improved memory.

Who Should Avoid Raw Honey?

Raw honey is not safe for everyone, and it’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet.

Unlike regular honey, raw honey contains pollen. If you have a severe pollen allergy, eating raw honey may cause a serious allergic reaction. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends that people with pollen allergies talk to their allergist before trying raw honey.

Honey of any kind, including raw honey, is not safe for babies under 1 year of age. The bacteria may be in raw honey Clostridium botulinum, can cause life-threatening botulism poisoning in children.

Where to Get Raw Honey

To get raw honey, look for honey jars that say “raw” on the label. You can find raw honey at your local farmers market or health food store.

It is important to note that organic honey is not the same as raw honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or refined. Organic honey is honey produced on a bee farm that meets US Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic standards. Organic honey can be pasteurized or raw.

When Raw Honey Turns to Sugar

Honey tends to crystallize over time. If you notice that your jar of honey no longer looks clear and smooth, first open the jar and smell it. If there is a foul smell or any signs of mold, throw it away.

To get your honey back to its syrupy texture, try microwaving it to melt it. Store your raw honey in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Summary

Raw honey refers to honey that has not been pasteurized or refined like regular honey. Raw honey is prepared by extracting it from the honeycomb found in beehives. It is poured over mesh or nylon to remove any beeswax or dead bees and then placed in a jar.

Raw honey contains antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes that have been linked to a number of health benefits. Raw honey has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. People with pollen allergy should be careful when eating raw honey. No type of honey, raw or otherwise, should be given to an infant under 1 year of age.