Bee honey: 10 benefits and properties of this food

Honey has been used for centuries both in the kitchen and in the apothecary, as a natural remedy.

The properties and benefits of bee honey have been known and used by different societies throughout time. Currently, this substance is one of the most important primary natural sweeteners, whose benefits range from a pleasant taste to the palate, to the possible prevention and treatment of diseases.

In the following we will see what is bee honey and how it is obtained, and its main properties and benefits..

What is honey and how is it obtained?

Natural honey is produced in a natural way by the Apis mallifera and different subspecies of bees. The latter obtain honey from the nectar of flowers and also from secretions released by the bees themselves..

Broadly speaking, honey is produced through a process of combining substances that bees transport, concentrate and store in honeycombs (a set of wax cells that they build to deposit honey). Subsequently, the honey is extracted through a process that includes unloading, lifting, uncapping and finally separating the honey from the wax. All this takes place in a previously constituted space, and with specialized machinery and equipment.

Bee honey has a complex composition and is rich in nutrientsThe honey has a complex and rich composition in nutrients, which have been used for human consumption since the most ancestral societies.

The largest proportion of these nutrients is occupied by carbohydrates, such as fructose and glucose.. It also contains enzymes, antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and organic acids, which make honey has many properties. In fact, it has not only been used as food but also as an important therapeutic resource.

10 properties and benefits of bee honey.

As we have seen, honey is one of the natural resources that has been most exploited by humans. As early as the classical texts on medicine, honey appears as an important resource to treat wounds, pains and diseases. to treat wounds, pains and diseases..

Currently, beekeeping (the breeding of bees to take advantage of their products) is one of the most important economic activities in different countries. This is due to the richness of its nutritional properties and its healing potential. We will see below what are the most important properties of bee honey.

Antibacterial potential

Due to the inhibins (hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids and phenolic acids) present in honey, this substance has important bactericidal properties. has important properties as a bactericide. These properties are also attributed to the presence of glucose oxidase. For example, one of the Antibacterial potentials of honey may be important for the treatment of acne and for exfoliating the skin.

2. Natural source of antioxidants

Antioxidants are naturally occurring substances that prevent the formation of oxides, which in turn slows down the formation of oxidants.which in turn slows down cellular decomposition. In this sense, regular consumption of bee honey can be an important dietary supplement in the prevention of heart disease, immune system and inflammatory processes.

3. Primary sweetener

Before the extraction of sugar from cane and other roots, tubers and foods became popular, honey was the only natural primary sweetener. Due to its components, such as small peptides, flavonoids and enzymes, honey serves as a sweetener, but not only that. It is a protective agent that, when mixed with other foods, can enhance both the flavor and its health-promoting properties.. In this same sense, bee honey serves as a natural substitute for refined sugar.

4. Contains protein

Bee honey contains approximately enzymes and amino acids. These are originated by the activity of the bees themselves, and sometimes in the nectar of the plant. Proteins play a fundamental role in the growth and synthesis of different tissues. In turn, amino acids are the basis for the production of proteins.

5. Moisturizing potential

The high concentration of moisture in honey not only influences its viscosity, weight, taste and color, but can also be essential for moisturizing different parts of our body. For the same reason it is often used as a moisturizer for hair and scalp. It is important that honey is not exposed to high temperatures, since its properties can be lost.

6. Promotes digestion

When combined with other natural products, such as lemon juice or cinnamon, honey can promote the activity of the digestive system. This means that it helps to metabolize food, preventing or relieving stomach indigestion.. It has also been attributed to alleviate symptoms of constipation and a feeling of heaviness after heavy meals. It has also been attributed to prevent reflux and help relieve diarrhea.

7. Treatment of wounds and burns

Since ancient Egyptian, Chinese and Roman societies, honey has been used to treat various wounds. In combination with other herbs, a honey ointment was beneficial for sunburn, wound infections and facial blemishes. For the same reason antiseptic properties are attributed to itIt has antiseptic properties, i.e. it reduces the possibility of infections when applied to the living tissue in some wounds.

8. Relieves cough and sore throat

Again when combined with other substances such as lime or lemon juice, bee honey relieves sore throat, even in small doses. Because of its antibacterial properties, it could also help to fight some infections of this type. Likewise, bee honey is recognized as a natural remedy for coughs. (however, it is not recommended for children under one year of age).

9. Anti-inflammatory activity

The direct application of bee honey on inflamed muscles has been used as a potent anti-inflammatory, i.e., it has been attributed the property to reduce muscle swelling. In turn, this relieves pain caused by the same inflammation.

10. Other properties

Ayurvedic medicine, traditional Indian medicine, has attributed to honey revitalizing properties, which in turn relieves weakness or excessive tiredness. It has also been attributed a relaxing property that promotes sleep and some symptoms of stress. It is also used for toothache, especially in children over one year old, in the treatment of asthma and hiccups. It is also used to moderate blood pressure levels.

Bibliographical references:

• Armando, J., Mondragón, P., Rodríguez, R., Reséndiz, J.A. and Rosas, P. (2010). Bee honey and its importance. Fuente Magazine, 2(4): 11-18.
• Oslen, N. (2018). Everything you need to know about honey. Medical News Today. Retrieved October 16, 2018. Available at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/264667.php.