Forest honey: health benefits and harms

Honey is a tasty and healthy treat that adults and children love. It not only helps to cope with colds and flu, but also has a complex effect on the body. It should be used correctly to eliminate the occurrence of side effects.

What is forest honey

Since ancient times, the highest quality and natural honey was obtained by forming hives in trees. Bees settled in them, who both collected and produced the best honey. To date, wild honey is produced only in Bashkiria.

Forest honey is now obtained in a different way. The hive is placed in the immediate vicinity of the forest, so the collection is carried out from flowers growing in the natural environment. Thus, it is possible to obtain a sufficiently high-quality product.

The composition of honey, for which pollen was collected in the forest, cannot be precisely determined. It depends on the plants growing there, species, time of collection and other features.

Forest honey can have a different color: from amber to dark brown. But it is always darker than meadow or lime.

The aroma of honey, collected in the wild, is rich, vibrant and diverse. Its crystallization takes a fairly long time. The shelf life of the product is up to 2 years.

Honey is sweet to taste, a little astringency is felt. If it was collected in a coniferous forest, it may differ in acidity.

Forest honey has a viscous consistency, more like a paste. But it is also quite liquid. It depends on the plants from which pollen was collected.

Composition and calorie content

Honey contains many trace elements and vitamins. Their number varies depending on the characteristics of the collection of the product. The main components of a bee production product are:

1. Glucose. It is necessary for the body to work the brain. It is thanks to her that attention and mental work increase.
2. Ascorbic acid. This is well-known vitamin C. It is involved in strengthening the immune system and helps the body fight viruses, bacteria and infections.
3. Vitamins of group B. A fairly large group, including vitamins B2, B1, B9 and others. All of them take part in almost all biological processes that occur in the body. They are also necessary for the full functioning of the central nervous system, visual apparatus, and organs of the reproductive system.
4. Iodine. An important element for the body. It is required for the normal functioning of the endocrine system. It is important to know that its excessive or insufficient amount leads to serious consequences and causes a number of thyroid diseases.
5. Magnesium. The substance is involved in the growth and work of muscle tissue. With its insufficient number, a person suffers from cramps of the lower extremities and muscle pain.
6. Carotene. He takes an active part in maintaining vision, as well as beauty and youth of the skin.
7. Selenium. The proportion of its content in honey is insignificant, as in many other products. But it is important, as it is not only involved in strengthening and maintaining the body's defenses. Selenium enhances the action of various vitamins, has an antioxidant effect. The substance has a beneficial effect on the thyroid gland and helps to stop the inflammatory process.
8. Phosphorus. It plays a huge role, since not a single biochemical reaction passes without his participation.
9. Iron. It is necessary to maintain a normal level of hemoglobin in the blood.With its lack, there are signs such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, and lack of appetite.
10. Manganese. A trace element takes part in certain reactions occurring in the body. It is also necessary for the production of protein compounds. In addition, manganese is involved in the metabolism of hormones produced by the endocrine system, including insulin.

Also, the composition of honey includes substances such as sodium, choline, alkaloids, amino acids and organic acids, essential oils, protein and others.

The average calorie content of forest honey is about 305 kcal per 100 grams. But the bee production product is not consumed in such quantities. A more convenient calculation is a teaspoon. It is this daily rate that experts recommend. The calorie content of such an amount of honey is approximately 36 kcal, which is quite a bit.

What is forest honey good for?

General benefit

Forest honey contains many different trace elements, vitamins and other beneficial substances, which makes it good for health. Among the properties of the product distinguish:

1. Anti-inflammatory. Thanks to even a small amount of selenium in the composition of honey, it helps to relieve the inflammatory process. Therefore, it is widely used to treat a runny nose, cough, as well as burns and wounds.
2. Antimicrobial. The presence of certain substances helps fight bacteria. Honey, due to this property, has found its application in diseases caused by microbes.
3. Pain medication. The product, prepared by bees from pollen of forest flowers, allows you to stop sore throat when coughing.
4. Sedative Honey is known as a good sedative due to the content of B vitamins, which allows you to normalize sleep, cope with stress and depression.
5. Expectorant. The product helps to remove sputum from the bronchi due to its dilution. Thus, when coughing, it has a complex effect, not only eliminating the symptoms of a cold, but also providing a therapeutic effect.
6. Firming. Honey has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, strengthening them. This can significantly reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and diseases associated with circulatory disorders.
7. Antioxidant. Selenium, present in the composition, allows not only to neutralize toxins, but also to remove them from the body. Thus, honey helps reduce the burden on the liver.

Among other things, honey helps to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which helps to reduce the likelihood of anemia, has a positive effect on the digestive system, protecting the mucosa from the negative effects of a number of factors.

The bee production product is also known for its ability to remove stones from the gallbladder, reduces the burden on the kidneys.

Thus, honey is an excellent remedy for many diseases, used for preventive purposes. Due to its composition, it helps to maintain immunity and strengthen the body with great mental and physical stress.

For women

Honey has a beneficial effect on the female body. First of all, it supports the work of the reproductive system due to the content of vitamin B9. This is folic acid, which is necessary for the proper formation of the fetus.

Also, the composition of the product includes other substances that contribute to maintaining the youthfulness of the skin. Honey is also used in cosmetology for the preparation of face and hair masks.

Honey also supports the nervous system. Experts say that women are most susceptible to stress. Regular consumption of bee products, even in small quantities, helps to improve mood and increase stress resistance.

For men

Honey has a positive effect on the male body. It contains magnesium, which helps strengthen muscle tissue and increase body stamina during physical exertion.

A product made from pollen from forest flowers has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.It strengthens blood vessels, preventing the development of thrombosis, strokes and heart attacks. Forest honey also has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system and digestive tract.

During pregnancy

When a woman is waiting for the baby to be born, her body is stressed and her immunity is weakened. To strengthen the body's defenses and increase stress resistance, you can use drugs, but during pregnancy, many of them are contraindicated. Honey can help. But it should be used in small quantities, since it is an allergenic product, and the child may develop intolerance to honey in the future. Before introducing it into the diet, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Forest honey will also help to cope with colds and flu during pregnancy, as taking many medicines is contraindicated. A bee product helps to cope with such symptoms of a cold as a cough and runny nose, reduce the risk of complications and strengthen immunity.

When breastfeeding

When a woman begins to breastfeed, she needs to be extremely careful in nutrition. All the foods that she uses can have a negative effect on the baby. This also applies to honey. It is quite allergenic and even a small amount of it can cause unpleasant symptoms. Therefore, honey should not be introduced into the diet when breastfeeding, before the child is one year old. This should be done gradually. In the event that the baby has signs of allergy, the product should be excluded from the diet.

For kids

Forest honey, if used properly, can also be beneficial for a child’s body. It contains glucose, which is necessary for the brain to function. Honey promotes mental work, increased attention and concentration.

The product also contains vitamins and minerals that help strengthen immunity. Forest honey helps to cope with colds and flu due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect.

It can only be given to children from 3 years old, as the product is quite allergenic. It should be introduced into the diet with a small portion, after which the child needs to be observed during the day. If symptoms such as a rash, redness of the skin, or itching do not occur, then the dosage can be increased.

When losing weight

Forest honey, like any other, has a high calorie content. Per 100 grams of product, about 305 kcal. But honey is not eaten in large quantities. It is enough to eat one teaspoon daily. The calorie content of such an amount is only about 38 kcal, which is not so much. Forest honey does not contribute to weight loss, since glucose is present in the composition. But the product, if used correctly, will not harm the figure.

Application in cosmetology

Forest honey can not only be used in cooking, but also used in cosmetology. Today, a number of products based on honey are being created. These are various creams, masks and hair products. They help maintain youthful skin, eliminate minor defects in the form of wrinkles.

Also, based on honey, there are many recipes with which you can independently prepare effective cosmetics for the face and hair. Here is some of them:

Anti-aging mask

To prepare it, you will need oatmeal in the amount of two large spoons and a spoonful of forest honey. Flakes should be pre-poured with milk or cream so that they swell. When they are infused, add honey and stir everything. Apply a thin layer of the mask on the face for 15 minutes, and then remove with warm water. After the procedure, use a moisturizer.It helps soothe and soften the skin. In addition to the anti-aging effect, the mask has the ability to eliminate fine wrinkles, to give the skin elasticity.

Moisturizing mask

To prepare it, you need sour cream and honey in equal proportions. All components must be thoroughly mixed and applied to the face. Leave on for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Also use a moisturizer after the procedure. Such a mask will replenish the reserves of vitamins and minerals, make the skin not only hydrated, but also velvety, elastic.

Mask for hair restoration

Honey is used not only in the preparation of face masks. It is one of the common components of hair products. The product not only nourishes them, but also makes them beautiful, healthy, strong, shiny. A popular mask of honey and yolk with the addition of almond oil in the amount of a few drops and aloe juice. Beat the egg yolk first. After that add the remaining ingredients and mix everything. Apply the mask to dry hair, be sure to clean. Distribute the mixture along the entire length of the hair and leave for a couple of hours. You can use the mask once a week.

Dry hair mask

For its preparation you will need honey melted in a water bath and olive oil. Mix everything and apply to hair. The exposure time is 20 minutes. To wash off such a mask is difficult due to the oil content. Rinse hair with shampoo several times. This tool is suitable for any type of hair, but is recommended for restoring dry hair.

Forest honey, due to the components included in the composition, is used not only inside, but also used to prepare masks, the action of which is aimed at restoring the hair structure, its shine and strength, eliminating wrinkles and prolonging the youthfulness of the skin.

Harm and contraindications

A bee product created from the pollen of forest flowers does not always benefit the body. If used improperly or if there are contraindications, it can cause harm.

It is forbidden to use honey in such cases:

1. Intolerance to bee products. Honey is allergenic and can cause a severe reaction of the body, which manifests itself not only in the appearance of a rash and redness, but also in the occurrence of Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock. With allergies, the external use of honey is also prohibited.
2. Diabetes. The product contains glucose, which can trigger an increase in blood sugar. The consequences of such changes can be quite dangerous and are a threat to human life.
3. Overweight, obesity. Honey refers to high-calorie foods. In the presence of obesity of any degree, it is better to refuse such a product. If the weight is light, in some cases you can allow a small portion of honey to be eaten. Before use, it is best to consult a nutritionist.

Forest honey, like any other, should be eaten with caution during pregnancy. During breastfeeding, it is better to refuse it. This is due to the fact that its constituent components can adversely affect the formation of the fetus and the health of the child. Before entering the diet, you need to consult a pediatrician.

According to many experts, honey, including forest, becomes the cause of caries. That is why after using it, you should brush your teeth or rinse your mouth.

The product is known for its ability to activate the digestive system. For this reason, it should not be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach. In the case when half an hour after eating honey, food does not enter the stomach, increased production of insulin begins, which can lead to serious consequences.

How to choose and store

Forest honey is not so easy to choose.This is due to the fact that it is quite rare and expensive. He is often faked.

1. First of all, you need to know that the product is characterized by a thick consistency.
2. Honey made from the pollen of forest flowers has a brownish tint, a pleasant amber color. It tastes sweet and slightly tart.
3. The smell of forest honey has woody notes, herbal aroma. This is what distinguishes it from other varieties. When choosing, you should also pay attention to the price. She can't be low.

Forest honey should be stored in a dry place, as the product absorbs moisture well. The capacity should not stand in the place where the sun's rays fall, since they destroy all useful trace elements.

Honey should be stored in a glass or ceramic bowl. It does not absorb odors and does not emit harmful substances.

How to identify a fake

Forest honey can be different depending on the place and time of its collection. Distinguishing it from a fake is not easy. But there are several signs that will help you choose real forest honey:

1. Taste. Forest honey tart, has a light bitterness. Even with a small amount of product, it starts to tickle in the throat.
2. Consistency. Natural honey envelops a spoon.
3. The aroma. Honey made by bees from pollen of forest flowers has a rich aroma. It is not difficult to distinguish a forest one by smell, since by this attribute it is impossible to determine which pollen it is made from. The aroma combines wood resins and the smell of various herbs.

Beekeepers also say that honey has a genetic memory. It is this property that helps to distinguish a natural product from a fake. To check this, pour a spoonful of honey in a saucer, and carefully add a small amount of cold water on top. Take the saucer in your hands and try to slightly stir everything, changing the position of the container. The natural product must take the form of honeycombs. Waves form on a fake.

You can also determine the authenticity of forest honey by dropping a drop on a white sheet of paper. If there is a greasy stain on it, then the product is a fake.

Forest honey is the most valuable bee product. It contains many useful substances, trace elements that have a positive effect on the body. It is used both in traditional medicine and in cosmetology. It has earned widespread use precisely because of its healing properties. But it is important to know what to consume and use it in moderation, since exceeding the recommended dosages can cause allergies and other side effects.