Honey: health benefits and harms

The healing properties of honey are known throughout the world, so the popularity of the product only grows annually. A mass of species of this gift of nature is provided, therefore, depending on the need, each person will be able to choose the best option for healing, use in cooking or cosmetology. But the product belongs to strong allergens, therefore, in addition to benefits, there are contraindications that must be taken into account in order to avoid a negative reaction of the body. And also you need to be able to choose and store honey, because if the conditions are violated, the product can change its structure and chemical composition.

Varieties of honey

Honey is a bee production product that is extracted from a variety of plants during the flowering period. It is pollen that is processed to produce a sweet, viscous mass. Depending on which plant pollen was obtained from, honey is divided into separate categories. There are really a lot of species, but some of the most popular stand out by specialists, which combine high quality, good taste and aroma:

1. Acacia. This is a liquid transparent product that does not have a tendency to crystallize, so you can store it for several years without violating the structure and taste. Light non-fat taste with a spicy and delicate aftertaste - these are the main features of such honey.
2. Lime. This is one of the most popular varieties in Russia due to the large number of trees that allow you to get a large amount of pollen for further processing in order to obtain high-quality and fortified honey. The color of honey is light and translucent. After standing for just a couple of days, it acquires a yellowish tint. Taste feature is light bitterness, which gradually turns into sweetness.
3. Buckwheat. Such honey can be collected wherever buckwheat grows, and taking into account the fact that it is freely grown in central Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, the annual amount of product is growing rapidly. It belongs to the dark varieties of honey, because it has a dark red color with a light aroma of pungency.
4. May. This is the name of honey obtained in May during the first pumping of honeycombs. It contains all the useful substances of primroses, acacia, peonies and other plants. As a result, honey receives a translucent color and a liquid consistency, which creates a special aroma and taste. But a sweet and even slightly cloying taste can create inconvenience for those people who are accustomed to pamper themselves with moderate sweetness honey.
5. Donnikovy. This is white honey, which is distinguished by a delicate and refined taste, and the medicinal qualities have made such a product the most useful. Natural and maximum pure honey is collected in Altai and in Buryatia.Fresh, only collected honey has a bright amber color, but after collection it turns white, and there are different shades depending on which plants were used to collect pollen.
6. Floral. Such honey is also called meadow or field honey, because it does not have a prevailing honey plant, but there is nectar of different plants that bloom at the same time. The composition may be oregano, thyme, sage and other similar plants. Such honey crystallizes slowly, as it acquires an elastic mass.
7. Sunflower. This is one of the most popular types of honey on the home beekeeping market. In our country, sunflowers are growing everywhere, so the nectar for honey is more than enough. For this reason, its cost is an order of magnitude lower than for the same linden honey, which is considered as popular.

How much honey can I eat per day

Doctors say that for a positive effect of honey on the body, it is enough to eat no more than 50 grams. This will be enough to fill the body with useful minerals and vitamins. Exceeding the permissible norm can result in adverse reactions in the form of high blood sugar, the appearance of an allergic reaction, or abdominal pain. Honey has a complex chemical composition, which can have a negative effect on the mucous membranes of the internal organs, in particular the stomach and esophagus.

Composition and calorie content

In composition, honey is considered a unique product, the replacement of which is nowhere else. This is a fragrant, sweet and nutritious treat, which allows you to improve immunity and get a boost of vigor and energy. But it is important to consider that 80% is a pure carbohydrate product, therefore, when losing weight, honey should be used very carefully, as it can cause additional weight gain, which is considered an extremely unpleasant side reaction. The exact proportions of fructose and sucrose in the composition depend on the characteristics of honey, its variety and type.

But it is important for the body that honey is easily absorbed by the digestive tract. It refers to simple carbohydrates that do not have “complex” components that aggravate the body and create inconveniences for it to function.

Carbohydrates, which are part of honey, can quickly increase the energy forces of the body, while strengthening the muscle, immune and nervous systems. The most important thing is to comply with the daily norm, which is 50 grams. Otherwise, the use of honey will be negatively reflected in the state of health in the form of the appearance of heartburn, accompanied by a feeling of nausea, since the body cannot absorb a large amount of such a product in a day.

Among the most significant trace elements in honey are:

• Iron.
• Calcium.
• Potassium.
• Sodium.
• Phosphorus.
• Zinc.
• Chromium.

This is not the whole list of minerals that are extremely useful for the body that are present in this beekeeping product, therefore, doctors recommended that, in the absence of medical indicators, consume honey at least several times a week.

In addition, it is possible to note such substances that are part of the product:

• Vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B5, B6, B9).
• A nicotinic acid.
• Vitamins C and N.
• Biotin.

Each vitamin and microelement favorably affects the general condition of the body, in particular the work of internal organs and systems, so it is important to carefully consider the choice of honey and its intake so that the benefits do not turn into harm.

The calorie content of 100 grams of honey is 329 kcal. The ratio of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is 0.8 g, 0 g, 81.5 g, respectively. But this is the average calorie figure, since each type of honey has its own specific properties and characteristics not only in terms of taste, but also in energy value. Individual calorie counting allows you to choose honey with the lowest levels of carbohydrates and total energy value, which is useful for the body.

What is honey good for?

General benefit

Honey is not only a delicious sweet treat.This is a huge benefit for the human body, because it contains a lot of trace elements, vitamins and minerals that have only a positive effect on the body, which can be considered an important advantage. Honey can have such an effect on the body, strengthening and healing it:

• Antifungal.
• Antibacterial.
• Antiviral.
• Antihistamine.
• Regenerating.
• Restorative.

There is a separate benefit for the female, male and childish body, so do not neglect the main recommendations.

For women

For the female body, the benefits of honey are almost unlimited, since this is the most valuable delicacy that favorably affects the work of internal organs, strengthening them and restoring normal functioning.

The first thing that is noted with the regular use of honey is the ability to get rid of gynecological diseases, since honey has regenerative properties. The reproductive system is restored and strengthened. Also, honey has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, prevents the occurrence of anemia due to its ability to increase hemoglobin.

For men

For the male body, honey is a miraculous remedy that allows you to get a charge of vigor and energy for the whole day, so it is recommended to use it at the beginning of the day, so that later you feel as comfortable as possible. You can eat honey separately or as a sweetener in tea.

In men, the appearance of cardiovascular diseases is prevented, blood pressure rises, which is useful for hypotensive patients. Hypertensive patients need to first consult with their doctor to calculate the maximum possible daily intake of the product.

During pregnancy

In the early stages of pregnancy, honey is extremely useful because it contains indispensable micro and macro elements that can normalize the functioning of internal organs in a child. In addition, honey is considered a natural stimulant of labor, therefore, when used in late pregnancy, complications of natural delivery can be prevented.

Many doctors recommend honey to combat the symptoms of acute toxicosis, as well as in the presence of a threat of miscarriage. The product acts in a general strengthening manner, the body is restored and is prepared for gestation.

But it is important to consider that with individual intolerance to the product, it is better to completely abandon its use without exposing the body to stresses that it cannot cope with, as this is fraught with many complications in the future.

When breastfeeding

In the first months of breastfeeding, honey should be used in the diet with special care and accuracy, since it can cause acute allergic reactions. It is best to consult a doctor in advance.

It is strictly forbidden to use honey for individual intolerance and an allergic reaction in the mother, since this will also not be beneficial for the child. Among the main contraindications to the product, one can also note:

1. High calorie content, which is why young mothers with excessive postpartum weight are not recommended to abuse the product if they want to return to normal faster.
2. The possibility of an overdose, which is fraught with many problems with the work of internal organs. There is a daily norm, which should be followed.

For kids

Among all the sweets and treats, honey occupies a leading position among the preferences of the child. In addition, the product provides great benefits for the body, as it normalizes the cardiovascular system and strengthens the immune system. If there are no medical contraindications for the use of such a product, then you should not refuse it. Doctors distinguish the following beneficial properties of honey for the child's body:

1. It provides the prevention of colds and viral diseases, as it provides a general strengthening effect.
2. Helps fight insomnia. If the child cannot sleep for a long time, then a glass of warm milk with honey 1 hour before bedtime will be the most useful sedative for him.
3. Improves skin and hair condition.
4. It strengthens the immune system, so the child feels much easier even during the period of the disease.
5. It improves the functioning of the digestive organs, thereby preventing the occurrence of adverse reactions of the body in terms of gastrointestinal upset and general malaise.
6. Strengthens the skeletal and cartilage systems, as well as tones the muscles.

But honey must be used correctly, because otherwise an allergic rash, inflammation or irritation on the skin can occur. A vivid sign of an overdose of honey is nausea and vomiting, indigestion.

The benefits of honey and water in the morning on an empty stomach

Many doctors recommend eating a spoonful of honey and water in the morning on an empty stomach to “trigger” the digestive system and the gastrointestinal tract. This is a kind of energy tool that allows you to charge the body with energy and vigor. The most important thing is to choose the right honey, since some varieties have individual contraindications, which you need to pay attention to to avoid a negative reaction of the body. Among the main positive qualities of honey with water in the morning on an empty stomach can be noted:

1. The best absorption of food taken throughout the day.
2. Improving mood, as natural fructose has a calming effect on the nervous system.
3. Normalization of the condition of hair and nails, since only useful substances are present in the composition of the product.
4. Preventing the appearance of headaches, since honey is a natural painkiller.

The right honey and taking into account the doctor’s recommendations for its use is an opportunity to get excellent medical benefits and improve the general condition of the body.

Is it possible to eat honey when losing weight

Slimming is the process of normalizing the level of food consumed to remove toxins and toxins, and to reduce the percentage of subcutaneous fat. For the desired effect, you need to abandon harmful fats, carcinogens, sugar in any form. But as for honey, on the contrary, it is allowed for weight loss, because this is how you can count on saturating the body with useful substances, so that the process of losing weight will be more effective. But it is important to remember that you can not eat honey in large quantities, as this is negatively displayed on the general condition of the body, provoking a set of excess weight.

It will not be superfluous to consult a nutritionist in advance in order to correctly calculate the calorie content of the diet in order to avoid a negative reaction of the body.

Honey in medicine

Honey can be used in medicine, since taking into account its naturalness and nutrition, it is possible to improve the general state of health, which is considered an important positive property. But each disease has its own cause of manifestation and features of the course, therefore, special care is required to draw up a dosage regimen in order to avoid a negative reaction of the body.

With diabetes

Diabetics need to control the amount of sugar consumed, since only in this way can you count on good health, which will not cause an adverse reaction in the form of an increase in glucose in the body. There are a lot of adverse reactions from sugar, but as for honey, it is useful because of its mild effect on the body. Moreover, the benefits are provided at a high level, which is considered an important advantage. But it is important to consult with specialists individually so as not to encounter an adverse reaction, since an illiterate intake of honey can result in an increase in sugar and poor health.

Important: glycemic index of honey from 30 to 90 units (it all depends on the time, place of collection and grade).

With pancreatitis

With an exacerbation of pancreatitis, you need to adhere to a special diet so that your health does not worsen, since inflammation of the pancreas is a complex pathology that requires special attention to treatment. But in the remission stage, it is just recommended to use honey to normalize the state of the mucous membrane, since this is the only way to restore the pancreas, which is considered an important positive quality.

With gastritis

Gastritis in most cases is characterized by increased acidity, so it is not recommended to use acidic products that can cause additional irritation to the mucous membrane. Honey allows you to relieve inflammation and "calm" the walls of the mucosa, so it is considered especially important for the normal functioning of the body. But in addition it is worth consulting with doctors, since only in this way can one count on getting the maximum benefit without the likelihood of complications.

For the intestines

Honey is considered an excellent anti-inflammatory and restorative remedy, so you can count on improving overall health. And honey also has an enveloping effect, due to which it is possible to improve the general condition of the digestive system, eliminating constipation.

For constipation

Honey stimulates the digestive system and intestines, so you can tone the body. Regular consumption of honey eliminates the problem of chronic constipation, which is considered an important medical advantage.

With gout

Honey with gout can relieve pain, which prevents the occurrence of complications, which is considered an important advantage in the advanced stage. If uric acid has just begun to collect in the body, then with the help of honey and beekeeping products used for compresses, you can eliminate the inflammatory syndrome, preventing the occurrence of all kinds of complications.

With colitis

Intestinal problems in the form of colitis is a pathology that is among the most common. Therefore, special attention is required to the choice of drugs and food products to restore the normal functioning of the digestive tract. Honey is considered a natural anti-inflammatory product, so it is not only possible to use it with a similar disease, but also extremely useful.

For the liver

Honey helps prevent an increase in cholesterol, as it removes it from the body, while normalizing the liver. An important quality is considered to be the regeneration of liver cells, which ensures the most correct functioning of the organ.

With hemorrhoids

Ointments based on honey and beekeeping products can relieve inflammation and contribute to tissue regeneration, which can speed up the healing process of wounds, which can be attributed to important positive qualities. But if we are talking about rehabilitation after surgery, then in this case you need to initially consult with doctors in order to avoid complications.

With cholecystitis

As mentioned earlier, honey removes harmful cholesterol and restores liver function, therefore, with chronic or acute cholecystitis, the outflow of bile is normalized, which prevents complications in the work of the gallbladder.

With angina

Angina is a purulent inflammation in the throat, therefore, to relieve pain and discomfort, it is recommended to drink warm milk with honey. A natural beekeeping product helps to “calm” irritated cells, so the effect is immediately felt.

With bronchitis

Bronchitis is characterized by the accumulation of mucus in the lungs and bronchi, so expectorant drugs should be used to stop unpleasant sensations and eliminate cough. Honey is considered a natural antibacterial drug that can remove sputum and normalize the work of all respiratory tracts.

With prostatitis

Treatment of prostatitis with honey will not replace traditional drug therapy, but at the same time it will provide a general strengthening effect, relieve inflammation and normalize well-being. There are a lot of recipes for natural anti-inflammatory home-made remedies, therefore, depending on the stage of the disease and the characteristics of its course, you can choose the most effective method of therapy.

Honey-based traditional medicine recipes

Traditional medicine is rich in many discoveries, so there is always a great opportunity to get a general strengthening effect for the whole organism. It will not be superfluous to note that in folk medical practice not only ready-made honey can be used, but also other beekeeping products. They are rich in minerals, micro- and macrocells, so the benefit of personally prepared products will be as great as possible.

But it is important to remember that in most cases, honey-based drugs and products are used in combination with drug therapy, since this is the only way to ensure a general effect on the body, destroy the virus and pathological manifestations, and maintain immunity.

There are several effective recipes for traditional medicine based on a beekeeping product:

1. To treat diseases of the kidneys and urinary system, you can prepare a medicine based on 1-2 teaspoons of honey and 250 ml of freshly squeezed cranberry juice. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly and consume 1 teaspoon 3 times a day before meals.
2. To cleanse the body and calm the manifestations of urticaria, you can use 1 teaspoon of honey and the same amount of juice from horseradish root. Mix all the components with each other and consume 1-2 teaspoons per day for 3 weeks.
3. Strengthening the gums. Mix honey (1 tsp) with salt (0.5 tsp). With the resulting composition, wipe the gums 4-5 times a day.
4. Elimination of joint pain. Aloe (2 tablespoons) mixed with honey (1 tablespoon) and vodka (2 tablespoons). The resulting composition is applied to the sore spots. Such a compress will help with osteochondrosis, radiculitis, arthritis, arthrosis and rheumatism.
5. Flu treatment. Mix honey and garlic crushed to pulp for 1 tsp. Eat this mass overnight, drink with warm water. The course is 1 week.

Honey in cosmetology

Cosmetology is another industry that uses natural honey. In most cases, linden honey is used for cosmetic purposes, as it has a special aroma and structure. Working with him is much nicer.

Face masks with honey

Masks based on honey and eggs are considered a popular solution for restoring the elasticity and firmness of the skin. There is a large assortment of different recipes, but it is these masks that are popular due to their effectiveness and general benefit.

1. For normal skin. For cooking, you need 10 ml of liquid honey and 1 yolk. Mixing the two components allows you to get a soft and viscous substance that you need to apply a thin layer on the skin of the face, avoiding the eyes and lips. To saturate the skin, keep the mask for at least half an hour, then rinse with warm water. In addition, you can apply a nourishing cream so that the product fills the pores and “revives” them.
2. For dry skin. This composition will provide nutrition and hydration, eliminate peeling (course: 6 masks, 2 per week). Preparation: mix 1 tbsp. The following ingredients are melted honey, sour cream and olive oil. Apply the finished composition to the face and hold for 20 minutes, then rinse and apply a protective cream.
3. For oily and problem skin. Mix honey, freshly squeezed lemon juice, add soda - take 1 tablespoon of all the ingredients listed. On the face, the composition can withstand no more than 10 minutes. If you feel a burning sensation during the procedure, immediately wash off the composition and next time reduce the volume of lemon juice when preparing the mask.

Hair masks

Honey-based masks can also be used for hair care, as the beekeeping product is nutritious, fortified and mineral.

1. Damaged hair can be easily repaired with a nourishing mask.For cooking, you need 1 teaspoon of aloe juice, 1 tablespoon of honey and 2 tablespoons of any oil (you can use avocado oil, burdock or castor oil). Mix all components thoroughly with each other to obtain a homogeneous substance in order to simplify the application of the product on the hair. It is enough to hold such a mask for no more than half an hour, and then rinse with warm water without shampoo to completely wash the components and prevent the appearance of excessive oily hair.
2. If the hair is in normal condition, then an additional mask based on honey will be suitable, which will help maintain the attractiveness and integrity of the structure. For its preparation, honey is required, which must be heated to a liquid state and applied along the entire length of the hair. An even better effect can be achieved by adding yolk and dark beer to the mass. So the structure of the hair is nourished by beneficial substances, which will provide shine and strength.

Honey for hands and nails

The skin of the hands is especially delicate, and taking into account the fact that it is subjected to heavy loads daily, you need to be able to properly monitor it. You can prepare complex home remedies based on honey that can improve the condition of the skin and nails. Baths based on natural honey have long become a popular cosmetic product, so there are lots of recipes, each of which has its own specific features and rules for use.

1. Among the most popular can be noted such a recipe for baths for hands and nails. For 1 cup of warm water add 3-4 tablespoons of honey, after which mix everything until smooth. It is enough to keep your hands in such a solution for 10-15 minutes. Then dry your hands lightly with paper towels to allow honey to soak into the skin. It is recommended to use such a bath at night so as not to disturb the skin.
2. To strengthen nails, a mask with honey is suitable. To prepare it, you need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, which, if desired, can be replaced with almond or peach, where additionally add 1/2 tablespoon of white clay and 1 teaspoon of honey. Mix olive oil with clay and honey, then apply it to your fingertips, which creates a light enveloping effect. Efficiency is considered an important advantage of such a mask, therefore for girls who want to improve the condition of the skin of their hands and nails in one procedure, this option will be the most effective.

Each mask and bath for hands has its own positive qualities, so you can alternate them for a comprehensive effect on the skin and nail plate.

The use of honey in cooking

Cooking is the main industry in the use of honey of different varieties and types, since its nutritional value and particularly refined taste can improve the structure of the product. Often honey is used in confectionery, in the preparation of meat products.

A popular recipe is the use of soy sauce and honey to create an Asian meat marinade. This combination guarantees a soft and sophisticated taste, and the structure of the meat product is saturated with useful substances, which makes it more nutritious and easier to digest.

Harm and contraindications

But despite all the benefits, honey has certain contraindications and harm, so it is important to carefully familiarize yourself with such qualities in order to avoid an adverse reaction of the body.

1. The main harm lies in the fact that honey can increase blood sugar, so it is important to properly draw up a diet to avoid a negative reaction of the body.
2. Also, honey should be carefully given to children, as the product can provoke the appearance of caries and an allergic reaction.
3. Since honey is high in calories, the use of the product during weight loss can negatively appear on weight.

Contraindications:

• Pancreatic disease.
• Gastritis and ulcer during exacerbation.
• Pancreatitis in acute form.
• Allergy to beekeeping products.
• Hypervitaminosis.

How to choose honey

Honey is available in a wide range of species, and there are many manufacturers, so special care is required when choosing. Through a detailed analysis of the market, specialists were able to create a basic list of tips on choosing the right product to avoid fakes.

Liquid honey is only for several months, and some species do not crystallize. Therefore, it is important to consider the variety in order to avoid the acquisition of an expired product that does not have much benefit when used. It must be remembered that many unscrupulous sellers heat the honey until it dissolves and obtain a viscous substance. But to distinguish such honey from high quality can also be quickly and easily.

1. Honey must be sniffed, if possible. The product should be fragrant, with a characteristic pungent odor, filled with sweetness and caramel notes.
2. If it is possible to taste honey, then you must definitely do it. This is the only way to determine whether diluted honey or pure, without additional impurities in the composition.
3. It is also necessary to take into account the manufacturer of honey if a store product is purchased, since the quality and taste of the product largely depend on it.
4. Shelf life is another quality that must be taken into account when choosing honey, so as not to collide with adverse reactions and poisoning during use.

The right honey will be helpful. And also you need to remember that a quality product cannot cost very cheaply, so you need to first pay attention to the price, since it is the properties and characteristics of the product that largely determine it.

How and where to store honey

Storage rules for honey are very important, because this is the only way to extend its shelf life, while maintaining flavoring properties. For proper storage, you should adhere to the following recommendations:

1. The most important thing to remember: honey does not tolerate direct sunlight, so it must be stored in the dark to avoid dissolution of the product and a violation of its chemical composition.
2. It’s best to pick a dark cool place where the honey will be as protected as possible.
3. A glass jar is an ideal container for storing honey, because it preserves its natural aroma and taste, which is why you can count on the maximum benefit.

The optimum temperature is from -6 to + 20 ° C. If the product is stored for a long time at room temperature above 20 degrees, then, unfortunately, part of the vitamins that make up its chemical composition will be destroyed.

Honey is an unpretentious product in terms of storage, but at the same time, special care must be taken to details to avoid an adverse reaction of the body, since spoiled sweetness is harmful to health.

What to do if honey is sugared

The process of crystallization of honey is considered natural, because there are varieties that, after the very first months of storage, gradually turn into a candied substance. Melt honey can be easily, simply and quickly, given certain rules and recommendations of specialists. Many people believe that candied honey is a spoiled product, but in reality it is a natural process that you should not be afraid of, as it can be managed independently.

How to melt honey in a glass jar

You can melt honey in a glass jar in several ways, among which the use of a water bath is considered the safest. So you can change the consistency of the product, making it more viscous and supple. This will allow you to extract the right amount of product from the can for future use.

And also, honey is often melted by a simple, but at the same time effective method - we are talking about dissolving candied particles using direct sunlight.

Does honey lose its properties when heated

When heated, the consistency of honey changes, so if it heats up, then you need to use it as quickly as possible so that it does not harden again and does not change its aromatic and taste properties.

If honey is heated above + 40 ° C, most of its beneficial properties will be lost.

How to check the naturalness of honey at home

Checking honey for naturalness at home can be easy and simple, taking into account certain recommendations of experts and thoughtful methods:

1. A viscosity test allows you to determine if honey contains water and excess impurities. To do this, it is enough to heat the product to 20 degrees, and, stirring with a spoon, try to check the quality of runoff. If honey flows down with uniform sugar threads, then this indicates that there is no water in the composition, that is, the consistency is natural and correct.
2. You can check another "grandfather", but at the same time the most effective way. You need to drop a small amount of honey on a newspaper. If the paper remains dry, it means that there is no water in the composition, and if a wet spot forms, then this indicates the presence of excess liquid in the honey.
3. Another option is to dissolve a spoonful of honey in warm water (in a 250-milliliter mug). Next, drip a couple of drops of iodine. If the water turns blue, this indicates the presence of starch in the composition.
4. A simple way: heat the wire and dip it in honey - it should remain without an adhesive mass when it is reached.

Properly selected honey can be stored for a very long time, preserving its naturalness, so it will not be out of place to check the product for this parameter even when choosing.

Is it possible to give animals honey

Honey can and should even be given to dogs, because it improves the digestive system and strengthens the immune system, so you can count on the well-being of the animal. But it is important to remember that you can not abuse such a product so as not to provoke the appearance of diabetes in a pet.

Unpretentious cat breeds are also allowed natural honey in small quantities.

Interesting facts about honey

Honey is an interesting beekeeping product that has a rich and unique history. And therefore, unusual facts about him will be useful for familiarization:

1. Honey helps to improve memory, as it creates new neural connections to stimulate brain activity.
2. Honey can replace a refrigerator, as it prevents the product from deteriorating when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, in hot countries in ancient times, honey was used as a protection for meat.
3. Honey is a natural source of happiness that can improve the functioning of the nervous system, therefore it is recommended to regularly use such a product in your diet.

Honey photo