South African Floral Honey
Raw honeyishoney(nectar from flowers) that is pure, unheated, unpasteurized and unprocessed. This is perhaps one of the most important characteristics and healthbenefitsof the final product, as it preserves all the natural vitamins, enzymes, phytonutrients and other nutritional elements.
- A Good Source of Antioxidants
Raw honey contains antioxidants called phenolic compounds. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.
Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.Studiesshow that polyphenols in honey may play a role in preventing heart disease.
- Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Several hospitals in Europe have used Manuka honey to fight methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), a type of staph bacterial infection that's become resistant to antibiotics. The effectiveness of honey as an antibacterial or antifungal depends on the type of honey.
Did You Know?
The exact ingredients of honey depend on which plants bees get their nectar from.
- Heal Wounds
Honey is also used in medical settings to treat wounds because it's an effective germ killer. Researchers believe this is because it has additional antibacterial properties besides the natural hydrogen peroxide.
Studiesshow that honey can boost healing time and reduce infections in wounds. However, the honey used in hospital settings is medical grade, meaning it's safe and sterile. You shouldn't expect to treat injuries with the honey you buy from a grocery store.
- Filled with Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help protect the plant from harm. For example, some may keep insects away or shield the plant from harsh UV radiation.
Phytonutrients provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help you maintain good health. Because honey is made from plants, it also has phytonutrients. These valuable nutrients are unique to raw honey and disappear when honey is heavily processed.
- Help for Digestive Issues
Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, though there isn't much research to show that it works. However, it's proven to be effective as a treatment forHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori), a common cause of peptic ulcers. (Peptic ulcers occur in the stomach or digestive system.) Taking 1-2 teaspoons on an empty stomach is said to soothe pain and help with the healing process.
- Soothe a Sore Throat
Have a cold? Try a spoonful of honey. Honey is an old sore throat remedy. Try adding it to hot tea with lemon. It also works as a cough suppressant.
Researchshows that honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough medicine ingredient, in treating a cough. Just eat one or two teaspoons straight.
