Honey, I love you. A Valentine’s Day look at some real benefits of raw honey.

With all the sweet talk surrounding Valentine’s Day, and chocolates stocked on shelves in the stores, it’s making me think about…sugar.  And how much of it I consume.  (Don’t worry Lance, Valentine’s Day is also making me think of you!  You are my very favorite!).  

And I think I consume too much.  Sound familiar?  

Considering that we have a running supply of raw honey, from our very own bees, that pollinate our very own flower-strewn cover crops…I have no excuse.  The time has come for me to delve into the benefits of raw honey.  I’m hoping this knowledge will push me to reduce our added sugars, and replace those we do consume with a healthier alternative, raw honey.  

Basically, I need to sit at the feet and learn from Winnie-the-pooh.  He was onto something…

Raw Honey

Raw honey is taken straight form the hive, and may have components of pollen, honey comb, etc.  I LOVE this about raw honey.  This takes understanding where food comes from to a whole new level.  The clearer the honey…the more likely it is processed.

Raw honey is unprocessed.  Unprocessed is good, so that is almost enough for me right there.  

But I am learning that raw honey yields honey with more of everything good - antioxidants, phytonutrients, and properties that give to honey the health benefits I’ve listed below.

I’m sold.

I also find it exciting that honey is basically a “taste of the land” from a couple mile radius around the hive.  It’s inspiring to think of all that goes into making this simple, and incredibly complex liquid gold.  Bees are so fascinating!  Ever since we welcomed hives to the farm, the kids and I have been studying them through observation and books - so many life lessons to be derived from the life of the hive.  

Benefits of consuming raw honey

Antioxidants

The more antioxidants you have, the more fight your body can make against cell-damaging free radicals.  So we want them on our team!  Some types of honey have higher levels of antioxidants than even some fruits and vegetables.  

Anti-inflammatory

Chronic inflammation can affect all sorts of things - including pain levels, ability to heal, and can eventually lead to cell damage in the body.  Honey has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce the inflammatory response in the body.  

Bee pollen powerhouse

Nutrient-rich and filled with the good stuff your body craves, pollen provides vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, carotenoids, and bio-flavonoids.  I want in on this powerhouse provider!

Anti-microbial

Inhibits certain bacterial and fungal growth.  Some types of Manuka honey are even used in wound and burn treatments in various parts of the world.

Phytonutrients

Plants use phytonutrients to fight against bacterial and fungal infections, and protect against UV radiation.  We use them to boost immunity, protect against certain chronic diseases, and because a diet rich in phytonutrients can offer extra protection against cardiovascular disease and certain cancers.

Brain boost

Aids in memory and is thought to have protective qualities against dementia

Improves digestion

A lot of health starts right in the gut and digestive track.  Honey helps to maintain an alkaline balance, and is thought to be helpful in promoting healthy digestion, slowing diarrhea (this is great news for you parents out there!), and rehydration.  

The sweet hums you to sleep

Thats right - raw honey can help with insomnia!  Next time I am unable to get my beauty rest, I am going for a spoonful of honey.

Honey and health conditions:

“According to modern scientific literature, honey may be useful and has protective effects for the treatment of various disease conditions such as diabetes mellitus, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems, even it is useful in cancer treatment because many types of antioxidant are present in honey.”  (Honey and health: A review of recent clinical research, 2017; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/)

Raw Honey for the win!

In short, I am happily convinced.  For me, knowledge is power, and I find it hard to make changes for bettering our health without a clear why.  I think this boost in knowledge will help fuel our family toward lessening our processed sugar inputs, and replacing them with this much more appealing and beneficial alternative. 

A sweet that is good for you?  Honey, I do love you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

P.S.  Keep in mind that I’m a farmer, not a health professional.  So here is a disclaimer for you:  I’m not giving health advice here, and certainly encourage all to talk with a provider to make the best decisions for your circumstances.  Also, it is recommended that honey not be consumed by children under one year of age, just FYI!

P.S.S. If you have any favorite uses for honey, I’d love to hear about them in the comments