Food Facts: Raw Honey

Cooking and baking have always been a big part of my life. Although my family has always been healthy, like most people, I grew up making recipes that contained processed and refined ingredients. Over time, as I became more knowledgeable about nutrition, I began swapping out unhealthy ingredients for better alternatives that would nourish my body and taste good at the same time.

In my quest to make my favourite recipes healthy, I began using raw honey as a substitute for white sugar in almost everything whether it was a salad dressing, marinara sauce or cookies. It’s important to emphasize that I use raw honey as opposed to just regular honey because they are not the same.

Raw honey is made by bees and is derived from the nectar that they collect during pollination. Raw honey is taken directly from the honeycombs and often contains bee propolis and pollen, so you can only imagine how good it is for you! Unfortunately, most of the honey you find at grocery stores (think of the golden honey you see in the bear bottles) have been processed, meaning the raw honey has been heated, pasteurized, contains additives and is ultimately stripped of the high nutritional value it once had.

BENEFITS OF RAW HONEY

Raw honey is not only just a natural sweetener and refined sugar alternative, but like other bee properties, honey also helps boost the immune system and is composed of a high level of antioxidants. anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compounds. Here are a few of the reasons why I’m such a fan.

COUGH/SORE THROAT REMEDY – Anytime I have a sore throat I make myself a hot beverage with honey and it always helps. It’s proven to help reduce the mucus and provide relief from cough and sore throat symptoms
SOURCE OF ENERGY- Honey provides glycogen to the liver providing a natural source of energy to our bodies
HELPS INDUCE SLEEP – By taking honey before bed you may sleep better since the glycogen helps to keep the body’s fuel levels in check and helps to prevent us from waking up. Honey also stimulates the amino acid tryptophan which converts into melatonin, a hormone that is known to help with sleep.
WEIGHT CONTROL – Not only is honey is a great sugar alternative with less calories, but it’s also known to also prevent weight loss not just maintain it
NATURAL HEALER – Raw honey can heal many things including wounds, burns and ulcers. I often put it on my eczema when I am having a flare up because I find it really helps. Since it has antibacterial properties, it also helps prevents infections
ALLERGY ALLEVIATION – As mentioned, raw honey contains bee pollen which is known for its aid with allergy relief so it’s no wonder honey is also a good resource when you are experiencing symptoms
HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS – Due to the presence of antioxidants, honey helps with the immune system and can help reduce risks for heart disease and some cancers

Besides being advantageous for our health and a delicious addition to our diets, raw honey also has many other uses including helping with acne, as well being great for our hair and skin which is why it’s often added to many shampoos, masks and moisturizers. Overall, there are many reasons and ways to use honey that there’s no excuse to not take advantage of this incredible ingredient.

Linked are a few options to purchase online but it is always best to buy your honey as locally as possible.