Honey health, nutrition and medical application

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Honey and honey combs

Honey is really an amazing substance. It is naturally antibacterial meaning that even though it is packed with glucose, flavor and nutrition, no bacteria grow in honey.

Honey has naturally occurring antibiotic properties because hydrogen peroxide is formed in a slow-release manner by the enzyme glucose oxidase present in honey. It becomes active when the acidity of honey is neutralized by body fluids or diluted by other fluids, can be destroyed by the protein-digesting enzymes present in wound fluids and is destroyed when honey is exposed to heat and light. Many things die in the presence of Hydrogen Peroxide, including bacteria.

Honey is also a good source of carbohydrates, containing:

80% natural sugar — mostly fructose and glucose.
18% water.
2% minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein.

The vitamins present in honey are:

B6
Thiamin
Niacin
Riboflavin
Pantothenic acid and certain amino acids.

The minerals found in honey include:

Calcium
Copper
Iron
Magnesium
Manganese
Phosphorus
Potassium
Sodium
Zinc

People say that consuming locally grown honey helps prevent or reduce allergies. There have been no peer reviewed clinical trials about this, but hey, it might work for you. I personally love honey, and it has helped soothed my soar throats, and congestion. Applying honey to local infections is also beneficial.

Feel free to share about your positive experiences with honey.