Beekeepers have long understood that the honey produced by their winged workers is more than just a sweet treat, but now scientists are finally listening up and taking note of the remarkable properties of honey as well. Studies at a number of leading research universities have found that honey harbors all sorts of potential health benefits for those of us who ingest the bees’ sweet nectar. In this entry, we’ll look at a few of the most exciting findings.
Disease Prevention
Researchers at the University of California conducted a study which found that the more honey a test subject ate, the more disease-fighting antioxidants were found in their blood. Honey is loaded with antioxidants called polyphenols which scientists believe can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. With this in mind, researchers involved in the study concluded that honey would be a far healthier substitute for other common sweeteners.
Allergy Relief
People who are allergic to wildflowers find that eating honey harvested from those flowers helps them to build up a resistance to their allergies. Until recently, however, evidence for the allergy-fighting powers of honey had been merely anecdotal. Scientists have found that honey does, in fact, contain all the same enzymes as the live pollen from which it’s derived. The enzymes in honey can provide allergy sufferers with an inexpensive, delicious alternative to conventional allergy treatments.
Toxin Reduction
The same antioxidants that prevent disease can also combat toxic free radicals, substances which contribute to the degeneration of DNA and the development of age-related issues such as arthritis and strokes. Researchers at the University of Illinois found that darker honeys had higher concentrations of these beneficial antioxidants. Not only can honey work to prevent disease, it can also help us to age more gracefully!
Who knew that something so delicious could also be so good for you? With allergy season in full swing, there’s no better time to test out the allergy-fighting properties of honey. Check out our store page to view all the varieties available at Marshall’s Natural Honey Farm.