![]() ![]() It may look good…but a lot of what is beneficial in the honey has been removed. It is also passed through a fine filter to remove any impurities or particles from the honey, leaving a clear golden liquid that does not crystalize. It is usually heated to a very high temperature, which helps to prevent the honey crystalizing but this also kills off the good bacterial enzymes. This is the kind of honey that is nice and clear liquid and does not crystalize. Pasteurized honey is the sort of honey you will generally find in your major supermarkets. So we know that honey is packed with antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, but is all honey created equal? UMF16 and over are superior levels with very high activity The UMF quality trademark ranges from UMF5 upwards depending on the level of the non-peroxide antibacterial activity in the honey: It has been tested in a radial diffusion assay with Staphylococcus aureus to measure antibacterial activity of different batches of the honey.Īccording to the Manuka Honey website the levels are listed as: ![]() Medical-grade honey such as Manuka Honey has been tested for its antibacterial properties which are reported on the packaging with the industry standard unique manuka factor (UMF). Medical-grade honey which is intended for clinical application (wound healing and topical application) is therefore sterilized to destroy these bacterial spores. or Clostridium botulinum which can cause wound botulism or gangrene. Raw honey may contain certain bacterial spores from Bacillus spp. These antibacterial, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties also mean that honey applied topically for conditions such as acne may be very beneficial. It has been used traditionally and still in modern times for the treatment of burns, wounds and ulcers. Honey is most notably known for its wound healing properties due to its antiseptic, antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. The antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties of honey have also been reported when using to treat various eye conditions. Many traditional cultures have used honey as eye treatment, particularly the Indian and Malian people. Animal models shown higher lymphocyte count and increased neutrophil phagocytosis (cells that ‘eat’ bad bacteria or foreign particles). The prebiotics and oligosaccharides in honey can enhance the immune system. It is soothing and calming on the throat and oesophagus. The antibacterial, antimicrobial properties of honey make it well suited for this purpose. Honey has been used traditionally for treating colds and sore throats. The gastroprotective properties of honey are thought to be due to the antioxidant properties of honey that maintain or increase non-sulphydyl substances such as glutathione in the gastric tissue. Honey is a natural prebiotic and the consumption of honey may help gut health through increasing bifidobacteria populations.Īnecdotal evidence suggests honey may be beneficial for the treatment of gastric ulcers and other gastrointestinal inflammatory conditions. ![]() Honey (raw) contains enzymes that enhance the digestion of foods, particularly carbohydrates. The colour of honey is said to influence the antioxidant content and darker honeys are known to have higher amounts of antioxidants, when compared with honeys of a lighter colour.Ĭalcium in honey is readily absorbable and research in animal models indicated that calcium absorption corresponded with increased honey intake. It also contains amino acids, proteins, antioxidants and inhibine, which is an antibacterial factor found in honey. Honey is primarily composed of sugars and water, however it does contain some B vitamins, vitamin C and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron and magnesium. Honey is loved and revered not only as a natural sweetener, but as a medicine due to its antibacterial properties and also as a natural beauty agent. Records indicate that raw honey is the most ancient of sweeteners, was used all throughout the world and dates back millions of years.Ījibola et al note that honey is produced by “honey-bees as blossom honey by secreting nectars of flowers and honeydew honey (forest honey) by secreting exudates of plant sucking insects (aphids).” (Nutrition and Metabolism 2012) The use of honey is seen throughout various cultures, traditions and civilizations. Honey has been used as a food and as a medicine for as long as can be traced back in time. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |