1. The flavour, colour and texture vary depending on the nectar from which it was made. The less processed the honey, the more nutrients it contains. It can be used in a variety of foods and drinks instead of sugar, but raw honey has the most health benefits.
2. Raw honey straight from the comb contains traces of propolis--the substance bees use to seal the hive and protect it from harmful micro-organisms. Other so-called phytonutrients found in raw honey have been shown to help prevent colon cancer, and help internal ulcers to heal.
3. A regular intake of honey is known to be beneficial for general well-being, and an aid to digestion.
4. Honey has been shown to improve athletic performance, not only as a source of carbohydrate. This secret was even known by the ancient Olympians. It helps maintain blood-sugar, which in turn keeps energy consistent and aids muscle recovery.
5. Honey would be quite at home in your medicine cabinet. It has been used as early as 700 BC to aid healing, and was an ingredient in over 900 Ancient Egyptian remedies. Used topically it helps to ward off infection and soothes inflammation. Honey's healing properties have been shown even to speed up the healing of serious wounds caused by first-degree burns and surgical operations.
6. Taken internally its anti-viral properties help support the immune system, warding off colds and flu.
7. Its anti-bacterial properties have proven it superior to certain widely-used anti-biotics in treating infection.
8. Its anti-fungal properties are even thought to inhibit Candida Albicans, and encourage the growth of healthy flora in the gut.
9. Honey, especially dark honey, is rich in antioxidants, helping to combat free-radicals, thus improving cell and organ function.
10. Eating honey made nearby may help reduce seasonal allergies, as it contains local pollen.
11. Honey is a healthy alternative to sugar. In diabetes patients it has been shown to cause a lower rise in blood sugar than refined sugar. It also reduces cholesterol.
12. Honey is a source of vitamin B2 (good for hair and nail growth, eyesight, and processing of food), vitamin B6 (good for skin, nerves and absorption of nutrients), iron (transports oxygen in the blood) and manganese (promotes enzyme function and muscle function).
13. Honey should be stored in an air-tight container. If it is kept away from moisture it keeps almost indefinitely, in fact it is possibly the only food that does not spoil. Archaeologists in Egypt tasted honey sealed in the tombs of the ancient pharoahs and found it to be still edible!
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