The goodness of honey goes beyond its incredible test. For centuries honey was a preserve of only the wealthy and royals. Even then the healing properties of honey were appreciated, and the well to do desired to keep all of it for themselves.
The most important function of honey was its role as a sweetener. Honey was also seen as having spiritual powers and was used for embalming the dead to ensure a smooth sail to eternal life. The discovery of artificial sugars saw a drop in the prices, making honey more available to the common man.

The process of making this incredibly sweet brown (or sometimes grey or black) syrup known as honey begins when bees visit different varieties of flowers like clover, lavender, alfalfa, acacia and others to collect nectar.

This nectar mixes with special enzymes in the bee’s mouth to combine and make what we call honey. Bees carry this honey back to the hive and deposit it into the cells of the hive’s walls. They then flutter their wings to ensure proper ventilation and reduce the moisture content. Different varieties of honey possess a large amount of friendly bacteria which are responsible for its mysterious therapeutic abilities.

The best part of it is that honey can be got at the nearest supermarket in different varieties at affordable prices. For an even more affordable option, you could simply sit idly at your door step and wait around for your favourite honey vendor, the one who makes good use of those waragi bottles, to pass by. Be sure however you trust him or her, for honey with impurities is not as effective as one without.

Amazing curative properties

According to Dr. Gerald Luzindana of Kisakye Reflexology and Nutritional Centre, Honey contains natural sugars which are very essential for the wellbeing of our bodies.  Also unlike artificial sugars, natural sugars are not likely to cause diabetes. According to www.whfoods.com, honey contains the essential sugars, fructose and glucose in the perfect ratio 1:1. The two sugars work hand in hand with each other for the proper functioning of our body systems.

Fructose for example unlocks the enzymes from the liver cells nucleus. These enzymes transform glucose into glycogen and sugar is stored in this form in the liver and muscle cells nucleus. An adequate amount of glycogen in the liver is essential for the supply of the brain with fuel especially during sleep and prolonged exercise. Thus honey becomes an important source of instant energy, especially for athletes and children because of their high levels of activity.
The sugars in honey are already pre-digested by the bee; therefore people with digestive problems can easily partake of honey.

Honey is also a preferred sweetener for those suffering from diabetes; Luzindana however cautions that it should not be used if the disease is in its advanced stages. A visit to www.benefits-of-honey.com reveals several other benefits of honey. Honey can be used to treat a sore throat. It is able to do this through its anti-microbacterial properties enabling it to kill bacteria that cause infection.

To cure sore throat about two spoonfuls of honey should be taken directly. Alternatively one can mix four table spoons of lemon juice with a spoonful of honey and a pinch of salt then gurgle. The growth of bacteria in wounds is inhibited by honey’s antiseptic properties. It is thus perfect for cleaning wounds, burns and cuts and keeping them free from infection. In fact at the first International Symposium on Honey and Human Health held in Sacramental California, some research findings revealed that honey, with a success rate of 91 percent, is more effective for treating wounds than conventional treatment like alcohol and iodine.

Honey is what one could call a sobering gent.  It is gentle on the stomach, and the fructose in it speeds up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver. Just add I5 mls of liquid honey to 80 mls of orange juice and blend till smooth to beat that nagging hangover. The famous remedy of milk and honey can help fight insomnia. Simply add one tea spoonful of honey to hot milk and take. Honey is said to calm the soul and this remedy is guaranteed to induce that much needed sleep.

Honey being an antioxidant as well as antibacterial, boosts immunity. All you have to do to keep the doctor away is add honey to your lemon juice. This will also improve your digestion.

The perfect alternative

Honey is delicious, nutritious and comes with countless health benefits. Why not replace the less healthy options with honey today? Try spreading honey on your bread instead of margarine. Or make a sandwich with harm and honey and pack it for your kids to have at school. Better still you can cut down on the large amounts of money spent on sugar by replacing it with honey to steer clear of diabetes’ way. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, every household needs to have at least a bottle of honey at any one time

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