Save the bees, save the honey

By kiley | October 7, 2015

With all the reasons out there to work to save our bees, one reason is definitely delicious --- honey.

(Honeybees and their native relatives)

Not only is it scrumptious, but it also has many other appealing qualities:

  1. Honey doesn't spoil. The oldest honey was found in the country of Georgia and dates back thousands of years, and it's still good. Because of its low moisture content and acidity, it makes a poor habitat for bacteria and microorganisms.
  2. Studies have tested the use of honey for wound care. In ancient Egypt and Greece and still all over the world today, unprocessed honey is used to treat wounds. It draws moisture from the environment and dehydrates bacteria, and the high sugar content also makes it antibacterial.
  3. Honey soothes coughs.
  4. Honey is filled with vitamins and nutrients, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium and zinc.
  5. Seasonal allergies sufferers have found relief with local honey. As the bees take pollen and process it, it breaks it down somewhat. Then those who eat honey receive a type of immunization and don't struggle as much with allergies. This hasn't been clinically proven, but many people come to the nature center with success stories.
  6. Medical grade honey has been shown to kill foodborne illness pathogens like E. coli and salmonella.
  7. Honey can help people metabolize alcohol faster.
  8. The sugar content can help athletes fuel their workouts.
  9. Diluted honey has also been shown to help with scalp and dandruff problems when applied directly to the scalp and left on for three hours.
  10. When mixed with tepid water and drunk, honey has been shown to help raise hemoglobin levels and will combat symptoms of anemia. Some studies have also shown it could help prevent low white blood cell count in chemotherapy patients.
  11. The debate on the positive and negative impacts on different types of sugar continues, but honey is pretty well received in most circles. It is made up of about 30 percent glucose, 40 percent fructose and 20 percent complex sugars.
  12. Those who struggle with constipation, bloating and gas might find relief in the natural laxative quality of honey.

How does honey help you find relief?

(Six ways native bees differ from honeybees)

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