Honey is the only food produced by an insect and edible for humans.
Although they have 5 eyes, honeybees use their sense of smell to locate food, to differentiate between varieties of flowers and to determine whether a flower contains pollen.
Raw honey contains all the nutritional elements needed to sustain life: enzymes, proteins, vitamins, minerals and water. Honey is unique because it also contains antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibiotic properties.
Stored in an airtight container, honey never spoils. Its naturally low pH makes it difficult for bacteria to thrive. This is why ancient Egyptians preserved the corpses and organs of royalty in honey. In fact, archaeologists have discovered sealed jars of honey up to 2000 years old -still edible!
The ‘buzz’ we associate with bees is actually the sound of their tiny wings flapping continuously at a speed of about 200 times PER SECOND!
Honey can be used to treat pimples! Strange but true. The antibacterial and antifungal properties of raw honey can assist to repair broken skin, reduce bacterial growth and lower inflammation in skin conditions like acne.
Honey was worshipped by ancient cultures across the globe. Historical records from various civilizations show honey used as an offering to the Gods and in sacred/spiritual rituals. Honey has been called ‘nectar of the Gods,’ and is referenced throughout the Bible as both sustenance and sacrifice. Indeed, the ‘promised land’ was called the land of milk and honey, and even now, we call honey ‘liquid gold’ - a measure of its unique value.
The taste, texture, colour and composition of honey differs depending on the plant source, pollens and geographical location of the hives. It’s known that darker honey is more antioxidant rich. Antibacterial and antifungal activity is highly influenced by floral sources, and the Manuka Plant is known to produce honey with the most potent health properties.
While raw honey is full of nutritious elements, honey that has been heated loses potency. Precious enzymes and active nutrients are destroyed in the heating process. Adding a spoonful of honey to hot liquids as a cold or cough elixir may provide comfort, but is unlikely change symptoms. To maintain the nutritional benefits of honey, it should be consumed raw – so choose your honey carefully!
New Zealand Manuka Honey has been used against superbugs in recent trials and is showing great results. A study at The University of Technology in Sydney* showed a combined treatment of Manuka Honey with antibiotics successfully inhibited the growth of MRSA – golden staph. More studies will follow, but it’s clear honey is finding a place in modern medical treatments.
