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Honey is one of the oldest, most powerful foods, and its place in our society has an interesting origin. The production of raw honey is done by an all female cast that lives to support the process of manufacturing this powerful elixir. Such great symbolism of women sacrificing for their one life's purpose. As such, honey speaks to our tribe in a way that few things are able.
The journey of the honey bee has been marked by transcontinental tours from one culture to the next as explorers and emigrants brought honey bees to budding settlements. Since ancient times, peoples have utilized the superfood to promote a variety of healthy functions. Raw honey remains one of nature's purest foods.
Living a natural lifestyle does require a little extra effort. The trick in finding key ingredients that give you a multitude of benefits makes all the difference. Raw honey is one of those. Taking the time to understand the benefits can lead to better overall health and, most importantly, a better understanding of one's body and self.
That ambrosia, the sweet nectar of the gods, known as honey has been adored by cultures and nations all over the world. Known to be man-kind's first sweetener, honey has been an essential food source dating back to some of the first written history we can find.
With about 64 calories per tablespoon, raw honey has a dense nutrition including 5,000 enzymes, 27 minerals, 22 amino acids and vitamins B6, thiamin, niacin, pantothenic acid, and riboflavin depending on the floral content of the honey.
Although, 80% carbohydrates (sugar), honey has a glycemic load around 10 for about one tablespoon, which is equivalent to that of one banana. Because of this, researchers have linked honey consumption to healthy weight management. One study uncovered that honey can suppress appetite and offer potential obesity protective effects. Similar studies concluded that replacing sugar with honey can prevent weight gain and lower blood glucose levels.
Adding insulin-boosting cinnamon to honey makes for a low glycemic food. One of our favorite cinnamon and honey spreads is from our raw honey supplier, Honey Run Farms. This is a great add for those concerned with sugar intake, but still have a bit of a sweet tooth.
Raw honey contains 80% natural sugars, 18% water, and 2% minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein. It provides an easily absorbed supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, so it excels as an available energy source for both fueling and recovery. University of Memphis Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory found that honey performed just as well as carbohydrate gels for distance runners. Start an energy-filled morning by replacing coffee with a tablespoon of raw, local honey and a tablespoon of raw apple cider vinegar in a glass of water for an am boost, or try this recipe for Honey Chia Seed Pudding.
Honey also contains disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin. Studies have shown that a daily dose of raw honey raises levels of health-promoting antioxidants in the body. One study fed 25 subjects about four tablespoons of honey per day for 29 days in addition to their regular diets. When blood samples were taken at the start and end of the study, researchers found a clear, direct link between honey consumption and an increased level of disease-fighting polyphenols in the blood. Antioxidants help block free radicals in the body that cause disease and boost the immune system.
A powerful antioxidant drink can be as simple as organic green tea and raw honey, or a full-on treat like one of our tribe member's favorite combos: green tea with honey, coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger.
Different geographical regions produce different types of honey depending on the surrounding plant populations that the bees have to pollenate. Although slightly different in flavor or plant constituents, various cultures have found honey as viable medicine for several ailments.
The highly-anticipated spring months are known to many as “allergy season”. Pollen litters the air, creating several cases of congestion and runny-noses. However, recent studies show that ingesting this same symptom-inducing pollen can build up the body’s tolerance, if you will, reducing one’s sensitivities to local pollen. Therefore, incorporating a spoonful of raw, local honey into the daily diet has been helpful in easing season allergy sufferers into those dreadful months. Pasteurized (heating) or processed honey will no longer contain pollen, so be sure that it is raw and has not been heated over 100 degrees F.
Source: http://www.inspiredtaste.net/28250/easy-hot-toddy-recipe
Living a natural lifestyle means reaching for the cabinet instead of reaching over-the-counter. Honey is one of those remedies that has actually shown to work just as effectively as their synthetic and chemical counterparts. Here are a couple of options to keep in mind at the onset of a cold or sore throat:
1. Sage, peppermint, chamomile tea with 2 tablespoons of honey.
2. Green Tea, honey, grapefruit juice, cinnamon (recipe)
3. Hot Toddy (recipe)
Bacteria cannot survive in honey, which is idyllic when dealing with open wounds that could lead to infection. For this reason, there are several studies resulting in positive treatment results when using honey. For treatment of minor burns or wounds, honey can be applied topically alone or with a lipid material like castor oil or ghee for easier application.
Honey has the capability to attract and retain fluids, which speaks to its excellent moisturizing properties. Using honey in skincare ensures that a product will never be over-drying for the skin.
Our skin is home to thousands of different bacteria that, similarly to the gut, promote its overall health and well-being. However, our daily interactions with our not-so-clean surroundings and the different products that we use daily can disrupt their happy home and invite unwelcome guests such as acne-causing bacteria.
Less acidic environments promote bacteria growth. Thanks to the low (acidic) pH value of honey, it helps to maintain our skin’s protective shield—the acid mantle—and assists in the resistance of bad bacteria growth. Additionally, the same anti-bacterial properties that promote wound-healing, are available to discourage the development of acne on the skin. For those looking to live a more natural lifestyle, honey makes an excellent replacement for soap-based cleansers. Take a look below at the raw honey products that we currently offer.
Using raw honey in your natural lifestyle? Please share in the comments below!
