Honey Benefits​

Honey contains a treasure chest of hidden nutritional and medicinal value. The sweet golden liquid from the beehive is a popular kitchen staple loaded with antibacterial and antifungal properties that has been used since the early days of Egyptian tombs.

Honey is a natural source for vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and even antioxidant-rich vitamin C.  It also contains minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulfur, and phosphate. A tablespoon of honey contains 60 calories, is fat-free, and cholesterol-free.

Other honey benefits include:

• Anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties
• Alleviates allergies
• Helps to boost memory
• Helps to build up the immune system
• Is an antioxidant
• Aids in digestion

Crystallization

Honey does not go “bad” as many foods do; it remains wholesome after decades.

– Eva Crane, “A Book of Honey”

Honey crystallization is a natural process by which honey turns from a liquid to a semi-solid state with granular composition.  Crystallization is a good thing – it means you have a pure honey product that still contains all of honey’s natural nutrition. At room temperature, crystallization may begin within weeks or months.

Fortunately, there are several relatively quick and easy remedies should your honey crystallize. You can either use a heating pad or hot water to help decrystallize your honey. Regardless of the method be sure not to overheat the honey by exposing it to temperatures greater than 120F. If using a heating pad, wrap your bottle tightly in the pad and set it to the low or medium setting.  Check on it every 30 minutes or so until the honey re-liquefies. If using water, you can place your glass bottle into a container of boiling water and remove from the heat. Let the bottle stand in the hot water bath for 10- 15 minutes until the honey re-liquefies. 

What Happens to Your Body When You Start Eating Honey