Nowadays we can find a wide variety of different honeys on the market, with very different aromas, flavours and properties. Today we will show you what organic honey is and why it is so popular nowadays.
- What is organic honey?
- Properties of organic honey
- Benefits of organic honey
- Differences between organic and conventional honey
- Benefits of drinking honey on a daily basis
What is organic honey?
Organic honey is honey obtained from the blooms of certified organic fields, which meet the requirements established by organic beekeeping.
These requirements are closely related to the environment of the hive and the rigorous controls that producers must pass in order to market the product as organic. Thus, for honey to be certified as organic, it must pass a series of controls related to the bees, the hive, the wax and the honey obtained.
Regardless of the terminology used to name it (organic honey, ecological honey or organic honey), before putting this type of honey on sale, it is essential to have a certificate that guarantees its 100% organic origin.
Properties of organic honey
Organic honey is a food rich in numerous vitamins and minerals, which provide multiple benefits to our health. This antioxidant food is also a great source of B-complex vitamins, as well as vitamins C, D and E.
The most abundant minerals in organic honey include:
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Manganese
- Iron
- Potassium
- Copper
- Phosphorus
Benefits of organic honey
Thanks to its high percentage of sugars, organic honey is an ideal food during periods of growth, high stress or for sportsmen and women. These sugars dissolve rapidly in the blood, thus providing the natural energy the body needs.
The main benefits of honey are as follows:
Regulates blood sugar
Although it may seem otherwise, the truth is that honey regulates blood sugar levels. For this to happen, a balance between fructose and glucose is important.
The balance between them allows the latter substance to be taken up by the liver. This leads to the development of glycogen, the substance responsible for improving the functioning of organs and tissues. This not only improves the functioning of organs and tissues, but also reduces glucose and thus blood sugar levels.
Reduction of metabolic stress
Any kind of stress, regardless of its nature (emotional, physiological or psychological) is translated in the body as metabolic stress. This concept is based on an organic process that allows muscle mass to be gained. In other words, this process leads to muscle hypertrophy.
The effects of organic honey on the body include the production of glycogen in the liver, which hinders the release of stress hormones throughout the day.
In addition, honey not only helps to control stress, but also, thanks to the sugar, helps concentration.
Improves sleep quality
Did you know that honey helps you sleep better? This is because the glucose present in organic honey causes the brain to produce less orexin, a substance related to insomnia, which facilitates the development of sleep.
Honey also facilitates the production of tryptophan in the brain. This substance is then converted into serotonin, which facilitates the development and balance of sleep.
In this respect, it is true that there are several studies that analyse the implications of honey for promoting sleep. However, the impact of this natural sweetener is particularly analysed in situations where insomnia is linked to some other illness.
In any case, honey is considered a food to be included in a night-time routine to promote sleep as a complement to medical treatment, but in no case should it be a substitute for it.
Soothes sore throats
One of the most widespread uses of honey is undoubtedly the relief of sore throats and its use to alleviate coughs. For many years, this natural sweetener has been used to prevent and combat the symptoms of colds and flus, as well as some infections.
Reduces constipation
As a prebiotic food, organic honey contributes to the improvement of the bacterial flora in a natural way. In this way, it helps to improve our body’s digestive health.
The laxative effect of honey is mainly due to fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), which work in a similar way to fibre.
Differences between organic and conventional honey
There are a number of factors that differentiate organic honey from conventional honey:
- The environment: In organic honey, the foraging, i.e. the work of collecting nectar and pollen, must take place in areas far from the city. Preferably, the hive should be located in wild fields or mountain areas, where pollution is minimal.
- The hive: The hive should be made from natural elements. In addition, it is important not to paint the hive, as these products can be harmful to the bees.
- Treatment of pests and diseases: Another requirement for organic honey is that pests and diseases must be treated with natural products. Chemical products must not be used under any circumstances, as they can be transferred to the honey.
- Feeding: Organically produced bees must feed only on honey and pollen that they themselves harvest. Otherwise, the honey would lose its organic certification.
- Obtaining the honey: With organic honey, it is essential that when collecting the product from the hive, the decanting technique is used. By means of this technique, the honey is slowly filtered from the inside of the hive, thus maintaining all its properties.
Benefits of drinking honey on a daily basis
The properties and benefits of honey have been used since ancient times. Without a doubt, honey is one of the most beneficial natural products for our health.
Taking honey on a daily basis can be very beneficial to our health:
- Strengthens the heart, reducing cholesterol levels.
- Protects the stomach
- Helps to lose weight
- Improves sleep
- Relieves stress and tension
- Aids memory
- Moisturises the skin
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