HONEY, Let It BEE...

I've always known honey to be an "old-time" remedy. Growing up, I didn't see honeycombs, how they show in the movies and commercials. My family rarely used honey or sugar because we have unlimited maple sap in our back and yard. Once we take the maple sap to our country store to sift and pasteurize, the dark brown thick syrup was the sweetener for everything!

On the contrary, I've discovered honey to be an asset to my kitchen and my pantry. For instance, if stored correctly, honey doesn't expire.

My mind - and taste buds - were amazed to discover honey has various benefits besides the minimum I knew during my childhood.

Honey provides antioxidants and prebiotic properties!

One of my former co-workers used to swallow a spoonful of honey every time he felt a symptom of coming down with a cold. As much as I embrace honey as a sugar alternative, this amazed me. I didn't know of this nor did I know honey was packed with antioxidants!

High-quality honey contains antioxidants, like phytochemicals, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid.

Antioxidants are essential in your everyday eating because they ward off ailments affecting our immune system and dulling our skin. For healthy glowing skin, not only does it requires you to eat healthily, you'll need antioxidants to promote cell repair from sunburn and blemishes.

Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables.

High-quality honey contains antioxidant properties that play a role as antibacterial and antifungal properties. Honey containing anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-fungal properties is important for immune-boosting.

According to the Integrative Medicine Insights, buckwheat honey contains higher prebiotic properties. Research showed buckwheat honey has antibiotic, pesticide, and herbicide residues.

Raw honey, a honey type commonly used, terminates undesirable bacteria and fungus.

Another honey type, wild honey, originates from the nectar of wildflowers. Wild honey contains antiseptic properties providing remedies from wounds, abrasions, bedsores, surgery, and sunburns.

Honey minimizing coughing.

Now, I understand why my co-worker was swallowing honey as if they were tequila shots!

Honey soothes a sore throat!

Studies show [buckwheat] honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, which is found in over-the-counter cough suppressants.

I remember the days he felt like his cough was unbearable, he would eat a spoonful of honey. Minutes later, he would seem to fine. As I began to think honey is the alternative to Robitussin, studies support my reasoning.

Historically, Ancient Egyptians used honey for wounds, fevers, digestive complications, and to minimize ulcers.

According to CNN, studies with New Zealand's native honey, manuka honey, and Malaysian Tualang honey have strong antioxidants to combat staph and bacteria-causing ulcers.

A study of 105 children participants showed buckwheat honey is more effective at night time than Benadryl.

Another study of 139 participating children showed buckwheat honey performed better than over-the-counter cough suppressants, like diphenhydramine.

Studies conducted in Italy found wildflower honey was more effective at night time than common over-the-counter cough suppressants.

Another study in Israel showed Labiatae honey can decrease nighttime coughing, respiratory infections, and sleeping complications.

Honey encourages athletes to the finish line.

Move over, Gatorade. Hello, honey.

Interestingly honey doesn't contain fiber, fat, or protein. However, the golden liquid produced by honeybees can improve athletic performance!

Sports studies at the University of Memphis proved honey is as effective as glucose or sugar to increase endurance.

Which type of honey works for you?

As much as I enjoy clover honey being convenient, it's on my bucket list to try different types of honey.

In North Carolina, local farmers' markets are hosts for meeting and learning more about pasteurizing and organic honey. For instance, pasteurizing honey increases its shelf life.

Do you like honey in your beverages instead of using sugar?

Which do you prefer - agave or honey?