The discovery of honey dates back to more than 10 thousand years BC
Its color varies depending on the floral source, although the exact agents responsible for giving the color to the nectar are unknown.
It is a sugar rich in natural acids, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. It is a source of B complex vitamins, vitamin C, D and E.
What is?
Honey is a sweet and viscous substance, usually yellow or golden in color, which is produced by bees of the genus Apis Mellifera from the nectar of flowers or the secretions of the living parts of some plants.
The bees collect it and transform it using their own enzymes to later store it in the hive, where after the maturation period, honey is obtained.
The discovery of honey dates back to more than 10 thousand years BC It is known that the Egyptians used it to heal wounds and burns on the skin or for diseases of the intestine, it was even used to embalm bodies.
Currently beekeeping, which is dedicated to the breeding of bees to take advantage of honey and its derivatives, is one of the most important economic activities in various countries, due to the wealth of its nutritional and medicinal properties.
There are different types of this product. Natural honey is one that has not been heated above 43°C or subjected to any processing.
Industrial honey, on the other hand, is the one that is pasteurized, which prevents it from crystallizing, although this processing reduces its quality, since most of the enzymes, antioxidants and its antibiotic properties are destroyed.
The close and pure honey is also a natural honey worked by small beekeepers in blooming areas, making it an excellent option.
Its color varies depending on the floral source, although the agents responsible for giving the color to honey nectar are not exactly known, it is known that honey has different physical parameters such as color, pH, enzymatic activity and content. of ashes These properties vary depending on the subspecies of the bee, the geographical origin and the presence of impurities.
What nutrients and benefits does it provide?
Honey, in addition to being a carbohydrate of high biological value, because it is incorporated into the bloodstream in about 15 minutes, is a sugar rich in natural acids, minerals, amino acids and enzymes, offering benefits to the body.
One tablespoon of honey contains approximately 21 grams (g) and provides around 64 calories, making it an energy-dense food. This implies that the amount of consumption should not be excessive, since, despite its benefits, it is considered a natural sugar.
Although it is a good alternative to sweeten foods, there is a risk of gaining weight due to excessive consumption. It is recommended to limit its consumption to one tablespoon a day.
The nutritional components of honey depend on the variety of flowers and the type of hive in which it is produced, but in general it is a source of B vitamins, vitamins C, D and E. And among the antioxidants it contains are flavonoids and the phenolics.
Honey obtains various minerals from the soil, making it a source of calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and potassium.
It also provides amino acids, organic acids, such as acetic acid and citric acid.
Some advantages of its consumption is that as it is a source of calcium and helps its absorption and fixation, it improves the correct function of the brain, prevents osteoporosis and other bone problems.
Its consumption improves the immune system, thanks to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. By fighting infections, it soothes sore throats, soothes coughs and helps reduce fever.
It is also an excellent aid for skin health, as it speeds up healing and regeneration. In addition, it is a good moisturizer for the skin and repairs wounds, burns and ulcers.
Incorporating honey into our diet promotes the absorption of calcium and magnesium, and because it contains antioxidants, it delays the deterioration of tissues due to aging and some degenerative diseases.
It also reduces metabolic stress, which is all emotional, psychological or physiological stress, as it maintains glycogen stores in the liver and prevents the release of stress hormones.
Honey also promotes sleep recovery, as it contributes to the secretion of melatonin. It is a source of fructooligosaccharides, honey compounds that behave in a similar way to vegetable fiber, favoring peristalsis and intestinal mobility, thus combating constipation and favoring the beneficial bacteria of the intestinal microbiota.
It is also known that honey can inhibit a large number of microorganisms and pathogens, such as Escherichia coli , Shigella , Helicobacter pylori , Staphylococcus aerus , Salmonella , among others.
Contrary to what used to be thought, its consumption prevents allergies instead of generating them, since the consumption of honey helps the body to accept pollen and reduce flower allergies.
On the other hand, by having balanced levels of fructose and glucose, it favors the formation of glycogen in the liver, which helps balance blood glucose.
How much?
In Mexico, the highest production of honey is obtained during the months of April and May, November and December, months in which 58.4% of the annual volume is produced.
The average cost of a liter of natural honey is between $180 and $200 pesos.
In our country, the main producer of honey is Yucatan with a volume of 7,490 tons, which is equivalent to a 13.6% share of national production, followed by Campeche, Chiapas, Jalisco and Veracruz.
How is it recommended to consume it?
Its culinary use includes pastries, recipes, stews, salad dressings, and is generally included in breakfast or snack accompanying foods such as yogurt, fruit or as a sweetener for infusions or other drinks.
Other uses of honey are as a natural remedy for various health conditions. As we already mentioned, natural honey offers various benefits, so it is important to consume it in its natural form and take care not to consume adulterated, mixed honey or honey that has been subjected to high temperatures.
It is recommended for the entire population in general, although it is believed that honey should not be given to children under 1 year of age, since when mixed with digestive juices, it increases the growth of Clostridium botulinum spores that it produces, dangerous toxins for the baby because their heartburn does not destroy them, compared to adults.
Its consumption is useful in people such as athletes, school children, older adults, workers with significant physical effort or people who want to gain weight. However, care must be taken not to consume it in excess, especially in people who are overweight, obese, or in people with diabetes or high triglycerides.
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