Raw honeyis a thick, sweet syrup made by honeybees.
Unlike regular honey, raw honey is not pasteurized or filtered.
It is as close to the hive as it’s possible for you to get.
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Raw honey is an excellent source of antioxidants, offering a variety of health benefits.
It contains healthful bee pollen, bee propolis, andantioxidants.
Emilija Manevska / Getty Images
What Is Raw Honey?
Raw honey is honey that comes straight from the beehive.
It is produced by extracting honey from the honeycombs.
The producer then pours the honey over mesh or nylon to remove beeswax and dead bees.
From there, the honey is bottled and sold.
Regular honey goes through this same process but is also pasteurized and filtered before being bottled.
The pasteurization process applies high heat to destroy yeast found in honey.
This makes the honey taste and feel smoother.
It also extends the shelf life.
Raw honey has also been linked to several possible health benefits.
It is rich in natural sugars.
It is rich in antioxidants and may protect against infection.
Unlike some types of regular honey, raw honey does not contain any added sweeteners.
Antioxidants Effects
Raw honey is rich in plant compounds calledpolyphenols.
Antibacterial Agents
Raw honey is known for its antibacterial effects and may protect the body againstbacterial infections.
Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Wound Healing
Honey may promote wound healing because of its anti-inflammatory effects in the body.
Chronic inflammation can keep the tissues from healing properly.
By reducing inflammation, the compounds in raw honey may lead to faster wound healing.
Honey may also increase the number ofwhite blood cells.
White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body from infection.
Reducing the risk of infection can also help wounds heal faster.
Researchers found that honey reduces coughing and improves the severity of the illness.
It may also slow the spread of bacteria in the body, shortening the length of infection time.
Treats Diarrhea
Honey may improve digestive issues, includingdiarrhea.
Honey contains compounds that protect against different types of bacteria includingHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori).
This punch in of bacteria causes diarrhea and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Honey also containsprebiotics, substances that nourish good bacteria in the gut and improve digestive health.
Protects the Brain
Consuming raw honey may protect the brain from certain neurological diseases.
The polyphenols in honey reduce inflammation in thehippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory.
This may have several cognitive benefits, including improved memory.
Who Should Avoid Raw Honey?
Unlike regular honey, raw honey contains pollen.
If you have a severepollen allergy, eating raw honey could cause a serious allergic reaction.
Honey of any kind, including raw honey, is not safe for infants under 1 year old.
Raw honey may contain the bacteriaClostridium botulinum,which can cause life-threateningbotulism poisoningin babies.
You may find raw honey at your local farmers market or health food store.
It is important to note thatorganichoney is not the same as raw honey.
Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered.
When Raw Honey Turns to Sugar
It is normal for honey to crystallize over time.
If there is a foul smell or any signs of mold, throw it away.
To get your honey back to its syrupy texture, try microwaving it to melt it.
Store your raw honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Summary
Raw honey refers to honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered like regular honey.
Raw honey is prepared by removing it from the honeycomb found in beehives.
It is poured over mesh or nylon to remove any beeswax or dead bees and is then jarred.
Raw honey contains antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that have been linked to several health benefits.
Raw honey has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.
People with pollen allergy should use caution in consuming raw honey.
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