Honey
Most people think of honey as the sweet, sticky stuff you put
on toast or drop into hot tea, but in recent years, researchers
have been exploring its potential in other ways. Some of these
include:
1. To lessen the ill effects of radiation therapy in patients
with cancer of the head and neck.
2. To improve oral health.
3. To preserve food.
4. To boost antioxidants.
5. To enhance athletic performance.
Today, the general public is showing more of an interest in
honey, both in the kitchen and outside of the kitchen. This
includes the use of honey as a folk remedy for ailments such
as cuts and scraps. This is due in part to the current trend
with natural remedies and foods and a throwback to ancient times
when honey was used as a wonder healer, laxative, cough and
sore-throat balm and a salve for sore eyes, among other things.
At the University of Illinois, honey has been the focus of
several studies. One study showed that honey, when mixed with
ground turkey, slows the oxidation process that gives it that
leftover taste after a few days. They also found that honey
has the same level of antioxidants as some fruits and vegetables.
Antioxidants are thought to thwart the process by which fats
in food react with oxygen and cause the development of free
radicals that damage the body. The body fights this oxidation
process up to a certain point, but if it gets out of control,
it can eventually lead to things such as cardiovascular disease,
cancer and aging. The way to protect against that is to use
an antioxidant. Research has shown that darker honeys are
typically better, but that does not mean lighter honeys are
not protective.
Another study is looking at how honey consumption might benefit
athletes. For carbohydrate consumption, honey gel packs are
just as good as PowerGel as a low to moderate source of carbohydrates.
Another interesting find for athletes: Honey was just as good
as a gel form of dextrose called glucose at improving endurance
cycling performance. Additional research showed that ingesting
powdered honey with a protein supplement after intense weight
lifting promotes an anabolic or muscle-building response equivalent
to taking a protein supplement in combination with maltodextrin,
another form of carbohydrate.
Honey was also found to be beneficial in maintaining blood-sugar
levels.
In honey, there is little water available to promote the
growth of bacteria and yeast. Also, honey's natural acidity
inhibits some pathogens, and it has tiny amounts of hydrogen
peroxide as well as other substances that seem to contribute
to its antibacterial effect, according to the National Honey
Board.
Manuka honey in New Zealand has been used to destroy bacteria
found in stomach ulcers as well as tough strains of bacteria
that infect wounds and burns, according to the honey board.
As a sweetener, honey has some advantages over sugar, but
while not highly nutritious, it is going to provide a small
amount of more nutrients.
|
