The health benefits of honey, an amazing natural sweetener

What is honey? 

The sweet thick liquid that we so much enjoy in our teas, spread on toast or added in sweet and savoury dishes is produced by bees from the nectar and honeydew they collect from flowers. 

The nutrient-packed substance is then stored in honeycombs and serves as long-term food supply for adult and younger bees. 

 Did you know that honey has been used since ancient times? 

Ancient Greeks and Egyptians used honey in cooking and baking, as well as for medical purposes, as it is a good source of natural energy which also offers many health benefits. 

Read on to know more about the health benefits of honey!

Honey: a gift from Nature

There are many varieties of honey, depending on the flowers the nectar was collected from. 

The most common varieties of single flower honey (also called varietal or monofloral honey), where the nectar of one single plant is predominant, are Rosemary, Thyme, Orange Blossom, Lime Tree (Linden), Acacia, Eucalyptus, and Lavender. 

Multifloral honey (called “Mil Flores” in Spanish – Honey of Thousand Flowers) is composed of nectars from different flowers. 

In Tea Shop, you will find an exquisite selection to enjoy the health benefits of honey, and sweeten your favourite teas and herbal teas in a natural and healthy way. 

Try our Organic Acacia Honey, or give a personal touch to your teas with our Honey with Chai, Honey with Matcha and Lemon, or Honey with Ginger! 

The nutritional value and medicinal properties of honey 

In addition to carbohydrates (mainly fructose and glucose, which provide sweetness and energy), honey contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, in varying proportions depending on the variety of the flower. 

Honey contains vitamin A, C, E, K, B1, B2, B6, minerals (iron, copper, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese and antioxidants (flavonoids). 

Here are some interesting properties of honey.

- Honey is a natural anti-fatigue remedy due to the energy it provides. 

It also improves physical performance and helps to speed recovery after exercise. 

Athletes, children (not under one year of age, as their digestive system is still immature), convalescing persons, or very physically active people will benefit from the energy supply provided by honey.

- Likewise, the minerals found in honey, especially calcium, phosphorus and iron, stimulate brain function and support the nervous system.

- Honey is sometimes called a “natural antibiotic” due to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties 

Honey is commonly used to lessen symptoms of colds and as a cough suppressant. 

Many of us instinctively add a spoonful of honey to a warm soothing tea for sore throat and cough… and this is just the right thing to do! 

Some studies showed that honey has antioxidant, antiviral and antibacterial properties that soothe the irritated membranes of the upper respiratory tract. 

Honey is a fantastic natural remedy for colds, flu and bronchitis… with no side effects!

- Honey improves sleep and relaxation, and helps reduce insomnia. 

A spoonful of honey added to a relaxing herbal tea right before bedtime has a relaxing effect on mind and body, as honey allows tryptophan to enter brain more easily. 

Tryptophan is a substance that produces serotonin, the hormone used by the body to restore itself during sleep.

- A natural laxative, honey helps relieve constipation and reduces bowel inflammation.

For its health benefits or just because it is a delightful natural sweetener, there is every reason to add honey to your diet!