Thursday, March 02, 2006

'Honey and Wellness' Brochure Available Online

Honey and Wellness
National Honey Board (USA)

Honey is very likely the world's most ancient sweetener and has been in use throughout the world across the millennia. Honey's popularity and versatility is evident from the variety of uses it has enjoyed throughout history.

From ancient times, honey has not only been used as a sweetener but as a natural beauty agent and has been employed by some cultures for its medicinal attributes. . .

Honey's Nutritional Profile

Honey is composed primarily of carbohydrates and water, and also includes small amounts of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins such as niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid, along with minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Honey as a Source of Antioxidants

It has been hypothesized that consuming more antioxidant-rich foods may help protect against cellular damage and possibly prevent the development of chronic diseases. Research indicates that honey includes numerous compounds with antioxidant potential. The amount and type of these antioxidant compounds depends largely upon the floral source/variety of the honey. In general, darker honeys (Buckwheat honey) have been shown to be higher in antioxidant content than lighter honeys (Clover and Sage honey). While the antioxidant content of honey may not rival that of some of the more antioxidant-rich fruits (berries and apples) and vegetables (kale and beans), on a gram for gram basis, honey may, nevertheless, provide an additional source of dietary antioxidants. . .

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