Health and Honey

Honey is a natural food that has some health benefits for each of us. In this day and age it is refreshing to know that we can still include a food in our diet that is good for us.

The nutritional profile of honey is primarily carbohydrates and water. However, there are small amounts of vitamins and minerals. These include: niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.

Honey is a good source of antioxidants. Darker honey generally has a higher antioxidant content than lighter honeys. Berries and apples may have a higher antioxidant content, but gram for gram, honey may provide an additional source of dietary antoxidants.

Honey may help in absorbing calcium. To this point, tests were performed by Purdue University that show that there was an increase in calcium absorption in laboratory animals.

When it comes to sports and endurance, honey provides 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon and could be an inexpensive alternative to commercial sports gels.

Honey helps create the "good bacteria." The gastrointestinal tract is full of bacteria which is essential for life and good health. One of these is the Bifidobacteria. A way to increase this type of bacteria is to increase the consumption of foods that spur the growth of these bacterias. Honey is one of these foods that has the prebiotics that will help the growth and activity of the Bifidobacteria.