How do you differentiate between original and adulterated honey?

Honey is often used by most of us as a healthy alternative to refined sugar. Honey is free of fat, cholesterol and sodium. This liquid is rightly called the sweet nectar of nature. It is nothing short of an elixir for us, but if you are planning to invest in honey for the transition to a healthier lifestyle, You must first check its purity before purchasing.

And with the spread of the Corona virus pandemic, consumers are consuming honey more than ever because of its medicinal properties, and in order to enjoy the benefits of honey, you must understand its purity. common nowadays .

It can be difficult to find pure honey, as honey can often be mixed with a glucose solution, high fructose corn syrup, and many other ingredients that consumers are unaware of. For example, if you are trying to open a fresh jar of honey and hear a little pop, you may This is a sign that the honey is indeed adulterated, and this usually happens when fermentation takes place inside the bottle.

As we all know, the best source for obtaining honey is bees , and if you want to buy honey, you should search for terms that include raw, natural , forest honey, or organic, and you can also test the honey at home, and here is how:

• Thumb test: put a small amount of honey on your thumb, and check if it spills like any other liquid, and if it does, then the honey is not authentic, it should be thick and not dripping.
• Water test : In a cup of water, put a spoonful of honey. If your honey dissolves in the water, then it is adulterated, as pure honey has a thick consistency that settles at the bottom of the cup or container.
• Vinegar test: Mix a few drops of honey in vinegar water, if the mixture starts to foam, then the honey has been adulterated.
• Heat test: the original honey remains unburned, and to test the heat, dip the matchstick in the honey and light it, if it burns, then this means that your honey is adulterated.

You can, in fact, tell the difference with the naked eye too, pure honey has a distinctive sweet smell, and raw honey when eaten leaves a tingling sensation in your throat.

Benifits of Honey

Known as one of nature's greatest healers, honey has been used as a home remedy for thousands of years, and even today, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of honey's miraculous powers, from soothing coughs to embracing the antioxidant-rich natural sweetener properties. Some of the most notable benefits of honey include

Fights free radical damage

Raw honey is full of powerful antioxidants that fight cell damage. When harmful agents known as free radicals try to attack your cells through a process called oxidative stress, the antioxidants lose an electron to keep your cells safe. Free radical damage is linked to aging, inflammatory disorders, and diseases, including cancer.

Fortunately, honey can help combat these consequences, and there is scientific research to support this. One study found that an intake of buckwheat honey increased in vitro antioxidant activity in healthy adults.

Fights harmful bacteria

Honey is known for its antibacterial properties and its ability to fight many types of bacteria, including salmonella and Escherichia coli, and throughout folk medicine traditions, it has been used as a remedy for a variety of bacterial and fungal infections.

During pollen creation, bees deposit hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic, into the honey they make. Keep in mind honey's low water content and slight acidity also has no chance of harmful microbes.

Soothes sore throat and cough

The idea that honey can soothe a cough isn't just an old wives' tale, it's actually one of the top benefits of consuming honey. Researchers have shown that a 2.5ml dose of honey can be more effective at suppressing coughs for children with upper respiratory infections than some cough medicines. common ones, including Benadryl.

Honey succeeds in suppressing coughs thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and due to the viscous texture of honey, it coats the throat and provides a soothing effect.

Promotes oral health

Surprisingly, honey can protect against inflammation and gum disease . In one study, chewing manuka honey led to a greater reduction in plaque and bleeding gums than sugar -free gum .

This may sound strange since sugary substances are not usually considered good for oral health, however, due to honey's natural antibacterial properties, research indicates that it is more likely to fight the causes of tooth decay than to cause cavities.

Improves digestive health

Raw honey is known as a prebiotic food, which means it can feed the good bacteria that live in your gut. It may also be a remedy for indigestion and ulcers, which is what has been used in folk medicine for years. The antibacterial properties make honey a powerful fighter for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), which is known to cause stomach ulcers.

Maintains blood glucose levels

Although it consists of glucose and fructose, honey has a relatively low glycemic index (GI). As a result, when compared to refined sugar, honey can sweeten foods without causing blood sugar levels to rise. For this reason, people can People with type 2 diabetes enjoy it.

Boosts the functioning of the immune system

The phytonutrients in honey, which contribute to making antibacterial antioxidants, can boost your immune system . Moreover, since oxidative stress and inflammation can contribute to cardiovascular disease and cancers, honey effectively helps your body in preventing Heart disease and cancer.

Topical treatment

In addition to all the benefits of eating honey, certain types can be used in topical treatments. Believe it or not, manuka honey is an FDA-approved remedy for wound dressings, and is known to promote faster tissue regeneration and reduce the chance of infection.

What is processed honey?

When you think of “regular” honey, you can imagine the syrupy liquid in a bear-shaped bottle that is commonly found in the grocery store. This honey is usually pasteurized and filtered, so it is considered processed honey.

Straining helps achieve a smoother, longer-lasting consistency, as this removes any leftover honeydew, beeswax, solids, and pollen that could cause the viscous liquid to crystallize more quickly.

Pasteurization involves processing the honey with high heat levels. This helps extend the shelf life of the honey and prevents crystallization. However, this processing can remove some of the beneficial nutrients and live enzymes that are naturally found in this beautiful golden liquid

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