Benefits, nutrition and who to avoid it

Raw honey is a thick, sweet syrup made by honey bees. Unlike regular honey, raw honey is not pasteurized or filtered. It’s as close to the hive as you can get. You may wonder if raw honey is healthy or if you can eat it on its own.

Raw honey is an excellent source of antioxidants and offers a variety of health benefits. It contains healthy bee pollen, bee propolis and antioxidants.

This article provides an overview of raw honey, including its benefits, nutritional value, precautions and where to find it.

What is raw honey?

Raw honey is honey that comes straight from the beehive. It is produced by extracting honey from the honeycombs. The producer then pours the honey over mesh or nylon to remove beeswax and dead bees. From there the honey is bottled and sold.

Regular honey goes through the same process, but is also pasteurized and filtered before being bottled. The pasteurization process uses high heat to destroy the yeast in honey. This makes the honey taste and feel softer. It also extends the shelf life.

Because it is not pasteurized and processed, raw honey may contain more nutrients than regular honey, such as those from pollen and propolis. It is likely that the enzymes in honey are reduced in processed honey due to heat treatment. The effects of processing on amino acids, minerals, vitamins and antioxidants have not been rigorously studied.

Raw honey has also been linked to several possible health benefits.

Raw honey food

Honey can be a healthy addition to your diet, but it should be enjoyed in moderation. It is rich in natural sugars.

One tablespoon of honey contains the following calories and nutrients in grams (g) and milligrams (mg):

• Calories: 64
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Sugars: 17 g
• Fat: 0 grams
• Protein: 0 g
• Potassium: 11 mg
• Calcium: 1 mg

Health benefits of raw honey

Raw honey has been linked to several potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and can protect against infections. Unlike some types of regular honey, raw honey contains no added sweeteners.

Antioxidant effects

Raw honey is rich in plant substances called polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that have been linked to reduced inflammation in the body. They may also lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Regular honey may contain fewer antioxidants than raw honey because pollen has been removed. Pollen also contains antioxidants, as well as vitamins, amino acids and essential fatty acids. Consuming pollen can help fight inflammation and improve liver function.

Antibacterial agents

Raw honey is known for its antibacterial effect and can protect the body against bacterial infections. Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This enzyme is usually destroyed during pasteurization and is therefore not present in regular honey. A 2017 study found that honey can protect against this Candida fungal infections.

Heal wound

Honey can promote wound healing due to its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Chronic inflammation can prevent the tissues from healing properly. By reducing inflammation, the compounds in raw honey can lead to faster wound healing.

Honey can also increase the number of white blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body against infections. Reducing the risk of infection can also help wounds heal faster.

Relieves cough

Taking a spoonful of honey for coughing is not just a folk remedy; there is research to support this. A 2021 review found that honey effectively relieves symptoms of cough and sore throat in people with an upper respiratory infection.

Researchers found that honey reduces coughing and improves the severity of the disease. It can also slow the spread of bacteria in the body, shortening the duration of the infection.

Treats diarrhea

Honey can improve digestive problems, including diarrhea. Honey contains compounds that protect against several types of bacteria, including Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori). This type of bacteria causes diarrhea and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.

Honey also contains prebiotics, substances that nourish good bacteria in the intestines and improve digestion.

Protects the brain

Consuming raw honey may protect the brain against certain neurological diseases. The polyphenols in honey reduce inflammation in the hippocampus, a part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. This can have several cognitive benefits, including improved memory.

Who Should Avoid Raw Honey?

Raw honey is not safe for everyone and it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet.

Unlike regular honey, raw honey contains pollen. If you have a severe pollen allergy, eating raw honey can cause a severe allergic reaction. The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends that people with a pollen allergy talk to their allergist before trying raw honey.

Honey of any kind, including raw honey, is not safe for babies under 1 year old. Raw honey can contain the bacteria Clostridium botulinum, which can cause life-threatening botulism poisoning in babies.

Where to find raw honey

To find raw honey, look for jars of honey that say “raw” on the label. You may find raw honey at your local farmers market or health food store.

It is important to note that organic honey is not the same as raw honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered. Organic honey is honey that is produced on a bee farm and meets the organic standards of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Organic honey can be pasteurized or raw.

When raw honey turns to sugar

It is normal for honey to crystallize over time. If you notice that your jar of honey no longer looks clear and smooth, first open the jar and smell it. If there is a bad odor or signs of mold, throw it away.

To get your honey back to its syrupy texture, you can microwave it to melt it. Store your raw honey in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight.

Resume

Raw honey refers to honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered like regular honey. Raw honey is prepared by removing it from the honeycomb in beehives. It is poured over mesh or nylon to remove any beeswax or dead bees and then thrown into a jar.

Raw honey contains antioxidants, vitamins and enzymes that have been linked to several health benefits. Raw honey has antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal properties. People with a pollen allergy should be careful when consuming raw honey. No type of honey, raw or otherwise, should be given to a baby under 1 year old.