Honey
is the most valuable product from bees which has been consumed
by mankind over a period of centuries.
What
is honey?
Honey
is a supersaturated solution of sugars, mainly fructose, glucose,
and maltose-like sugars, with traces of sucrose, glucose oxidase,
hydrogen peroxide, phenolics, flavonoids, terpenes, etc. The sugars
make honey hydroscopic (moisture absorbing) and viscous and the
sugar concentration plus other factors including low ph, hydrogen
peroxide. The flavanoids, phenolic and terpenes make honey antimicrobial
or prevent microbal growth.
For
over 10 years Dr. Peter Molan scientifically investigated properties
of the New Zealand Manuka honey
gathered in New Zealand from the manuka bush, Leptospermum scoparium,
which grows uncultivated throughout the country.
Dr.
Peter Molan scientifically proved:
-
The effectiveness of honey as a wound dressing and as therapy
for eye infection and diarrhea
-
Honey has antibacterial activity , due primarily to hydrogen peroxide
formed in a
-
slow-release manner by the enzymeglucose oxidase present in honey,
which can vary widely in potency.The difference in potency of
antibacterial activity found among the different honeys is more
than 100-fold.
-
Active manuka honey contain s an sdditional antibacterial component
found only in honey produced from Leptospermum plants:
- unique
manuka factor
-
( UMF). There is evidence that the 2 antibacterial components
may have a synergistic action.
-
Unique manuks factor is not affected by the catalase enzyme present
in body tissue and serum.
The
main use of honey is as a flavorful sweetener and enegy source
which is eaten with and as a component of a wide variety of
foods.
Secondary,
uses of honey are for the promotion of health and well being.
Some of these uses include aiding in the healing of wounds,
healing of serious skin burns and healing gastric ulcers. It
is known that Egyptians used honey for healing wounds 3500 years
ago.
Today it is proved that the basis for the wound and burn healing
properties of honey is its antibacterial, moisturizing - fluid
removal and oxygen barrier properties.
Honey is successfully used in folk medicine at present. It is
normally taken with hot tea and milk as a sudorific remedy against
cold, as a light laxative etc.
Healing
properties of honey are provided by a high concentration of
glucose which is not only a highly nutritional component but
also increases protective function of liver, strengthens cardiovascular
system and builds up body resistibility towards infections,
stimulates immune system.
Healing properties of honey are also provided by high contents
of vitamins, microelements, minerals and anti-bacterial substances.
Honey
is more digestible that ordinary sugar and is a very valuable
dietary product, this is why it is recommended to patients who
require a nourishing diet.
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