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Is honey really that good for you?

Author: Sandy Abram   Date Posted:6 September 2016 

Is honey really that good for you? Is honey really that good for you?

I’ve loved honey ever since I read my first Winnie the Pooh adventure. It was a staple in our home, a remedy and a treat. Sticky, gooey, yummy! 

Back then we’d eat it straight out of the jar. Nowadays, I’m a bit more refined and it’s now my kids’ hands in the jar! Plus, I now only buy honey that’s certified organic. For health reasons I want my honey pure and chemical free and I also want to ensure our precious little bees are treated with care and respect. Only certified organic honey can guarantee both.

Blis Manuka HoneyWhen we decided to promote honey at Organic Door, we couldn’t go passed BLIS Manuka Honey, fully certified organic, raw and unheated.  BLIS Manuka Honey comes from the Nelson - Tasman region of New Zealand where a coastal paradise exists. Surrounded by three National Parks, their bees make their home amongst the beautiful crystal clear streams and enchanting native forests. 

I’ve always known intuitively that honey was good for you and something special – liquid gold perhaps. I often delve into the vast amount of research out there on the benefits of honey and here’s some of what I’ve found:

Stick(y) honey in your medicine cabinet!

I found out that honey has been shown to be effective for coughs and wounds; Manuka honey is especially effective.
 

Burns and cuts

When it comes to burns, sores and cuts, honey helps to soothe with its antibacterial properties. The most effective honey is Manuka from New Zealand. Manuka honey contains methylglyoxal (MGO); on labels you’ll see the amount represented by an MGO rating. The scale goes from 0 to 829; the higher the MGO rating the better the Manuka honey’s antibacterial power!
 

Coughs

Studies have shown honey as being more effective than over-the-counter cough medicines. And what could be more soothing than a warm glass of honey and lemon!

If you’re thinking about giving honey to your little one, honey is unsuitable for infants under 12 months so you should hold off until they’re a little older.

I love honey and I’ll always use it for colds and coughs be it preventative or as a treatment. As for using it on cuts like the one on my kid’s knees and elbows, I just have one question. How do I stop them from licking it off?

Honey really is that good for you!

Eat well and stay warm,

Sandy (Food Warrior)

Helpful links to studies and more information

Honey – sweet antibiotic

Manuka the bees' knees at fighting infection

Manuka honey MGO and UMF ratings compared

Antibacterial effect of Manuka honey on Clostridium difficile

Royal College of Surgeons Ireland study into cough medicines and honey

Cochrane study on honey for acute cough in children


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