There are several types of honey available in the market! You must have heard about eucalyptus honey, manuka honey etc. All these different types of honey have certain nutritional elements and health benefits. Do you know that honey has also been used for medicinal purposes for years? It helps to enhance your skin, relieve you from sore throat and many other health problems. The taste, colour, and specific nutrients of various types of honey depend on its flower properties. Not only this, but it is also known as an immunity booster. Nutrients present in white honey: White honey is high in calories. Besides, it contains many vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus and zinc. It is also considered a powerhouse of antioxidants. The white honey is not creamy at all but is much tastier and healthier than regular honey.
Let's understand what white honey is and what are its benefits and side-effects.
What is white honey?
White honey is also known as raw honey because it comes directly from the beehive. It does not use any heating process to extract honey. The heating process kills off some beneficial antioxidants and bacteria, which is why white honey is considered more valuable than dark coloured/ordinary honey. Flowers that produce white honey include sedge, alfalfa and white clover. White honey is not obtained in every season and from every flower.
Health risks of consuming white honey
White honey carries some risk due to its microbial content. It can cause botulism, a severe disease that can lead to paralysis. Children, especially under the age of 1 year, should not be given any raw, white or other honey. People with a weak immune system are at a more considerable risk of getting sick from white honey. In adults, it also causes symptoms similar to nausea, including food poisoning, fever and vomiting. See your physician if you feel any of these signs after eating white honey.
Also Read: Got Bitten By A Mosquito? Rubbing Honey On The Bite Can Provide Relief
Also Read: 6 Homemade Honey Packs for Beautiful Skin
Health benefits of consuming white honey
- White honey is the powerhouse of antioxidants: Raw honey contains compounds and antioxidants called flavonoids and phenolic. These antioxidants help your body fight free radicals and protect it from cell damage. Free radicals contribute to the ageing process and can also increase the risk of conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
- White honey for digestive problems: Raw honey also helps you in treating digestive issues such as diarrhoea and ulcers. It improves the health of your stomach and thus supports digestion. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of white or raw honey on an empty stomach. This will provide relief in stomach pain and help in the healing process.
- White honey for wound healing and skin enhancement: White honey contains phytonutrients. This honey is also used to beautify skin and heal skin wounds. You can use it as an ingredient in beauty products too. White honey can destroy harmful bacteria and fungus.
- White honey reliefs from cough: Raw honey can be used as a medicine for cough and cold for a long time. It also helps to relieve a sore throat. For this, drink honey with lemon in hot tea, or you can consume honey mixed with warm water.
Read more articles on Healthy Diet