RAW HONEY AND IMMUNITY

by Blossom Honey

Our bodies have an amazing immune system that works 24/7, seeking out and destroying pathogens that can cause us to become ill. Not only is it flu and cold season, but with the global pandemic causing such a threat to worldwide health, never before has it been as important to ensure we support a healthy immune system. Numerous studies have shown that consuming raw honey can help to do just that!

 

HOW CAN HONEY HELP OUR IMMUNE SYSTEM?

Raw honey contains over 200 active health-promoting nutrients and enzymes. The high antioxidant profile of honey helps to prevent immune system damage and disease. Flavonoids and polyphenols, which act as antioxidants, are two main bioactive molecules present in honey. They help in neutralising unstable molecules in our body call free radicals. These free radicals can cause damage to our cells, tissues, including the cells of our immune system. Research by the Michigan State University says that honey "is an immune system builder [with] antioxidant, anti-bacterial and anti-tumour properties."

Honey also promotes the production of white blood cells, in particular, T and B lymphocytes, antibodies, eosinophils, neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer cell generation. These are all important components of our immune system. According to research by Department of Immunogenetics, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Iran, the natural “good” sugar present in honey “has been observed to have immunopotentiating effects. Non-sugar ingredients of honey are also responsible for immunomodulation.” Put simply, honey helps to promote a healthier and stronger immune response, should our bodies come under attack.

 

WHICH HONEYS ARE BEST TO SUPPORT A HEALTHY IMMUNE SYSTEM?

The essential point here is that the honey must be RAW.  Commercial honey is no good here – it often containsadditional sugars, colours, water, flavourings and has usually been heat-treated, which means the live nutrients have been killed and the honey does not contain the any natural health benefits. Blossom Honey is completely unprocessed, untreated and organic; full of natural enzymes, vitamins and antioxidants - just as the bees made it!  We recommend a range of raw honeys that contain significantly higher quantities of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other health-boosting, anti-aging, disease-fighting goodies:

Yemeni Sidr Do’Ani Honey

Considered the best honey and known as the Manuka of the Middle East, it contains flavonoids and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system. It has a robust, aromatic, smoky taste and its darker colour demonstrates higher antioxidant levels than other honeys.

Yemeni Wildflowers Honey

Rich nectar of fragrant flowers from the highest Yemeni mountains; a powerful immune system booster, fights infections, treats allergies and great for nourishing the skin.  This honey is suitable for children.  We also use this as a base for some of our infusions such as Yemeni Wildflowers infused with Ginger which we recommend to alleviate symptoms of coughs and colds.

Whipped Chocolate Honey

Two superfoods in one jar - raw Kyrgyzstani white honey infused with raw Peruvian cacao; this is an anti-oxidant powerhouse containing flavonoids and phenolic compounds which help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals. A delicious alternative to artificial chocolate spreads, this is a tasty way to keep your children’s immune system in top condition.

Manuka Honey

Manuka is well known to have a wide range of health benefits and can be used both to support immunity and as a natural remedy to assist with an array of health conditions. Its efficacy is attributed to the fact that Manuka Honey has higher levels of Methylglyoxal (MGO - the active compound directly responsible for the antibacterial activity of any honey ) than other honeys.  With a dark malty taste, we stock a range of strengths from MGO 100+ perfect for maintaining good health to MGO 350+, which is medicinal grade and scientifically proven to be more effective on wounds than antibiotics.

Emirati honeys

Our local honeys such as Sidr and Wildflowers, will also provide the same health benefits as their Yemeni counterparts. The added value is there is research evidence to suggest that ingesting local honey can also help with treating seasonal allergies.

 

HOW SHOULD YOU CONSUME HONEY TO GET THE MAXIMUM HEALTH BENEFITS?

So adding a teaspoon of our raw honey to your daily health regime could provide the immune support you need! The best way to eat raw honey is on a spoon straight from the jar, or drizzle it over healthy, high fibre foods. Here are some ideas:

  • Drinking a glass of warm water with lemon and honey before eating breakfast cleanses the body
  • Consume with herbal tea and apple cider vinegar daily (but make sure not to ad to boiling water as heat kills the nutrients)
  • Use to sweeten dressings and marinades
  • Spreading honey over a whole grain toast and topping it with peanut butter
  • Drizzle over pancakes
  • Include as a natural sweetener in health-giving smoothies

 

Do come and speak with our knowledgeable staff at Times Square Center, where you can try all our honeys – they will be happy to advise you on the best honey for you, to prevent or treat specific conditions and also to recommend recipes. Alternatively, please message us via Instagram or on +971 55 414 9814.

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