Delicious Raw honey from Costa Rica. Packed full of love from our beloved bees.
Raw honey has many health benefits
- A good source of antioxidants
- Raw honey nutrition
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Heals wounds
- Phytonutrient powerhouse
- Help for digestive issues
- Soothe a sore throat and cough
- Brain benefits
Most of the honey you find in grocery stores is pasteurized. The high heat of pasteurization kills unwanted yeast, improves honey’s color and texture, removes any crystallization, and extends its shelf life. However, the process also destroys many of honey’s beneficial nutrients.
Compared with pasteurized products, raw honey retains its nutrients and antibacterial properties.
However, because it is unpasteurized, it can potentially carry a strain of bacteria.
Do not give honey to an infant under one year old. Both raw and pasteurized honey are unsafe for them.
Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.
Free radicals are unstable atoms that contribute to the aging process and cell damage through oxidative stress, which can promote the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. ResearchTrusted Source suggests antioxidant compounds in raw honey called polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects that may be beneficial in protecting against several of these conditions.
Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables.
Raw honey can also contain bee pollen and bee propolis, which may have added benefits. A 2023 review of studiesTrusted Source suggested that raw honey may have potential protective effects on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems and even have potential in cancer treatment.
Raw honey vitamins and nutrition:
Raw honey’s nutrition content varies by its origin and other factors. Generally, one tablespoon or 21 grams of raw honey containsTrusted Source 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar. Raw honey also contains smaller amounts of the following vitamins and minerals:
- calcium
- magnesium
- manganese
- niacin
- pantothenic acid
- phosphorous
- potassium
- riboflavin
- zinc
Raw honey also containsTrusted Source varying amounts of amino acids, enzymes, and other beneficial compounds.
ResearchTrusted Source also suggests raw honey’s propolis, a waxy substance made from bee saliva, beeswax, and pollinated plant material, has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Raw honey has significant potential for both internal and topical treatments. Honey’s effectiveness as an antibacterial or antifungal varies depending on the variety, but researchers are studying some varieties for specific therapeutic uses, such as against Candida-associated infections.
Honey hasTrusted Source antimicrobial properties. In particular, manuka and medical-grade honey can inhibitTrusted Source the growth of and target various bacteria strains.
Additional research from 2022Trusted Source suggests that both manuka and non-manuka types of honey may have potential health benefits for microbial inhibition and wound healing.
Keep in mind that the honey used in research settings is medical grade, meaning it’s inspected and sterile. It’s not a good idea to treat cuts with honey you buy from a store. Always speak with your doctor before using honey for any medical purposes.
Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help protect them from harm. Some keep insects away or shield the plant from ultraviolet radiation.
The phytonutrients in honey are responsibleTrusted Source for its antioxidant properties and antibacterial and antifungal benefits. They may also be why raw honey has shown immune-boosting and anticancer benefits. Heavy processing in regular honey can destroy these valuable nutrients.
People sometimes use honey to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, though research on its effectiveness is limited.
ResearchTrusted Source suggests that oregano honey, in particular, may have potential as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Raw honey also containsTrusted Source beneficial prebiotics, which nourish the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestines. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for digestion and overall health.
The statements made within this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These statements and the products of this company are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
