Honey: only seasoning

2000/12/01 Lorenzo, Arantza | Uranga, Ane Miren Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Dietetika/Elikagaiak

This product produced by bees is halfway between products of vegetable and animal origin. It has its origin in the nectar of the plants and we consume it after the bees have made them a predigestion.

From a nutritional point of view, honey provides a lower amount of energy than white sugars (304 Kcal/100 g, compared to 340 Kcal/100 g of sugar), due to its higher water content in the same weight. The amount of water of the honey is usually less than 20% of the total of the ingredients, being the most suitable quality of 17-18% of water. Carbohydrates are the only essential ingredients that make up honey, as it only contains a few proteins. Carbohydrates are mainly glucose and fructose (82%), with some sucrose. It is also rich in mineral salts and vitamins: iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, vitamin C and all B vitamins, except B12.

If we compare it with white sugar, honey has two advantages:

• To transform the white sugar we introduce into energy, vitamins from other foods are necessary. In the case of honey, honey itself contains the vitamins necessary to produce energy from its carbohydrates, thus avoiding the demand for vitamins.
• Unlike sugar, honey does not produce cavities. In addition, against many convictions, honey does not dry the intestines and acts as lubricant.

Depending on the original flower there are many types of honey. The difference between the two lies mainly in the amount of glucose and fructose. Some of these features and properties are:

• Rosemary honey: in cases of intense stress and fatigue, it is stimulating and helps the liver function.
• -Art honey: of somewhat dark color, soft in flavor and very rich in mineral salts.
• -Eucalyptus honey: very effective against cough or respiratory diseases.
• Heather honey: anti-inflammatory action and disinfectant in urinary tract. It is used in cystitis, renal calculus and prostate diseases.
• Lavender honey: antiseptic, expectorant and sedative. Recommended in bronchitis, waterfalls and cough.
• Pine and fir honey: dark and recommended for respiratory diseases.
• Thyme honey: facilitates digestion so it is adequate in case of gastroenteritis.
• Chestnut honey: rich in iron. Its flavor is quite strong.
• Orange blossom honey: as the word says, it is produced with orange blossoms. It has a very fine flavor and sedative effects.

Finally, if we replace daily sugar with honey, it will benefit our body.