Benefits of Raw Honey

The use of honey dates further back than many people realize. Honey was first cultivated by the Egyptians for food and medicinal purposes. Honey was so valuable that it was used as currency at one time. Even in the Americas, honey was already being consumed by the Native Americans before the white man stepped foot on the land.

Honey is a super food like no other and is best consumed raw. Raw honey is honey that has not been strained, heated or filtered. Commercial honey is usually processed with sugar and high fructose corn syrup - the stuff that's bad for you. Raw honey contains endless nutrients, including calcium, copper, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium, potassium, antioxidants, live enzymes and protein.

Raw honey can be found at most grocery stores all year round. Be sure to check labels and make sure what you are buying is really raw (and organic). Your best bet will always be to buy locally, from farmers markets and local beekeepers. Grocery stores like Whole Foods are another fine option.

• Honey raises levels of antioxidants in the body.
• Treats viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
• Lowers cholesterol.
• Lowers blood sugar levels.
• Alleviates hay fever and seasonal allergies.
• Raw honey is more effective than over-the-counter cough syrups.
• Can help to prevent certain cancers.
• Aids in indigestion, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and other stomach upsets.
• Use honey topically to ease arthritis and other pains.
• Raw honey can give you a boost of natural energy. Many athletes take eat a bit of honey to energize them before their performance.
• Soak feet in warm water and honey to treat athlete's foot.
• Use honey as a facial mask. Apply a thin layer of honey onto the face. This will clear up acne and keep your skin soft.
• Mix raw honey and jojoba oil and rub onto dry, cracked skin.
• Rub a bit of honey on a burn to ease throbbing and prevent blistering. Also great for scrapes, cuts and bruises.
• Honey in its raw form can even help you shed unwanted weight

You should consume raw honey everyday to reap its benefits.

Stop using sugar and start using honey to your foods instead. Honey tastes wonderful in oatmeal, toast, teas and coffee.

For stomach upsets, cough or cold, mix a spoonful of raw honey with warm water and lemon. Mix well and drink. Repeat as often as necessary.

Honey bees have five eyes.

In order to make a pound of honey, bees must tap over two million flowers. An average honey bee only makes about a half of a teaspoon in it's lifetime.

Honey will never spoil if it is put in air tight containers.

King Tut's tomb contains vats of honey that is still edible, even after over 2,000 years!

Legend has it that Cupid would dip his love arrows in honey.

Honey is mentioned many times in the bible. Isreal was referred to as "A land flowing in milk and honey" (Exodus 3:6-8). John the Baptist survived on nothing but honey while preaching in the desert (Matthew 3:1-4) and even Revelations contains this verse: "Take it and eat it. It will turn your stomach sour, but in your mouth it will be as sweet as honey" (Revelation 10:7-11)

Never feed raw honey to a baby under 12 months old without consulting a doctor first. Pregnant women should also speak to their doctor about consuming raw honey.

References: Penn State University of College and Medicine, Mayoclinic.com, Web M.D, Dr. Gotte (Research performed at University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand)