(By Nutritionist Jennifer Price- Advanced Diploma of Nutrition)

• Honey Tastes Great!! A fact known to man for literally thousands of years.
• Honey is Exceptionally Nutritious.
• ‘Sugars ain’t sugars’
• Honey- A Natural Healer
• Honey in the Kitchen-More Versatile Than You’d Think

HEALTH WARNING!!
Honey is addictive, makes you feel good, and it’s good for you too!!
In fact, there are many wonderful things about honey, here are just a few.

Honey Tastes Great!! A fact known to man for literally thousands of years.

Human beings have long experienced the ‘sweet tooth’. However, long before we hoed into a chocolate block, or raided the biscuit tin, we were raiding the succulent and sweet beehive.
Our past relationship with honey goes way beyond just eating it though. There is documented evidence over many generations of its use in wound healing as a natural antiseptic salve for burns and wounds. Honey was also prized for its ability to enhance energy, improve digestion and played a significant role in the preservation of food.

Honey is Exceptionally Nutritious.

Probably the most outstanding thing about honey is its close proximity with nature. In fact you can’t get much closer. Sugar today is usually a highly refined product with many of the original nutrients stripped away. Artificial sweeteners contain dangerous toxins and have no place in the human body. Honey, conversely, is a pure and natural food in perfect balance.
Honey also contains small but significant amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. As part of a nutritious diet their contribution has the potential to play quite a significant role in maximising health and wellbeing.

‘Sugars ain’t sugars’

Don’t be fooled into thinking that honey is ‘just sugar in another form’. Yes, honey is a combined form of carbohydrate; however, the nature of honey and the way its energy is released makes it a much-preferred source of fuel for the human body than highly refined sugar.
And if you’re concerned about “GI”, again honey is a better choice, especially Australian honeys such as Yellow Box, Red Gum, Stringy Bark and Iron Bark.

Honey- A Natural Healer

Healing is without doubt one of the greatest contributions of this wonderful food. It can be used to treat infection, sooth digestion, aid sleep and ease hayfever. This can be in the form of soothing drinks such as warm water with lemon and honey to sooth a sore throat or warm milk with honey and nutmeg for a good night’s sleep. Honey might also be applied directly to wounds for healing and cleansing, or simply straight off the spoon as a kind of ‘vaccine’ against seasonal reactions to pollens and flowers.

Honey in the Kitchen-More Versatile Than You’d Think

In addition to honeys’ many applications for health, there are other ways in which this delectable ingredient may be more versatile than you have ever imagined. Sure, there’s the obvious honey on toast or hot crumpet, and no doubt you’ve enjoyed using honey to cook cakes, biscuits and other deserts. Hot drinks are another great way to enjoy honey. Wherever sugar is required honey can make a delicious difference. But have you ever thought to use honey for some difference with other dishes, such as stir-fry, marinades and salad dressings. Consider it next time, I can guarantee you’ll love the creative flavours!!

Jennifer Price is a Nutritionist with an Advanced Diploma of Nutrition. Her private consulting rooms are at 118 Macquarie St, Dubbo. She can be contacted on (02) 6885 0700.
All information contained here is general in nature. Consult your health care professional for information to suit your individual needs. References are available on request.