Honey requires the concentration of pollen and components of numerous flowers, thus gaining various benefits. Not only does it have a sweet and rich taste, but it also boasts diverse health benefits, making it highly regarded by many. However, certain precautions must be taken when consuming honey, so it’s important to know them.
Abundant in digestive enzymes
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Honey contains various enzymes that aid in digestion. Amylase breaks down carbohydrates to facilitate digestion, while invertase helps digest the fiber in sugarcane. These enzymes promote the digestion and absorption of food, thereby preventing indigestion and gastrointestinal disorders.
It contains a large amount of antioxidants
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Honey also contains a large amount of antioxidants, which protect cells and reduce oxidative stress. These antioxidants include polyphenols and flavonoids, which prevent cell damage and maintain healthy cells. It also exhibits anticancer activity by inhibiting the replication and division of cancer cell DNA and inducing cell death, thereby exerting anticancer effects.
Variety of types
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Acacia honey is one of the most beloved varieties, known for its sweet taste, clear color, and delicate aroma. Its high fructose content gives it a notably sweet flavor profile. In contrast, chestnut honey, gathered from chestnut trees, boasts a dark brownish-black hue and a higher fructose level, with a hint of bitterness in its taste. Chestnut honey is distinguished by its rich concentration of minerals, proteins, vitamins, and trace elements compared to other honey types. Additionally, wildflower honey is renowned for its effectiveness in alleviating hangovers.
Beneficial when mixed with cinnamon
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Mixing honey with cinnamon benefits heart health by improving the health of arteries and veins and reducing cholesterol levels in the blood by up to 10%. Regular consumption of honey and cinnamon can lower the risk of heart attacks and help prevent their recurrence. Mixing honey and lemon in hot water is also excellent for detoxification and reducing body fat.
Avoid exposure to high temperatures
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Honey’s nutrients are easily destroyed when exposed to high temperatures. Various enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and other components in honey can be damaged by heat. In particular, digestive enzymes, composed of proteins, are most active within a temperature range similar to our body temperature, around 35-45℃ (95-113°F). Adding honey to very hot beverages or foods can reduce the functionality of these enzymes, leading to decreased nutrient absorption.
Beware of allergic reactions
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Honey is one of the foods that can cause allergic reactions due to allergens derived from pollen. Symptoms may include hives, itching, and swelling, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction, can occur. Therefore, if you have a honey allergy, you should exercise caution before consuming it.
Excessive consumption is a no-no
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Honey is a food rich in sweetness and, therefore, abundant in sugars. Consequently, consuming honey and foods high in sugar can increase overall sugar intake. This is particularly important for individuals managing diabetes or regulating blood sugar levels, as excessive consumption of honey should be avoided.
Not recommended for young babies
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Honey may contain botulinum spores, so infants should avoid consuming it. While adult botulinum bacteria can cause severe food poisoning symptoms, the spores typically do not pose significant issues in the bodies of adults or children. Adults generally have immune systems capable of handling them, but infants under one-year-old have immature digestive systems and incomplete immunity, making botulinum spores potentially lethal to them.
Not recommended for people with a lot of heat
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Individuals with a lot of body heat best avoid honey with a warm nature. Moreover, it has excellent effects in promoting bowel movements, so it should be avoided if diarrhea is frequent. Conversely, it pairs well with individuals with low body temperature bodies or often feels cold.
Is honey a healthy, functional food?
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Functional health foods are qualifications bestowed by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Safety Agency, which are earned through rigorous testing for their effects and potential side effects on the human body. Products such as red ginseng, vitamins, and probiotics undergo various experiments to qualify for this designation. However, despite its numerous benefits to the body, honey does not fall under healthy, functional foods. Instead, it is considered a traditional food and is classified within the broader food category. Despite this classification, honey is widely recognized for its efficacy, supported by scientific research.
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