Real Benefits of Local Honey
It’s no secret that a spoonful of raw honey does wonders for a cup of hot tea and helps soothe a sore throat. But what about curing allergies or lowering cholesterol? We’ve compiled some medical information and compared it to many folk remedies to get the buzz on honeybees and their famous byproduct.
Harvesting Your Own Honey
Over the years, we’ve held workshops on beekeeping, shared insights via articles such as Four Good Reasons to Keep Bees as well as Starting Your Own Beehive. We also stock beekeeping gear at all our stores. If you’re thinking about starting your own hive, or if you’re looking for supplies, Coastal is your one-stop beekeeping shop.
Keeping bees can be a very rewarding experience. Plus, you can get some health perks from local honey, including this list of proven benefits.
It’s Packed with Antioxidants: Each spoonful contains 64 calories, 17 grams of sugar, glucose, sucrose, and maltose. That spoonful is also packed with antioxidants, which have been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks (by lowering blood pressure), some types of cancer, and strokes. Some research suggests antioxidants can also promote eye health.
It May Help with Cholesterol: Honey has been shown to help raise a person’s HDL cholesterol (the good kind of cholesterol) while reducing LDL cholesterol (the bad kind).
It May Lower Triglyceride Levels: Elevated triglycerides can be a risk factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Using Honey as a replacement for other sugars may lower a person’s triglycerides.
Honey Helps with Healing: Plenty of scientific studies have found that honey really does promote healing of burns and wounds thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also been found to be a terrific aid in treating diabetic foot ulcers according to a study by the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health.
It Makes a Great Cough Suppressant: Studies have found that honey often works better than most over-the-counter remedies.
Does Honey Cure Allergies?
Local honey does often contain a small amount of pollen, which could help some allergy sufferers suppress their symptoms and find relief. However, researches have yet to find proof-positive connections.According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, the idea behind this folk remedy makes sense. By introducing a person to low levels of pollen, they can become desensitized over time. However, the levels of pollen found in honey are often very small and unpredictable. Additionally, the pollen in honey is most often from flowering plants and not typically from trees and grasses, which are also allergens for millions of Americans. Honey
The bottom line is this: local honey might help with a person’s allergies, and it might not. It’s always best to talk with a doctor to get a professional opinion.
Get Your Beekeeping Gear at Coastal
You’ll find beekeeping clothing, tools, boxes, and advice at your Northwest owned and operated Coastal. Ready to order your bees? Stop by today and chat with our beekeeping experts about the types of bees available and when you can expect your shipment.