Are you also eating sugar syrup in the name of honey? Fake honey present in the market can give you harm instead of benefit. Whether to add sweetness to milk, enhance the flavor of toast, or even add it to lemon tea, honey is a healthy and tasty alternative. But only when it is pure. Once Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev advised that there is no company that makes honey. We use honey in many ways from weight loss to the cure of sore throat.
Bees make honey. But the truth is that any company can mix contaminated elements in it to make it impure and the fact is that majority of people are consuming it every day very happily. That is the reason you yourself must know how to figure out pure honey and blended (adulterated) honey. Here, we are telling you the method of its identification and the health benefits of real honey (How to check the purity of honey).
Colds, Seasonal Infections, and Honey
We all love winter for various reasons, be it snow or cold weather or delightful food. But colds, infections and coughs also cause many health problems ranging from cold to joint pain. If you are one of those people who are suffering from health issues due to this winter, then you should take extra care of your health.
Rather than going to your doctor when you become sick, you can switch to some home remedies to stay active and avoid these health issues. There is one extraordinary ingredient in your kitchen that can keep you healthy and make your skin healthier during the winter season and the secret ingredient is honey. It is plentiful in antioxidants agents and nutrients and minerals and has numerous health benefits.
Know how honey is beneficial for you in winter
1. Strengthening our immunity
It cannot be denied that a strong immune system protects us from winter ailments. People with weak immunity are vulnerable to many infections and diseases. Honey can keep away respiratory diseases like cold and cough.
2. Honey is a Natural Energy Source
The healthful properties of honey make this a natural origin of energy for individuals who do physical exercise every day. About 100 grams of honey provides about 300 calories. One teaspoon of honey a day can be beneficial and can also be a better substitute for sugar.
3. Useful in respiratory diseases
Honey has a balsamic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effect, which is ideal for cold, sore throat, cough, etc. Taking a spoonful of honey daily is beneficial during winters to strengthen the throat and prepare the body against external threats.
4. Beneficial for Dry Skin
Using honey for the skin is very beneficial because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Honey is also the best natural moisturizer for your dry skin and it is very smooth to apply. Simply apply honey on your face and wash off after drying. It also helps in curing harsh lips during winters.
We all know that honey is beneficial in winter. But is the honey we are going to use pure or not? How will we know?
In this way check the purity of honey
First way
Pure honey should not burn when exposed to heat or heat of any kind. To do this test, dip a matchstick/cotton bud in honey and burn it. If it burns, it means your honey is adulterated. Whereas pure honey will not burn properly.
Second way
Another simple and effective way to check if the quality of your honey is pure is to test the water. The pure honey does not dissolve completely in water. Once mixed it requires some effort to dissolve. If your honey contains sugar or glucose, it sometimes leaves a white mark.
Also note
You can analyse the purity of honey in the above two ways mentioned. Do not blindly trust any brand for this. The safest way is to always buy a smaller bottle of any brand first. When you are sure of its purity, then extend your hand towards the bigger bottle. After all, it is your right to be healthy.
Some Disadvantages of Honey
In addition to beneficial nutrients and minerals properties, raw honey can also bring unhealthy bacteria like Clostridium botulinum. This is especially harmful to infants. Raw honey should never be given to a new born baby under a year old.
Symptoms of Clostridium botulinum poisoning in child may include:
- Constipation
- Weak cry
- Loss of head control
- Slow breathing
- Poor feeding
- Absence of gagging
- Sagging eyelids
- Paralysis that spreads downward
- Lethargy
In adults, symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, and other serious symptoms, such as blurred vision and muscle weakness can face for a short period. Consult a doctor if you experience any of these side effects after consuming raw honey.
10 Unique Health Benefits of Honey
- Amazing source of antioxidants
- Contains a variety of nutrients
- Antibacterial and antifungal properties
- Better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar
- Promotes burn and Heal wounds
- May improve heart health
- Phytonutrient powerhouse
- Help for digestive issues
- Soothe a sore throat
- May help suppress coughing in children