Today, May 20, is World Bee Day and it’s good to remember what it has to offer us. And it’s not just honey. As the Minister of Rural Development and Food said in his address: “Today is dedicated to the importance of bees in our lives. What they offer us is not only honey, it is a wonderful product. Being the most important pollinator in the world, its role in both ecosystem balance and food security is huge. Without it, global fruit and vegetable production would drop by up to 90%. This proposal has a special value in the time of the climate crisis.”
Honey is a treasure of health and strength
However, despite its most important contributions to the planet and humanity, the bee is present in every home, especially in our country, with its honey: a culinary treasure, with significant health benefits.
Honey contains mainly sugars, but also a mixture of amino acids, vitamins, minerals, iron, zinc and antioxidants.
In addition to being used as a natural sweetener, it is also used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent.
According to the Mayo Clinic, people use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and improve wound healing.
Where honey helps, according to research
Cardiovascular diseases. Antioxidants in honey may be linked to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Cough. Studies show that eucalyptus honey, citrus honey, and calendula (see thyme) honey can work as effective cough suppressants for some people with upper respiratory tract infections and severe nighttime coughs.
Gastrointestinal disease. Evidence shows that honey can help relieve gastrointestinal ailments, such as diarrhea associated with gastroenteritis. Honey can also be effective as part of oral rehydration therapy.
Neurological diseases. Research shows that it may have antidepressant and anticonvulsant benefits, as well as relieve anxiety. Studies have also shown that it prevents memory disorders.
Wound care. Topical application of medicinal grade honey has been shown to help heal wounds, especially burns.
Results may vary because there are no standard methods for producing or testing honey.
According to the Mayo Clinic, honey is generally safe for adults and children over 1 year of age. It can be useful in treating burns, coughs and possibly other conditions.
Safety and side effects
Honey is a natural sweetener, cough suppressant, and probably safe for topical use on minor wounds.
However, it should be avoided even in infinitesimal amounts in infants under 1 year of age. Honey can cause a rare, but serious, gastrointestinal illness (infant botulism). Clostridium botulinum bacteria. Bacteria can grow and multiply in the baby’s intestines, releasing a dangerous toxin.
Some people are sensitive or allergic to certain components of honey, but mostly pollen. Although rare, bee pollen allergies can cause serious, sometimes fatal, side effects.
Interactions
Currently, there is no evidence showing how honey can interact with other medications.