A natural remedy for the most disparate problems, already used by ancient civilizations – such as the Egyptians, the Chinese, the Greeks, the Romans – for its numerous healing properties and its versatility in the kitchen. We talk about honey, the sweet and precious product of bees, obtained from the nectar of flowers, fromstrongly energetic action and rich in beneficial substances for our health.
Honey is indeed a true concentrate of Welfare: contains vitamins, enzymes and minerals (among which iron and calcium) and simple sugars (in particular fructose), which make it an effective dietary supplement. It also features a remarkable sweetening power, for which it is often suggested as an alternative to sugar, in virtue of the lower caloric intake, due to the presence of fructose.
But the most interesting aspect of the nectar of the Gods is linked to his antibacterial capacity is disinfectant.
He explains it well Daniele Scala, beekeeper and holder of giveDA Honey, small (in terms of size) but large (in terms of quality, care of the crops) Piedmontese production reality that we were lucky to get to know through some days of in-depth study on the subject directly in the field. giveDA Honey is the demonstration of how a great passion can be born products of excellence, because everything is taken care of in every detail, from the choice of bees to the production process, with the essential goal of quality and organoleptic conservation of the product (as well as the properties) .
clarifies Daniele Scala: "The therapeutic virtues attributed to honey over time, handed down by folk medicine or reported by more or less specialized texts, are numerous. However, even if some of these actions have been occasionally verified, there is a lack of proper clinical experimentation able to support every specific statement, because honey is a product never identical to itself, never stable ".
Antibacterial and disinfectant
Continue the holder of giveDA Honey "It has instead been verified antibacterial activity both in honey as it is in diluted solutions. Action due to sugar concentration and acid pH. An enzyme present in honey under dilution conditions produces hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide), which gives antimicrobial activity to water and honey solutions. "And here is a brief explanation of its numerous applications.
For wounds and burns of the skin
Among the applications of honey, not least the external one in case of wounds, burns, ulcers. Also highlights L 'Unaapi-Unione National Italian Beekeepers Associations, on the website of the Association: "The antibacterial activity of honey also derives from factors depending on the floral origin and the territory" and specifies: "Honey provides glucose to keratinocytes, the most common cells in the skin, which must migrate to the surface of a wound to reform the skin tissue. The antioxidants contained in honey also contribute to neutralizing free radicals, molecules that have a destructive effect on components of the injured tissue, and also to inhibit their formation ".
The importance of fructose
Daniele Scala also stresses the importance of fructose: "Most of the recognized benefits can be traced back to a generic trophic action and toemollient effect, blandly laxative, hepatic protector e detoxifying fructose. The percentage of fructose varies from honey to honey ".
As an emollient for respiratory diseases
Among the most common uses, what concerns the prevention and care of respiratory disorders, such as cough, bronchitis, cold and sinusitis. In this case you can use honeys from the particular expectorant and balsamic action, like that of eucalyptus, alpine herbs, fir. Also indicated linden honey.
As an energizer
The millefiori, which is good for everyone, is perfect to combat lack of appetite, fatigue, physical fatigue, because complete and definitely energizing. It is in fact produced by different types of flowers and for this reason it has numerous beneficial properties.
Attention to the quality of the product
A very important factor in the choice always remains the quality, the first guarantee of beneficial effects on our health. First of all we must make sure that it is a natural honey, that it is recognized by the smell which must be strong and pungent and with a flavor, rich in nuances and not just sweet. It is necessary to inquire about the type of processing, which makes the difference.
Avoid high temperatures, in processing and consumption
giveDA Honey for example, following a particular process, essential for obtaining a creamy consistency and not damaging the beneficial effects of the product. Warns Daniele Scala: "Often honey is submitted to high temperature because it is easier to process smoother masses and to market a more liquid product. With a negative aspect: this compromises his property. In fact, honey heating leads to an increase in the speed of the biochemical reactions that accompany its aging; it accelerates the destruction of the enzymes and the oxidation of fructose, responsible for its many virtues. We of giveDA Honey for example we use a processing technique where honey crystallizes naturally in the pails where it is stored, (it is left for about 8 hours in a 25/26 degree warm chamber, worked with a honey-cutter and homogenized for another 8 hours with a special mixer). In this way, its characteristics and properties are maintained ".
Two tricks to take advantage of its properties
In addition to the type of processing, in order to protect the characteristics of the product, attention must also be paid to the consumption phase.
Points out Daniele Scala: "Baking or using honey in boiling water alters its properties when we prepare one tisane it is good let the water cool down before sweetening. "
Another interesting precaution, in this case from a gastronomic point of view, concerns the particular ability of honey to absorb and give water to the surrounding environment. That's why, suggests Daniele, combined with fresh fruit is able to create a delicious sauce on the bottom and you need instead avoid serving it with cheeses, but serving it separately, realizing this marvelous union immediately before eating.
Elisa Nata
January 2018
updated October 2018
from Elisa Nata
