Share This Article
In recent years, the debate over the health benefits of honey has intensified, with many people questioning whether packaged honey is actually doing more harm than good. With two types of honey available on the market – raw and packaged – it is important to understand the differences between the two in order to make an informed decision about what you are putting into your body.
Raw honey is 100% unprocessed and unadulterated. It is produced by bees on a bee farm, collected from the beehive and stored without any processing. This means that it is loaded with vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants – all in their natural form. Raw honey also contains pollen, wax and propolis, which can be beneficial for our health. However, it is important to note that raw honey is heaty in nature and you should not ideally consume more than 2 tablespoons per day, and even less if you don’t exercise. Additionally, raw honey can have inconsistent thickness and color, which depends on the flower from which the nectar is gathered.
Processed honey, on the other hand, is mass-produced by manufacturers who filter honey before packaging it. The process is called ultra-filtering, during which honey is heated, water is added and the mix is forced through tiny filters to remove pollen and other ingredients. This means that all vitamins and nutrients are likely killed during this process. Moreover, processed honey is often loaded with additives such as corn syrup, which is mostly derived from GMO corn, and other artificial ingredients. This is especially concerning for people who are allergic to corn or have other sensitivities to additives.
The presence of pollen is the only sign that indicates that any honey is real honey. If honey does not contain any pollen, and people continue buying it, it gives unscrupulous manufacturers a license to pump in additives, corn syrup, and other artificial ingredients and term the mix as honey. Unfortunately, the grocery store honey you consume is likely loaded with corn syrup and is nothing but a gooey mass of sugar compounds.
What’s more, some distributors and manufacturers that outsource honey production import it from China, where it is often contaminated with heavy metals, antibiotics, and other harmful substances. Chinese honey is the pits because it’s packed with corn syrup and antibiotics, and regular consumption of GMO corn can cause allergies, toxins, antibiotic-resistant diseases, and even cancer.
Excess sugar consumption, especially corn syrup which is 20% sweeter than regular sugar, is extremely dangerous. It can damage your liver, make you obese, increase uric acid levels, cause metabolic dysfunction, diabetes, and even damage any organ in your body, including your brain. Antibiotics are also sprayed by bee farmers to motivate the queen bee to lay more eggs, with the logic being that more eggs lead to more bees, which in turn leads to more honey. As a result, supermarket honey and even raw honey of unscrupulous farmers can contain antibiotics that will end up harming your health.
Given all of these concerns, it is understandable why some people are turning to raw honey as a safer and healthier alternative. Raw honey has been used for centuries in traditional medicine and is believed to have many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation, boosting the immune system, and promoting wound healing. Raw honey also contains natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, which make it an effective treatment for sore throats and other minor infections.
However, it is important to keep in mind that while raw honey may have many health benefits, it is still high in calories and should be consumed in moderation. Additionally, it is important to make sure that the raw honey you are consuming is from a reputable source and has been properly processed to ensure that it is safe for consumption.
So, in conclusion, while supermarket honey may not necessarily be slow-poisoning you, it is important to be aware of the potential dangers associated with consuming highly processed honey that may contain additives, corn syrup, and antibiotics. Instead, consider opting for raw honey from trusted sources or other natural sweeteners like coconut nectar or date paste. By making these small changes in your diet, you can not only improve your health but also contribute to a more ethical and sustainable food system.