The healthiest honeys for health
7 types of honey that make life a lot sweeter
Text: Rachel L
It’s hard to dislike honey when it provides the sticky, sweet flavour that pairs perfectly with buttered toast or a stack of pancakes. But honey is not just a natural sweetener to stir into your tea or add to your oatmeal. Research has found that there is a startling amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids packed into a jar of healthful honey. Besides providing a healthier alternative to sugar, healthy honey has been found to be full of antioxidants, capable of antibacterial activity and has even shown promise as an anticancer agent.
Of course, different types of honey offer different health benefits and, as of now, more than 300 have been recognised. In this article, we highlight 7 of the best ones to try as remedies and to boost your health.
Manuka honey
Hailing from Australia and New Zealand, Manuka honey is the most sought after among all the healthful honey variants. Its popularity is not undeserving in any way. Manuka honey has displayed incredible antibacterial properties which help with overall healing and has even been touted to help combat cancer. For those who are looking for natural ingredients for skincare, dermatologists have also suggested that Manuka honey’s anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for acne treatment. Curious? You can try making your own face mask and wait to see the results! However, do remember to take note of the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF) on the label before purchasing. The UMF is a grade system which rates the antibacterial activity of Manuka honey — the higher the UMF rate, the better your honey.
Eucalyptus honey
This honey type should be your go to when suffering from a cough or the common cold. In fact, studies have found that Eucalyptus honey produced better results when treating children as compared to cough syrups. Even if you’re not suffering from any respiratory system afflictions, you might consider adding this to a glass of lemonade for a vitamin boost as this honey variant is packed with more vitamin C and vitamin B9 than all other mono-floral honey types.
Acacia honey
Here we have another powerhouse when it comes to health benefits. Given its lower glycemic index compared to other honeys, Acacia honey is a possible option to those suffering from diabetes (though you should only try this after seeking medical advice). Its components also help to reduce the risk of heart disease and lung cancer. On top of all of that, consistent consumption of Acacia honey has been found to lower blood pressure and increase haemoglobin!
Sage honey
For those looking to improve your gut health, we’ve got the perfect choice for you. With its high levels of pre-and probiotics, taking Sage honey can lead to better digestion and serve as a remedy for problems in the gastrointestinal tract. Experts also believe that darker honeys have greater antioxidant properties and this honey fits and has proven itself to fit that criteria perfectly.
Linden honey
Some honeys stand out for their impressive vitamin content, others possess greater levels of minerals. Well, Linden honey has both. Rich in vitamin B and C, its zinc, calcium, potassium and magnesium distributions are also nearly identical to the human body allowing for easy and maximal absorption. If you’re dealing with insomnia or feeling a little stressed out, Linden honey’s sedative properties might prove useful in this area as well.
Sourwood honey
While darker honeys are known to have more antioxidants, Sourwood honey is an exception. In fact, this light colored honey has shown greater antioxidant power than darker colored honeys like Manuka honey. Another great remedy for cough, Sourwood honey has also been proven effective in wound treatment.
Lavender honey
Fungal infections can be an irritating, and sometimes agonising, ordeal. In certain situations, antifungal medication can also be rendered ineffective due to the fungi’s developed resistance against it. Fortunately, lavender honey provides us with a better solution. Due to certain compounds found in it, lavender honey is able to combat fungi that cause infections like oral thrush, urinary tract infections, and gential infections without worrying about resistant fungi. In addition, it’s high levels of tyrosine also perform neurological functions that help treat depression and anxiety.
Check out these online stores that stock a wide range of honey for health:
