Everyone knows that honey is a natural sweetener that's great in beverages, on toast, bagels or muffins, as dipping sauce and is used in cooking.

But did you know the honey has many health benefits?

Although we do not make any medicinal claims on any of our honeys, studies have shown the following:

• Honey is a natural source of energy for the body. Sugars are the fundamental unit of energy for our bodies. Honey is high in monosaccharide glucose and fructose. These sugars are quickly absorbed, providing the body with boost of energy. Doctors say that these sugars works best to enhance athletic performance and prevent fatigue.


• Dr. Susan Percival of the University of Florida's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found the honey is rich in vitamins, amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc-, all of which are essentials to good health. Honey contains several compounds that function as antioxidants. Antioxidants perform the role of eliminating free radicals, which are reactive compounds in our bodies. Free radicals are created through the normal process of metabolism and are believed to contribute to many serious diseases when left unchecked. Antioxidants play a large role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease.


• Research by Peter C. Molan Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biochemistry, has shown that honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces the amount of acid produced, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran (a component of dental plaque).


• Honey has anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to relieve sore throat pain.


• Honey is a carbohydrate and will increase the level of tryptophan-an amino acid that is used in the production of serotonin-, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that will induce a sense of calm and drowsiness. That is why some people drink a cup of water with a spoonful of honey before sleep.


• A regular administration of honey helps to prolong and to give a better life quality to the seniors. The famous Chinese doctor, Tao Hongjing believes that: "People that want to have a long and healthy life should use honey daily". In recent research, it was demonstrated that in a survey of 100 people aged over 100 years old, over 80% of them regularly consumed honey. Honey benefits human longevity due to its high-energy action, and the presence of chemical elements, vitamins and enzymes that are important for the good operation of the human body.

To learn more about the healthy benefits of honey, please visit
The National Honey Board Website.