There is no doubt that honey is a superfood and one of the most valuable food items in the world. A fascinating fact about it is that 7.3 million nutrients have been discovered in the human body, and all these essential nutrients come from nature. Among them, the majority can be found in honey.
Honey and healing. The Quran, Allah (SWT) has stated that honey is a source of healing. But how is it beneficial for diabetes when it is so sweet? First, the sweetness of honey can be reduced by extracting a substance called bee propolis, also known as bee pollen, which has no sweetness at all. This substance is now available worldwide and is considered a complete food, providing essential nutrients required by the human body.
Honey and Skin Burn. One common question about honey is which type is the best and for whom. A universal truth about honey is that if you ever experience a burn or a skin burn, nothing is better than honey for applying to the skin. Honey prevents the skin from hardening, which is why honey-based bandages are now being produced globally. Honey is antimicrobial, antiviral, and antiparasitic, making it an incredibly powerful substance.
Manuka honey. The world’s best honey is Manuka honey, which is very expensive and mostly found in the forests of New Zealand. Its potency is measured by the Manuka factor, which determines its antimicrobial, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, as well as the variety and concentration of polyphenols present. The Manuka factor ranges from 0 to 25. Even a factor of 2 or 3 indicates highly potent honey, but honey with a factor of 20 or 25 is considered so rare and valuable that it is often presented as a gift to heads of state.
Honey and MGO value. Another measure of honey’s potency is MGO (Methylglyoxal), which can reach a maximum value of around 2,000. MGO is a substance found in honey that indicates its strength. The higher the MGO value, the more beneficial it is for fertility, eyesight, hearing, and memory restoration. It is also used as an anti-aging tonic.
How to consume honey. Honey can be consumed with warm water or tea, but it should not be added to boiling water. Instead, let the tea or water cool slightly before adding honey, as this preserves its potency. It can also be used in breakfast porridge or as a substitute for refined white sugar. Eliminating refined sugar from your diet and replacing it with honey can significantly reduce health problems.
Additionally, replacing commercial cooking oils with cold-pressed oils such as extra virgin olive oil, mustard oil, or extra virgin coconut oil can also help prevent diseases. Using honey incorrectly or consuming it improperly will not provide its full benefits. Since honey itself contains healing properties, it should be an essential part of every household’s diet.
Ideal time to consume honey. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and honey should be included in it. Barley porridge is an excellent breakfast option that aids digestion. If you are underweight, you can add more honey, while if you are overweight, you can add less.
Many people drink tea at the office, and instead of using sugar, they should add honey. Instead of biscuits, pair the tea with dates, figs, or a few almonds. This way, the tea becomes a nutrient-rich, rejuvenating drink rather than depleting nutrients from your body.
Honey and sweet cravings. You crave sweets, you can mix honey into any drink. When preparing sweet dishes or ice cream at home for children, replace sugar with honey.
Honey for weight loss. You are trying to lose weight or want to achieve long-term weight loss, a mixture of honey, turmeric, and cinnamon can be beneficial. Adjust the amount according to your body’s needs and dietary requirements.
Honey and diabetes. For diabetics who crave sugar and have insulin resistance, the best approach is to consume green tea and cinnamon. These two ingredients help reduce insulin resistance. While honey is sweet, its glycemic index is lower than that of refined sugar, so diabetics can consume honey in moderation.