How to Choose the Right Honey?
Honey is a natural sweet substance made from flower nectar. It is composed of about 80% carbohydrates, mainly fructose and glucose, which are simple sugars easily absorbed by the body. Honey has been produced by bees for over 80 million years and is valued both as a food and as a natural remedy.
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| How to Choose the Right Honey? |
All types of honey share some benefits, such as being:
Antiseptic
Digestive
Diuretic
Soothing and sedative
Cough-relieving
However, depending on the nectar source, each type of honey has specific properties.
Acacia Honey
Acacia honey is light golden yellow, with a mild aroma and a very sweet taste. It is often used to sweeten hot or cold drinks due to its high fructose content.
Health benefits:
Supports regular bowel movements
Helps stabilize stomach secretions
Very soothing, ideal for stress relief
Suitable for people with diabetes, as it has a low glycemic index (20) and doesn’t spike blood sugar significantly
Thyme Honey
Thyme honey is amber-colored with a strong, distinctive taste. It is considered one of the most medicinal honeys.
Health benefits:
Strong antiseptic properties
Supports prevention of infectious, respiratory, and digestive illnesses
Acts as a tonic and energizer, helpful during the flu
Promotes wound healing, thanks to thymol and carvacrol, two natural antibacterial compounds
Higher pH slows bacterial growth
Linden (Tilleul) Honey
Linden honey ranges from light to darker yellow and has a menthol-like, fresh taste, slightly bitter but not acidic.
Health benefits:
Calming effects — helps treat insomnia
Contains flavonoids (antioxidants) and farnesol, which act on brain receptors that control sleep
Rich in minerals like potassium, calcium, and manganese
May help strengthen immunity and relieve early flu or cold symptoms
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey comes from New Zealand and Australia, produced from the Manuka shrub, which blooms for about 6 weeks.
Key benefits:
Contains enzymes with unique antibacterial and antiseptic properties
UMF (Unique Manuka Factor) measures its potency
Anti-inflammatory effects due to high methylglyoxal content
Supports healing of burns, ulcers, and skin wounds
Effective against multi-resistant bacteria
Lavender Honey
Lavender honey has a creamy texture, light color, and delicate taste.
Health benefits:
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory, thanks to formic acids and natural inhibitors
Treats respiratory infections
Helps heal insect bites, burns, and infected wounds
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Conclusion
Choosing the right honey depends on your needs and preferences. For gentle sweetness and low sugar impact, go for Acacia. For strong antibacterial or medicinal support, Thyme or Manuka are excellent.
For relaxation and sleep, Linden and Lavender are ideal. Each honey type offers a unique combination of flavor and health benefits, making honey both a delicious food and a natural remedy.
