Honey has been revered throughout history as both a natural sweetener and a powerful healer. From ancient civilizations to modern kitchens, it continues to play a vital role in our diets and holistic health practices. But not all honey is created equal. There’s a world of difference between raw honey and pasteurized honey, with raw honey offering significantly more benefits. Let’s dive into the history of honey, explore why raw honey is superior, and discuss the incredible benefits it can bring to your health.
The Ancient History of Honey
Honey has been harvested and used by humans for thousands of years, dating back as far as 8,000 years ago. Ancient cave paintings in Spain depict early humans gathering honeycombs, highlighting its early importance. The ancient Egyptians considered honey a valuable resource, using it not only as a sweetener, but also as a spiritual offering and a key ingredient in embalming rituals. In ancient Greece and Rome, honey was used in medicine and was believed to promote longevity.
Honey’s mystical reputation wasn’t confined to Europe. In ancient India, honey was a critical part of Ayurvedic medicine, where it was used to balance the body and support overall health. It also played a significant role in traditional Chinese medicine for its nourishing and healing properties.
Raw Honey vs. Pasteurized Honey: What’s the Difference?
Not all honey you find on the supermarket shelves is the same. Most commercially sold honey is pasteurized, a process that involves heating the honey to high temperatures. This process helps give the honey a smoother texture, but it also strips away many of its natural enzymes, nutrients, and antioxidants.
On the other hand, raw honey is honey in its purest form. It is extracted straight from the honeycomb, unheated, unprocessed, and unfiltered, which allows it to retain all the beneficial compounds that make honey so powerful.
Why Raw Honey is Better Than Pasteurized Honey
1. Rich in Nutrients and Antioxidants
Raw honey is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, which can cause cellular damage and lead to chronic diseases. Pasteurizing honey destroys many of these beneficial compounds, diminishing its nutritional value.
2. Enzymes for Digestion
Raw honey contains important enzymes like amylase and invertase, which aid in the breakdown of sugars and support healthy digestion. The heat used in pasteurization neutralizes these enzymes, making pasteurized honey less beneficial for gut health.
3. Anti-Bacterial and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Thanks to its natural hydrogen peroxide content, raw honey has potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties make raw honey excellent for treating wounds, soothing sore throats, and alleviating cold symptoms. Pasteurization reduces these healing benefits.
4. Supports Immune System Health
The pollen found in raw honey is rich in nutrients and has been shown to help strengthen the immune system. Pollen contains proteins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids, all of which contribute to a healthy immune response. Unfortunately, pasteurized honey often removes this beneficial pollen.
5. Promotes Better Skin
Raw honey can be applied topically as a natural skin treatment. It helps with acne, soothes inflammation, and promotes wound healing due to its antibacterial properties. It also acts as a humectant, meaning it draws moisture to the skin, keeping it hydrated and youthful. Pasteurized honey does not offer the same level of benefit for skin health.
6. Improved Energy Levels
Raw honey contains natural sugars (glucose and fructose), which provide a quick and sustainable source of energy. These sugars are easily absorbed by the body, making raw honey an excellent natural energy booster before or after workouts. Pasteurization may break down the delicate balance of sugars, making pasteurized honey less effective for sustained energy.
7. More Flavorful and Aromatic
Since raw honey is unprocessed, it retains its natural flavor and aroma, which varies depending on the flowers the bees have visited. It’s an explosion of natural flavors, whether floral, fruity, or earthy. Pasteurization dulls these flavors, making it less complex and vibrant.
The Role of Honey in Ancestral Diets
Our ancestors intuitively recognized the value of raw honey. Long before the advent of processed sugars, honey served as one of the few naturally sweet foods available. Many ancestral cultures used raw honey not only for its sweetness but also for its healing properties. In fact, raw honey was considered a sacred food in many ancient societies and used in religious rituals and celebrations.
Honey fits perfectly into an ancestral diet, aligning with a focus on consuming whole, unprocessed foods. It provides a natural source of carbohydrates and antioxidants without the harmful effects of refined sugar. Those who follow an ancestral diet often use raw honey as a staple, appreciating its simplicity, nutrient density, and powerful health benefits. I wrote all about the ancestral lifestyle HERE for further reading on the topic.
How do you consume honey?
You can enjoy honey with pretty much anything sweet OR savory! Honey tastes amazing drizzled on fruit, but also on meat! Fun fact: raw honey drizzled on a burger is a GAME CHANGER. You can also enjoy it in tea or coffee, or a spoon straight up.
Conclusion: Choose Raw Honey for Optimal Health
The benefits of raw honey far surpass those of pasteurized honey, making it a superior choice for those seeking optimal health. Whether you’re consuming it for its rich nutrient profile, using it as a natural sweetener, or applying it topically for skin care, raw honey is an incredible, natural powerhouse. Its long history as a revered food and medicine across cultures proves that nature provides us with everything we need for both nourishment and healing.
Next time you reach for honey, skip the pasteurized variety and opt for raw honey, nature’s true gift and make sure it’s organic!
Further Reading: The Importance of Going Organic and The Dirty Truth about Pesticides
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*Not medical advice