To find organic honey near you, you can check local farmers markets, health food stores, or online retailers. When looking for organic honey, it is important to check the label for certification from a reputable organization, such as the USDA. Organic honey is produced without the use of synthetic pesticides or antibiotics, and the bees are fed organic nectar and pollen. Here are some details about honey that may be helpful:
Positive:
- Honey contains many beneficial compounds, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Raw honey may contain additional elements such as bee pollen and bee propolis, which can offer additional antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Honey has been used for its therapeutic effects and has been reported to have antibacterial, wound-healing, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Negative:
- Some store-bought honey may be pasteurized, which can destroy some of the beneficial nutrients.
- Honey is primarily composed of sugar, so it should be consumed in moderation.
Ingredients or materials:
- Honey is a complex blend of many organic and inorganic compounds such as sugars, proteins, organic acids, pigments, minerals, and enzymes.
- The composition of honey varies depending on the plants on which the bee feeds.
- Natural honey contains about 200 substances, including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, but it primarily contains sugar and water.
- The principal carbohydrate constituents of honey are fructose and glucose, which represent 85-95% of total sugars that are readily absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract.
- The concentration of mineral compounds in honey ranges from 0.1% to 1.0%, with potassium being the major metal, followed by calcium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur, and phosphorus. Trace elements include iron, copper, zinc, and manganese.