Is eating raw honey good for my health?
Yes, eating raw honey is good for health as it contains valuable nutrients and has many benefits. However, it can contain spores of a bacteria called Clostridium botulinum that can be harmful especially for babies and children under age one.
If you want to enjoy the health benefits of honey, raw honey is the best option. Raw honey is unfiltered, unpasteurized and, contains valuable nutrients. Raw honey has been used as a natural remedy in many cultures throughout history and has various health benefits. Studies have found that it may help improve wound healing, reduce the symptoms of upper respiratory infections, aid in the treatment of digestive problems. Raw honey is used to strengthen the immune system and has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Polyphenols and phytonutrients in raw honey may play a role in preventing heart disease.
Raw honey has all these benefits due to its components:
- bee pollen
- bee propolis
- vitamin B, C, and E
- minerals
- enzymes
- amino acids
Raw honey is not recommended for babies and children under age one
Healthy adults and teens can consume raw honey with no problem, but it can be dangerous for babies or children under one year old as it may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, which can cause a disease called botulism. This disease is sporadic among teens or adults because their gut is developed enough to stop the botulinum spores from growing. It’s also important to eat local honey because is packed with pollen from the flowers that grow in the environment you live in. This makes it less probably to have an allergic reaction to the pollen from the honey.
Buy raw honey from a trusted local beekeeper to ensure that is high-quality honey without added sugar or contaminants. However, if you want to ensure that raw honey is suitable for you and your family, consult a nutritionist or your doctor.