|
 Honey
The ancient Egyptians -- who seemed to know as much about herbal
medicine as they did about constructing astounding structures --
valued honey very highly.
They used the sweet syrup in cooking, fed it to sacred animals,
and often used it as a tribute to a higher authority or to pay a
debt. When an important member of Egyptian society died, honey was
one of the prominent foods placed in his tomb to be enjoyed in the
hereafter.
The Egyptians also recognized honey as an essential natural cure-all,
early writings show. In fact, honey is mentioned nearly 500 times
in 900 remedies discussed in the Smith Papyrus, an Egyptian medical
document that dates back to around 2400 BC.
Amazingly, many of the treatments it describes are as effective,
if not more so, as today's medical cures.
Because honey is typically twice as sweet as cane sugar, only half
the recommended amount is needed, so there are fewer calories.
Honey is also packed with essential nutrients, including ascorbic
acid, riboflavin, thiamine and trace minerals. Now available in
pill form, with garlic and vinegar, it packs a triple punch.
Because it has a higher fructose content than cane sugar, it is
less likely to affect blood glucose levels -- good news for diabetics.
Of course, people who have been diagnosed with diabetes should consult
their doctors before adding a lot of honey or any other sugary food
to their diets.
Need a Burst of Energy...?
Honey is a carbohydrate and an excellant source of quick energy.
In fact, athletes worldwide often gulp a quick dose of honey to
improve performance on the field because honey is rapidly absorbed
into the bloodstream.
Because of this effect, honey also helps the body absorb calcium.
Nutritionists with the United States Department of Agriculture
found that when a calcium supplement is taken with honey, the glucose
in the honey increases the body's uptake of the mineral by as much
as 25 percent.
Best of all, honey has none of sugar's potential as a cancer causing
agent.
<< Back | Next
>>
Top
Copyright © 2002
Mother Nature's Country Kitchen - All Rights Reserved
1820 Hypoluxo Rd, Suite C-106
Lake Worth, Florida 33462
goodhealth@mothernaturekitchen.com
|
