#A2zblogchatterchallenge2023

 Honey helps

Honey is one of the oldest natural sweeteners known to mankind dating back to 150 million years. The Egyptians valued Honey and used it as tribute, payment or to feed sacred animals. in India, honey is mentioned in the Vedas and India was often referred to as the land of milk and honey.  The Romans and Greeks referred to it as 'food fit for the gods..' The Greeks followed a custom whereby honey was offered to the gods and dead spirits. They also made a honey wine called Mead. The 11th century saw the Germans sweetening their beer with honey.  By the time the American colonies were set up in the 17th century, honey was used for many things - food preparation, beverages, cement, as an ingredient in furniture polish and varnish and for medicinal purposes. 

There are about  320 varieties of honey which vary in colour, odour and taste. Honey is produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. Honey mostly contains sugar as well as antioxidants, enzymes, nutrients, vitamins, minerals, zinc, iron, and antioxidants. Honey is safe for adults and generally above the age of 1 year. 

Health benefits: 

• Improved digestion, wound healing, and anti-microbial effects
• Anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate allergies
• Lower glycemic index than sugar and therefore is used as a healthy substitute for sweetness
• Honey contains natural sugars that the body can digest easily which in turn helps to regulate blood sugar levels. 
• Home remedy for coughs.
• Honey can provide relief in cases of teeth and gum disease like gingivitis, bleeding and plaque. 

On Your Plate: 

• Used to sweeten dressings and marinades.
• Drizzled on parathas pancakes and toast.
• Used to sweeten tea and coffee.
• Used in salad dressings.
• A host of dishes that include Honey glazed chicken wings, honey-glazed carrots, and Shrimp in a garlic-honey sauce. 

Raw unpasteurized honey:

Raw honey is honey straight from the beehive that has not been heated or processed in any way. It is best to look out for and use the same. 

This post is part of the A2Z blog chatter challenge 2023.