by Heather Collins

Created on: April 22, 2009

Honey is an alternative sweetener to processed sugar, which contains no nutritional value. Although honey still has a glycemic index of 55, it is a better choice than sugar because honey contains many beneficial qualities and healing properties for the entire body. Some people find relief from seasonal allergies by consuming local raw honey, which contains flower pollens, because it stimulates the immune system to better tolerate local allergens. This treatment can also be used on dogs who are suffering from seasonal allergies.

Honey can also be used to treat sore throats. Many throat sprays that you find at a natural food market will contain honey. Honey has healing properties and can be smeared on burns and wounds to aid in the healing process. Some people also consume honey for its energy boosting qualities. Try some honey in a calming herbal tea, like chamomile, if you are experiencing indigestion. Honey is also touted for its skin-improving properties. Honey can improve skin tone and help to fight acne. You can simply apply a "honey mask" to your skin and let set for 10 to 20 minutes.

Honey also helps the body to absorb and utilize Calcium. Additionally, research has shown that regular consumption of honey raises blood levels of protective antioxidants. Including honey in your daily diet can improve immune system function and help to prevent viral and bacterial infections.

Use honey in your tea and eat it by the spoonful for a quick energy boost. Honey is versatile and can also be used to replace sugar in recipes. Another idea for using honey is in smoothies to add extra sweetness instead of using fruit juices. Honey is also used in many salad dressing recipes, like honey mustard or ginger honey. With many options to choose from, adding honey to your diet is easy and beneficial. However, keep in mind that most alternative health care experts will recommend raw honey as opposed to processed honey.

Because raw honey is not processed, it has many beneficial enzymes and phytonutrients that heated honey looses during the filtering and processing stages. For example, raw honey contains amylase, an enzyme that helps us digest starchy foods. Processed honey, which is most honey that you find on grocery store shelves, has less vitamins and minerals than raw honey because the process of heating the honey has destroyed some of its nutritional value. Look for "Raw Honey" or "Not Processed" on the label. Consuming processed honey is still more beneficial than consuming processed white sugar.

While choosing raw honey ensures that you are receiving all that honey has to offer, remember that any type of honey is better than artificial sweeteners on the market. Consider using both honey and agave nectar for your cooking and baking needs to add variety.

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