Uh huh, Honey
Do you ever wish there was a sweet, candy-like food that was actually good for you? Well you're in luck, because there's an age-old substance that fits this description, and her name is Honey. This golden, syrup-like superfood is arguably one of the most delicious foods out there, AND it possesses myriad health benefits. On this month's installment of the Shoot Your Shot blog, we'll discuss why honey has everyone in the hive talking.
Where does honey come from?
Most people know that honey is produced by honey bees, but few people - including myself until 5 minutes ago - know the actual process by which it's made.
Honey starts as floral nectar, which bees fly around and collect using their straw-like noses. While flying from flower to flower, the bees store the nectar in their stomachs, which breaks the complex sugars down into simple sugars. Once they return to the hive, the bees pass the nectar to another bee, which promptly deposits the gift into a honeycomb.
The final step involves using their wings to fan and dry the nectar, which transforms it into the honey we all know and love. Pretty cool, right?
Now that we know how it's made, let's dive into what it can do for us.
Benefits of Honey
First and foremost it's important to note that all of the benefits described below are associated with raw, unheated (and ideally organic) honey. This is the type of honey we use in our ACV + Cinnamon & Honey shot, as we believe it provides the most comprehensive nutritional value.
Most notably, honey is rich in antioxidants. The specific types found in honey can be attributed to compounds called polyphenols, which are present in plants (and flowers), and are known for relieving oxidative stress in the body by fighting free radicals. Antioxidant support is critical for a properly-functioning immune system.
Honey also has natural anti-bacterial properties. A common residue found in honey called propolis is known to contain enzymes that help kill bacteria. This also allows honey to be used as a topical treatment for wounds (not medical advice). No wonder ancient cultures valued it so much!
More generally, the nutrient profile of this golden nectar stacks up against any naturally-occurring sweet food out there. Despite it being made up of almost entirely sugar, honey possesses micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) such as vitamin B6, riboflavin, potassium, and zinc, which our bodies need to thrive.
Best of all, honey is super easy to add to into your diet. Whether it's in your morning coffee, favorite bowl of yogurt, or a Favor shot, there's no denying that adding just a little bit of honey can go a long way.