White sugar quickly becomes a no-no and satisfying their sweet tooth can be a challenge.
However, there are a few great sugar substitutes available and raw honey is one of those – it’s a long time family favorite.
Humans have enjoyed and indulged in honey for thousands of years. Its consumption dates back to prehistoric cave paintings found in Spain over 8,000 years ago. Recorded in Egyptian, Chinese and Biblical texts, honey was also enjoyed and used medicinally by Native Americans.
Used in beverages and foods of all types for its nutritional value, honey has been used as a remedy for everything from burns to intestinal problems.
Of course, like other foods, honey comes in differing grades. If you’re really after the super-food nutrient value of honey, steer clear of the processed “heated” kind. Choose high quality raw honey that still retains all of its nutrients, enzymes and medicinal properties. When honey is in this state, it is still a living food offering enzymes that can boost the immune system and digestive functions.
Honey contains a wide variety of trace minerals. Iron, calcium, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, chromium, copper, manganese, and selenium are critical for insulin sensitivity and, blood sugar balance. Because it is easily digestible, it offers a huge energy boost for the body.
Raw honey is a perfect alternative sweetener but should be used in moderation because of its high glycemic sugar content. Often prescribed at bedtime, raw honey helps promote the release of melatonin, the hormone responsible for the recover and rebuilding of tissue when the body is at rest.
Benefits you’ll derive from honey include:
Boost in energy
Relieving arthritic discomfort
Promoting healthy gastro-intestinal/digestive systems
Helps with calcium absorption
Prevents heart disease and cancer
Prevents plaque build-up
Heals burns
Slows aging
In order for honey to be considered real honey by the Food and Drug Administration, it must contain pollen. Unfortunately in the U.S. has a lot of honey being sold that is not real honey. For the most part, honey is not checked so many people buy and consume nutrient-depleted honey. The best thing to do is to buy organic, raw honey from your favorite health food store or health food aisle in your grocers. If there is a local beekeeper in your area that would be the best place by far to purchase your honey.
Raw unprocessed honey comes straight from the beehive. It is a potent superfood that provide us with healing enzymes that make us mentally alert and sharpen our IQ.
Raw honey or real honey is usually labeled according to the flowers it was obtained from – each offering their own array of nutrients. Flower sources can include wildflowers, clover, buckwheat, alfalfa and or other specialty types.
Isn’t it time you began introducing much ignored nutrient-dense super-star ingredients into all your dishes…including your desserts?
For more delicious, nutritious desserts and treats – “50 Desserts with Hidden Veggies.” Inside you will discover no bake, Paleo friendly, no sugar, gluten free healthy sweet treat and dessert recipes…
