Read The Healing Powers of Honey Online
Authors: Cal Orey
The Healing Powers of Honey (6 page)
CHAPTER 5
Honey, You're Amazing!
The secret of my health is applying honey inside and oil outside.
âDemocritus, contemporary of Hippocrates
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As I traveled through the Mojave Desert and Arizona, I felt calm in a warm comfort zone with sagebrush and wildflowers. Then I was tested in a land of strangers. Once I hit Texas there was no turning back. The West Coast granola girl who survived on foods from salads and bean sprouts to fruit and honey was alone like a forager bee without its colony in foreign territory.
One morning I woke up from sleeping outdoors at a desolate campground. I was used to eating fresh fruit, hot tea, and honey. I must have appeared like a disoriented honey bee in search of its swarm. A stranger came to my rescue. A truck driver gave me a lift to a roadside restaurant. I was welcomed with southern hospitality. But the menu items were culture shock. Hominy, grits, biscuits, butter, and bacon were the staples. When I asked the waitress, “Do you have plain yogurt, and fresh?” her eyes met mine. There was a pregnant pause. I felt like a green creature from outer space. I heard her words loud and clear in a southern accent: “Say what, now?” I ended up nibbling on strange breakfast foods but savored and stocked up on the biscuits drizzled with honey.
I learned throughout my time on the road that eating simple and fresh produce is key to staying healthyâthanks to our hardworking pollinating honey bees. But sometimes during the road trip I didn't have a choice. I ate candy bars and soda like a bee eating a mix of sugary foods.
In the 21st century, I believe it's a diet of all-natural foods, Mother Nature's finest, that is key to keeping healthy and staving off heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other culprits. Research shows the connection of a healthy diet and lifestyle to good health. And yes! Yes, honeyâan added sugarâcan and does help fight and even prevent health problems. Here's the health buzz about healing honey.
SO, HOW DOES HONEY HEAL, ANYHOW?
While honey varietals do have their individual healing properties, honey itself has many healing powers.
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It's the antioxidants:
These enzymes work both inside the body and outside the body to help stave off disease and the aging process.
These enzymes work both inside the body and outside the body to help stave off disease and the aging process.
It's the power of osmosis:
Because of the high-sugar, low-moisture content of honey, it creates an osmotic effect, drawing liquid out of anything that comes into contact with itâsuch as bacteria, which dries up.
Because of the high-sugar, low-moisture content of honey, it creates an osmotic effect, drawing liquid out of anything that comes into contact with itâsuch as bacteria, which dries up.
It's acidic:
Like vinegar, honey is acidic (its pH is between 3 and 4, about the same as orange juice and not as strong as vinegar), which creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria.
Like vinegar, honey is acidic (its pH is between 3 and 4, about the same as orange juice and not as strong as vinegar), which creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria.
It's got hydrogen peroxide:
Because of this antiseptic (remember our moms put this clear liquid on our wounds when we were kids to help get rid of germs), honey has antibacterial benefits and is a gentle healer.
Because of this antiseptic (remember our moms put this clear liquid on our wounds when we were kids to help get rid of germs), honey has antibacterial benefits and is a gentle healer.
HEAL YOURSELF, HONEY
For thousands of years people in the European countries, from Greece and Italy to France, have shared lower rates of obesity and heart disease than people elsewhere. The consensus is that a healthy diet and lifestyleâwhich includes dark honey and dark chocolateâis the common thread.
The buzz is, honey heals. Anecdotal evidence, past and present day, and studies in countries other than the United States show the healing powers of honey and how it may help to lower the risk of developing health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and even some cancers, too. Some doctors in the United States are turning sweet on healing honey. Here, take a peek at what's going on in the world of honey and health.
HONEY AND THE BIG C
According to scientific research, cancer-fighting antioxidants that are found in dark honeys may help lower the risk of developing some cancers. But it's the combination of an antioxidant-rich diet with vegetables and fruits and a healthy lifestyle that may keep cancer at bayânot honey as a quick fix.
How Honey Works:
Still, research is in the works to find out if the hardworking honey bees are the key to helping humans lower the risk of developing cancer. “Croatian researchers found significantly decreased tumor growth and spreading of the cancer in mice when honey was ingested orally or by injection. Honey was found to be an effective agent for inhibiting the growth of bladder cancer,”
101 Optimal Life Foods
author David Grotto, R.D., L.D.N., told me. We both discovered that research also has shown that honey applied to sores reduced discomfort in people enduring cancer treatment, which can lead to side effects such as sores in the inside of the mouth. But honey may be able to do more than be used in rat research and postcancer treatments.
Still, research is in the works to find out if the hardworking honey bees are the key to helping humans lower the risk of developing cancer. “Croatian researchers found significantly decreased tumor growth and spreading of the cancer in mice when honey was ingested orally or by injection. Honey was found to be an effective agent for inhibiting the growth of bladder cancer,”
101 Optimal Life Foods
author David Grotto, R.D., L.D.N., told me. We both discovered that research also has shown that honey applied to sores reduced discomfort in people enduring cancer treatment, which can lead to side effects such as sores in the inside of the mouth. But honey may be able to do more than be used in rat research and postcancer treatments.
Did you know . . . honey is a potent stimulant of the immune system in humans? It is, reveals
The Honey Revolution
doctor Ron Fessenden, who says honey may inhibit metabolic stress, reducing the production of the hormone cortisolâone of the bad guys that affect our immune system in a bad way. And yes, a good immune response is a good way to lower your odds of having to face cancers, which can be life threatening.
The Honey Revolution
doctor Ron Fessenden, who says honey may inhibit metabolic stress, reducing the production of the hormone cortisolâone of the bad guys that affect our immune system in a bad way. And yes, a good immune response is a good way to lower your odds of having to face cancers, which can be life threatening.
Enter bee propolis. In chapter 1, I introduced this “bee glue” that is showing its stuff to the world. For centuries propolis has been praised as an antiviral and cell regeneration stimulant. Propolis contains bioflavonoids and antioxidants. “More than 300 compounds have been identified in propolis samples, including polyphenols, and many of these compounds have surprising protective effects,” notes
The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
author Dr. Jonny Bowden.
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The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth
author Dr. Jonny Bowden.
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Scientific articles are published around the world that link infectionfighting properties with propolisâa honey bee's gift to mankind. One compound from bee glueâcaffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE)âis touted for its immune-boosting powers and is believed to stop the growth of tumor cells. Propolis has also been noticed for its ability to stimulate antibody production, making it an immune-system booster.
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The buzz about a Malaysian honey with its potential cancer-fighting powers also caught my eye. According to research conducted at the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, dozens of studies showed that tualang honey has antioxidant properties that can halt the growth of certain cancer cells.
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Acacia honey, like the Malaysian variety, also has antioxidant properties. Italian researchers discovered chrysin, a natural flavone, in this honey varietal that shows promise as an antitumor agent. Further research is needed to prove that it can be useful as a medicine to help real humans, not just passing tests with human cells with flying colors.
Not only are propolis and Malaysian honey on the table for further research to keep cancer at bay, but bee venom just might be another cancer fighter: “Research published in the FASEB Journal's current [August 2010] issue demonstrates that a key ingredient in the toxic venom released during bee stings can be used as a transporter agent to more effectively deliver drugs or diagnostic dyes to identify and fight tumors.”
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What You Can Do:
No, eating a spoonful of honey or taking propolis each day is not the cure-all for keeping cancer at bay for a lifetimeâbut it can't hurt to incorporate honey into your diet. Also, eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (recommended by the American Cancer Society) may help keep you cancer free, too. And superfood honeyâthe raw, darker antioxidant-rich types, such as buckwheatâpaired with anticancer superfoods can be the beginning of an arsenal for you to keep the big “C” out of your life.
No, eating a spoonful of honey or taking propolis each day is not the cure-all for keeping cancer at bay for a lifetimeâbut it can't hurt to incorporate honey into your diet. Also, eating at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day (recommended by the American Cancer Society) may help keep you cancer free, too. And superfood honeyâthe raw, darker antioxidant-rich types, such as buckwheatâpaired with anticancer superfoods can be the beginning of an arsenal for you to keep the big “C” out of your life.
HONEY FIGHTS FAT
Nutritionists who believe honey is just another sugar will tell you that honey is not going to be a fat-burning miracle worker. Not true.
Cooking and baking, for instance, will allow you to use less honey than sugar because honey is sweeter. Also, if you have a sweet tooth and are craving sweets, including cakes, cookies, and candies, taking a teaspoon of honey will satisfy your desire to overindulge in sweets laden with sugar that'll pack on unwanted calories that come with plenty of fat, sodium, and cholesterol. But sweet, pure honey contains no fat, no sodium, and no cholesterol. One teaspoon is a mere 21 calories. Plus, it's been proven that honey provides an instant energy boost, so you are more apt to get a move on and burn more calories the way athletes do.
How Honey Works:
Honey can work to burn fat, reveal Mike and Stuart McInnes, authors of
The Hibernation Diet.
They believe fueling up your liver before bed with 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey will optimize fat-burning potential. “During sleep, our body uses fat for energy during rest and recovery. For this to occur, our liver must be adequately stocked with fuel reserves to get through the eight-hour fast.”
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Honey can work to burn fat, reveal Mike and Stuart McInnes, authors of
The Hibernation Diet.
They believe fueling up your liver before bed with 1 or 2 tablespoons of honey will optimize fat-burning potential. “During sleep, our body uses fat for energy during rest and recovery. For this to occur, our liver must be adequately stocked with fuel reserves to get through the eight-hour fast.”
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Honey may be your best friend forever to fight fat, but what about bee pollen to curb your appetite? Bee pollen may also help you to blast fat, according to honey-savvy holistic nutritionists such as Canadabased Angela Ysseldyk (
www.beepollenbuzz.com
). Credit goes to its lecithin (bee pollen is rich in it), she explains, because it is a fat emulsifier and having adequate amounts of it in your system may help the fat-burning process.
www.beepollenbuzz.com
). Credit goes to its lecithin (bee pollen is rich in it), she explains, because it is a fat emulsifier and having adequate amounts of it in your system may help the fat-burning process.
What You Can Do:
While bee pollen may help fight body fat, liquid honey with bee pollen in it may be the sweetest way to go. (I tried tasting bee pollen in honey and it's not easy to swallow unless you're a honey bee. Before bedtime take a spoonful of honey. Nutritionists recommend 1 tablespoon in a variety of ways, including putting it into a cup of tea or a smoothie, on a slice of toast, or into a pot of low-fat plain yogurt.
While bee pollen may help fight body fat, liquid honey with bee pollen in it may be the sweetest way to go. (I tried tasting bee pollen in honey and it's not easy to swallow unless you're a honey bee. Before bedtime take a spoonful of honey. Nutritionists recommend 1 tablespoon in a variety of ways, including putting it into a cup of tea or a smoothie, on a slice of toast, or into a pot of low-fat plain yogurt.
HONEY AND VINEGAR: THE FABULOUS FAT BURNERS
Not only can honey help burn fat, but its counterpart apple cider vinegar can help you to fight fat, too. Apple cider vinegar is rich in fiber and bloat-busting potassium, and it's got another fat fighter that works. Acetic acid, the main ingredient in vinegar, has long been believed by vinegar lovers to rev up metabolism and to dissolve fat. What's more, sweet honey can sweeten bloat-busting fruit or a glass of water with vinegar and help you to burn fat faster and get a flatter tummy.
Remember, dark honey is best. It has only 21 calories per teaspoon. It has no fat. It has no sodium. It has no cholesterol. It gives you energy, so you can exercise to burn off more calories. But there's more to this diet plan than vinegar and honey.
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Complex Carbs:
Research shows that carbohydrates play a big role in revving up your calorie-burning power. That's because the body has to work harder to process carbs than it does to process fats. Smart carb choices include fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Fiber contains zero calories, but its bulk deceives the brain into thinking we're getting them.
Research shows that carbohydrates play a big role in revving up your calorie-burning power. That's because the body has to work harder to process carbs than it does to process fats. Smart carb choices include fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Fiber contains zero calories, but its bulk deceives the brain into thinking we're getting them.
Lean ProteinâRich Foods:
To keep your metabolism up, include protein-rich foods (skinless chicken and turkey, fish, and egg whites) with your complex carbs at meals. It's the balance of carbs and proteins that boosts the thermogenic factor of the meal. This can help the body produce heat and burn more calories. Plus, low-fat protein-rich foods, like these, can curb hunger pains.
To keep your metabolism up, include protein-rich foods (skinless chicken and turkey, fish, and egg whites) with your complex carbs at meals. It's the balance of carbs and proteins that boosts the thermogenic factor of the meal. This can help the body produce heat and burn more calories. Plus, low-fat protein-rich foods, like these, can curb hunger pains.
Good Fats:
You can indulge in good fats, like extra virgin olive oil, in moderation. Not only is olive oil a healthful fat, but it can make vegetables taste better with vinegar and spices and it can help fill you up also.
You can indulge in good fats, like extra virgin olive oil, in moderation. Not only is olive oil a healthful fat, but it can make vegetables taste better with vinegar and spices and it can help fill you up also.
THE TWO-DAY HONEY AND VINEGAR DIET
This quickie fat-fighting jump-start two-day meal plan was designed by New Jerseyâbased Toni Gerbino. It is a classic diet she created for me more than a decade ago, to which she gave a new, improved sweet 21st-century update.
“It's the synergy of the foods” that makes this diet plan work, says the diet guru. “It's not about how much you eat; it's about what you're eating.” That means you don't have to count calories. As a prefall detox cleanse, I tried it (again) and my tummy was flat on day three. You can lose up to 6 pounds in two days (it varies depending on your individual size) and feel more energized and ready to start following a healthful diet plan like the Mediterranean diet. (Refer to chapter 6: “The Mediterranean Sweetener.”)
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Breakfast:
Fresh seasonal berries or half grapefruit (with 1 teaspoon honey) Egg whites
Lunch:
4 ounces fresh white meat turkey or chicken
Dark leafy greens with dressing made of fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon each extra virgin olive oil and apple cider vinegar, and spices to taste
1 cup fresh seasonal berries or half a grapefruit (with 1 teaspoon honey)
Dinner:
6â8 ounces fresh flounder, sole, or salmon
Asparagus with lemon, apple cider vinegar, and parsley 1 cup fresh seasonal berries or half a grapefruit (with 1 teaspoon honey)
⢠Drink a minimum of six 8-ounce glasses of water with fresh lemon throughout the day.
⢠Include fat-fighting green tea three times per day. This fat-burning tea contains norepinephrine, a brain chemical that speeds up your metabolism.
⢠You may use up to 5 teaspoons of honey each day . . .
⢠. . . and don't forget fat-burning raw apple cider vinegar (1 to 3 teaspoons per day). It's tastier with honey in hot tea or on vegetables with olive oil.
⢠Take a multivitamin mineral supplement.
⢠Check with your doctor before starting this or any diet.
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