It's quite amazing how the constant fanning of honeybee wings over the honeycomb can concoct such a delightful substance that is low in water content though highly concentrated with sugar compounds. What commences with the skillful accumulation of nectar in the hive by a few worker bees working the flower beds, through a process called pollination, culminates with the natural manufacture of unprocessed honey that has become a delightful spread over pastries as well as an ingredient with many confectioneries. Though more than its sweet tang, the application of raw honey extends beyond the realm of a delicious table treat. In fact, it could even be labeled as a harbinger of life. Now what makes it qualify as such?
At the onset, honeybees take the pains to obtain nectar in order to provide the foremost raw material for honey, which happens to be a food and energy source for the inhabitants of the hive. This is the reason why beekeepers collect only the excess combs from the hive so as not to deprive the bees of their buffer food supply. And while raw honey from the combs feeds the bees, honey likewise serves as a nutritious treat for humans composed of complex carbohydrates, simple sugars that are easily absorbed by the body, vitamins and minerals. What a healthy way to start your day!
Looking beyond its merits as a food source, raw honey can also lay claim to the title "preserver of life" being extensively used by bakeshops and processed food manufacturers to extend the shelf life of pastries, confectioneries and beverages. Apart from its ability to mix well with different kinds of food and food preparations, the low water activity at its core that is complemented by the inherent acidity of raw honey restrains the outgrowth of bacteria and other microorganisms. This helps prevent spoilage and allows food to stay fresh a little longer. What a convenient way to sustain freshness!
Nowadays, unprocessed honey is making waves in the mainstream as a precursor to a healthy lifestyle. The antiseptic and antibacterial functions of this remarkable substance is not new to us; though pertinent research has unearthed more vital health benefits that are over and above its medicinal value as a treatment for wounds, as a popular laxative, as a sedative, or as a general system tonic. Unprocessed honey also finds use as a natural stimulant to a weak heart while promoting a significant drop in LDL or bad cholesterol levels, to lower the risks of cardiovascular diseases as well as certain cancers due to the rich presence of antioxidant compounds. What a sweet way to stay healthy!
In the end, unprocessed honey truly deserves to be called a harbinger of life being a nutritious energy source that fuels life into the body, as a preservative that extends the life of our favorite foods and of course as a health supplement laden with all the nutrients that rightly supports the sustenance of human life.
