By Steven Surico, BS, CSUN Dietetic Intern
Honey is a natural product formed from the nectar of flowers by honeybees. It has widely been used for its therapeutic effect as well as nutritional purposes. It is primarily fructose and glucose, but also contains many amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Within the estimated 200 different substances that make up honey, they work together to create a synergistic antioxidant effect.1
Evidence indicates that honey can exert several health benefits, including being an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial.2 This means that it protects our body from dangers, reduces inflammation when injured, and cleanses our body from bacteria and viruses. It is well known to add honey to your tea when you are experiencing a sore throat. Honey has also been shown to decrease the duration of diarrhea from bacterial causes.1
Honey does not need to be refrigerated, never spoils, and can easily be stored at room temperature in a dry place. 2 Just be careful and make sure the container is not sticky, ants love honey too!
Other than being a good healing agent, honey is also a great way to control that sweet tooth! Honey can be used as a glaze (such as honey-glazed carrots), a topping (sprinkled over granola or yogurt), or incorporated into a salad dressing as a healthy alternative. I personally enjoy topping my smoothies off with a nice drizzle of honey. It is a great natural sweetener that will add taste to your food, as well as have positive effects on your body!
Try this recipe from Prevention Magazine to make your own delicious salad dressing using honey.
Honey-Mustard Vinaigrette
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp red or white wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- ½ tsp minced garlic
- ¼ c + 2 Tbsp olive oil
Directions
Whisk vinegar, honey, mustard, and garlic in large bowl. Add oil in a stream, whisking. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Top on your favorite salad.
Tell us ways that you enjoy using honey in the comment section below!
Resources on Campus – CSUN Food Pantry
If your family is low on money and you are a CSUN student, faculty, or staff member, you may be eligible for CSUN’s Food Pantry! This is a program that provides nourishment and basic necessities at no cost to CSUN students with no reliable access to affordable nutrition foods. At the food pantry, you receive a bag filled with fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and proteins, like beans. The students also receive basic cook books to help them make nutritious foods with the items they had just received! To find out more information about CSUN’s Food Pantry, visit their website here.
References
- Eteraf-Oskouei T, Najafi M. Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review. Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences. 2013;16(6):731-742.
- Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F. Honey and Health: A Review of Recent Clinical Research. Pharmacognosy Research. 2017;9(2):121-127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.204647.