Composition of honey: what is contained in a natural product, calories and properties
Fragrant honey not only pleasantly diversifies the diet, but also helps to get rid of various diseases, strengthens the immune system. Depending on the nectar of honey plants, the composition and taste of honey are determined. When choosing a variety, you need to take into account the medicinal qualities of sweets. In order for the product to retain useful properties for a long time, it is necessary to provide it with appropriate storage conditions.
Sweet story
Mentions of honey are found in ancient documents from various countries. The first information about the breeding of bees is described in ancient Egyptian parchments. Priests used the sweet product in sacrificial rituals and added to embalming agents.
The ancient Greeks found honey more widely used - nectar was added to healing compounds, included in the diet. The ancient Romans revered honey as an ingredient in a variety of sweet dishes, and warriors also used the nectar to heal wounds.
Currently, honey is in demand in various fields: cosmetology, cooking, traditional medicine.
Product calories
Naturally, nectar is a very high-calorie product. The energy value of sweets is 328 kcal per 100 grams. In culinary recipes and folk remedies, a spoon (tablespoon or teaspoon) is usually indicated as a measure. When calculating the calorie content of a product, it should be taken into account that 7-8 grams of thin honey (24.5 kcal) is placed in a teaspoon, 21 grams (65.6 kcal) in a tablespoon.attention and nutritional value of sweets. The composition of honey BJU at the rate of 100 grams: proteins 0.8 g, fats 0 g, carbohydrates 80.3 g, water 17 g.
Composition and useful properties
When studying and evaluating any food product, you must definitely familiarize yourself with its chemical composition. 100 g of nectar contains (in mg):
- vitamins of group B (B1 (0.01), B2 (0.03), B5 (0.013), B6 (0.1), B9 (15)), C - 2 mg, PP - 0, 4 mg;
- potassium - 36;
- calcium - 14;
- magnesium - 3;
- sodium - 10;
- phosphorus - 18;
- chlorine - 19;
- iron - 0.8;
- iodine - 2 mcg;
- cob alt - 0.3 mcg;
- manganese - 0.03;
- copper - 60mcg;
- fluorine - 100mcg;
- zinc - 0.09.
Because honey is rich in vitamins, minerals and trace elements, the product exhibits many beneficial qualities (antifungal, prebiotic, antibacterial, slimming, immune boosting).
Harm and contraindications
Sweet product has almost no harmful effects on the body. Of course, honey should not be abused - the daily dose is approximately 100-120 grams. Excessive consumption of nectar adversely affects the functioning of the pancreas, kidneys, liver. It is not recommended to heat the sweetness above 40 ° C, since this destroys useful elements and forms substances that are harmful to the body.
When adding to the diet, you need to take into account the contraindications of honey: allergy to bee products (some varieties do not cause allergies), inhalation with honey remedies for asthma, heart disease during a period of high temperature.
Do not add honey to the diet of people with diabetes or in the case of a genetic predisposition confirmed by special testing.
Which is better to choose
During the season, bees collect nectar from various honey plants. Therefore, the taste, appearance, aroma and useful qualities of a sweet product may differ. When choosing, it is desirable to take into account the characteristics of honey varieties.
Acacia nectar contains equal amounts of glucose and fructose. In folk medicine, it is recommended to take it for neurological disorders, insomnia. Daily regular consumption of 50 g of the product helps to increase hemoglobin, strengthen the immune system and the nervous system.
Chestnut honey has a rich yellow-brown color, tart flavor, low glycemic index. It can be used in the fight against colds and dermatitis, with diseases of the urogenital area, for wound healing.
The most common and affordable is linden honey. A light-colored product with a fragrant floral scent is used to treat bronchitis, tonsillitis, and asthma. Sweetness is also added to the diet for diseases of the stomach, intestines, kidneys.
Sunflower honey has a pronounced amber hue, astringent taste. The product is useful for heart diseases, improves appetite and general well-being. Pediatricians recommend including in the treatment of colds, flu, or as a preventive measure. Due to the large amount of amino acids, it exhibits rejuvenating, regenerating and stimulating qualities.
Buckwheat nectar has a dark brown hue, has a tart taste, with hints of bitterness. The product is characterized by high viscosity, so it candied quickly. Sweetness exhibits the qualities of an antidepressant, has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin, hair, nails, and increases the body's immunity. Buckwheat nectar helps in the fight against hypertension, anemia, improves the condition of blood vessels.
Storage rules
Honey is not a product of complex storage. However, in order to ensure the safety of microelements and vitamins, certain nuances must be taken into account:
- containers with sweets are stored in dry, ventilated areas, on shelves protected from sunlight;
- The best option for storage utensils is glass jars that are hermetically sealed. You can use processed clay containers or containers made of food-grade plastic, enameled cans. Not suitable for storage of metal utensils.
Suitable storage temperature: -6° С… +20° С. Optimal storage options: closed balcony or loggia, refrigerator. Preference deserve places with a constant temperature, low humidity.
Natural honey is a great sugar replacement option. The product is a source of antioxidants, improves skin condition, slows down the aging process. Thanks to a rich set of vitamins and microelements, it has a positive effect on the body in case of heart disease, colds, and inflammatory processes.
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