Safflower honey: description and composition, useful properties and contraindications

Safflower is also called American or wild saffron. It is grown commercially for the manufacture of oils, paints and feed. At the same time, beekeepers make honey from this plant. This is a fairly rare product that contains many unique components. To benefit from safflower honey, it is important to follow the basic recommendations.

Description and differences of safflower honey

Getting honey from safflower is very problematic. The plant flowers for a short period of time and contains very little nectar. In addition, the process of its collection is directly affected by weather conditions.This doesn't happen every year. Flower nectar is produced only at +30-35 degrees, which is not typical for other honey plants.

The main features of safflower honey include the following:

• A light yellow, golden or straw color that persists after crystallization.
• Pronounced taste with moderate sweetness and honey bitter aftertaste.
• Light fragrance with barely floral notes.
• Long period of crystallization.
• Thick and slightly viscous consistency after pumping.
• Dense structure after crystallization. At this stage, honey resembles cream and contains small grains.

Composition and calorie content

Safflower nectar is a delicious product that contains many vitamins and minerals. The rich composition of the substance allows it to be used to combat various pathologies and maintain a balance of nutrients.

The product has a fairly high calorie content. In 100 grams of the substance there are about 300 kilocalories. It also contains vitamins of group B, PP, iron, potassium, phosphorus. Contains magnesium and calcium.

Substance contains a small amount of proteins. At the same time, it is rich in carbohydrates, which are represented by fructose, glucose and sucrose. The share of these substances is 80%.

There are organic acids in safflower honey - lactic, tartaric, citric, oxalic. It also includes a small amount of chromium, silver, zinc, copper. Due to the low moisture content, the product has a long shelf life. However, this requires providing the necessary parameters for humidity and temperature.

In honey nectar there are always pollen elements, which are so rich in safflower. At the same time, the composition and properties of the product are influenced by the place of collection and the weather. Other plants from which the bees collected nectar also matter.

Useful properties and contraindications

Safflower honey contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements. Due to this, it has a beneficial effect on the human body. The systematic use of the product helps to achieve the following results:

• strengthen the immune system;
• relieve stress and cope with diseases of the nervous system;
• improve the condition of the skin and accelerate its regeneration in case of various injuries - for this you need to make honey masks;
• make hair more shiny and silky;
• get a laxative and diuretic action;
• improve the outflow of bile;
• relieve pain from inflammation in the joints, arthritis and rheumatism;
• make blood more fluid;
• to cope with colds;
• eliminate inflammation in the mouth and respiratory system.

At the same time, uncontrolled use of honey can cause serious harm.

Therefore, caution must be exercised when using it. The main contraindications to the use of honey include the following:

• Allergic reactions - in case of intolerance to bee products, any kind of honey and related products are prohibited.
• Type 1 diabetes mellitus - the product contains a lot of fructose and glucose, as well as a minimal amount of sucrose. It is not necessary to exclude this substance completely.At the same time, it is necessary to reduce its use if the disease is not neglected. In any case, it is important to control the total amount of sugars in the diet.
• Baby botulism - contains bacterial spores that can cause this rare disease. Therefore, it is impossible to give the product to babies under 1 year old. Older children will not be harmed by arguments.
• Compliance with the diet - the product contains a lot of calories, because its uncontrolled use leads to an increase in body weight. Therefore, it is so important to choose the right diet, taking into account the energy value of safflower honey.

Dosage for children and adults

In order for the product to bring exceptional benefits to the body, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules for its use. However, the dosage differs depending on age.

Adults are allowed to consume a maximum of 4 tablespoons per day, children over 3 years old - no more than 1 tablespoon.

How to choose quality honey

In its pure form, safflower honey is not found, and therefore it is practically not faked. However, it is not difficult to distinguish it from other varieties.

Immediately after pumping, safflower honey has a transparent consistency. If you look at it in the light, you can see a light yellow tint. As it crystallizes, the product acquires a thick and viscous consistency and retains its shade. The substance has a slight aroma.

To buy a quality composition, it is important to follow certain rules:

• Only buy the product from conscientious beekeepers.
• When buying, read the quality certificate.
• Control the consistency of the product. In summer, honey should be liquid, and in winter - solid and candied.

Practical application

Regular consumption of 2-3 tablespoons of honey strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance. Making drinks with warm water and lemon juice will help make the product more effective. They help restore metabolic processes, remove toxins, normalize appetite and cope with swelling.

Safflower honey is a very useful product that contains many valuable components. For the composition to be beneficial, it is important to use it correctly, strictly observing the dosage.

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