Cotton honey: what is it and where is it harvested, useful properties and contraindications

Cotton honey is a bee product made from cotton. It is predominantly found in Central Asia. This substance is characterized by unique taste and a beautiful shade. In addition, it brings great he alth benefits. In order for the product to give the desired effect, it is important to apply it correctly, strictly adhering to the dosage.

Features

This type of honey is obtained from cotton, which is subsequently used to make fabrics. Most often, such a product is made in Central Asia. Nectar is also collected in Turkey. It is worth noting that the plant is considered very honey-bearing.From 1 hectare, bees extract nectar to produce 250-300 kilograms of cotton honey.

Bees collect nectar not only from inflorescences, but also from the foliage of the plant. This is due to the high content of glucose in the composition, which is then processed into honey. The honey content of the culture increases after watering the plants or after precipitation. Therefore, in the manufacture of honey, it is recommended to pay attention to the irrigation of the soil. Nectar is required to be collected towards the end of September, when the fields completely fade.

Experienced beekeepers distinguish this variety from other varieties. It is characterized by unique taste and pleasant aroma. This is due to the content of essential oils in the composition.

Product features include:

1. The shade of such honey is difficult to confuse with another species. In the initial stages after collection, the mass seems almost transparent. Subsequently, the shade becomes more pronounced. The mass brightens and appears white or creamy.
2. After sugaring, which lasts about 2 months from the date of collection, honey changes its structure. At this stage, it can be cut with a knife.
3. Sweet honey has an unusual taste and is a bit like milk. The product contains many essential oils. This gives it a greasy texture.
4. After crystallization, the product usually loses its aroma. However, herbal or floral notes can be detected immediately upon picking.

Composition and calorie content

This creamy product contains more fructose than glucose. This makes it possible to use it for people with diabetes. In this case, the composition is capable of provoking allergies. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor first.

Useful properties of a substance are related to its composition. Cotton honey contains the following:

• 39-40% fructose;
• 36-37% glucose;
• 24% water, polysaccharides, organic acids, ash, sucrose.

The composition may vary depending on storage conditions. It contains many vitamins, trace elements and essential oils. The valuable components of the product include vitamins of groups B, E, K, C.

It is important to consider that this composition is considered quite high-calorie. There are 328 kilocalories in 100 grams of cotton honey.

What is the benefit of cotton honey?

Cotton honey is recommended to be combined with juices. In its pure form, it should be used to heal wounds. The product can be made into compresses or taken orally in small doses.

This bee product helps with colds and viral infections. It can be used to treat pathologies of the respiratory system. For preventive purposes, the remedy should be eaten in the morning on an empty stomach. It is also permissible to use it in the evening before bedtime, 1 small spoonful.

The composition restores normal intestinal microflora and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the digestive system. It has enveloping properties. This makes the composition indispensable in the treatment of gastritis and gum disease.

The antibacterial properties of honey allow it to be used in cosmetology. The product is part of many masks and creams. Before applying the substance, the skin must be cleaned and steamed. After 20 minutes, honey can be washed off.It can also be used to improve the structure of the hair. In addition, the product can be used in dietary nutrition.

Because the product has bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties, it is recommended to use it in such cases:

• digestive disorders;
• gastritis and enterocolitis;
• gum disease;
• colds;
• diseases of the heart and blood vessels;
• psycho-emotional overload.

Also, this type of honey can be used during hormonal adjustment. It has biostimulating properties and has a beneficial effect on both men and women. In addition, the composition is well reflected in the work of the sex glands and helps to cope with the symptoms of menopause.

Specific application

In order for cotton honey to fully show its beneficial properties, it should not be added to hot drinks. It is best to eat it in its pure form. Since the product is considered to be very high-calorie, it is important to strictly adhere to the dosage. It should not exceed 1-2 small spoons per day.

Contraindications and harm to the product

Cotton honey has pronounced allergenic properties. Therefore, it must be consumed in moderation. For adults, 2 small spoons of the product per day is enough. It is better not to give this variety to children at all.

In case of excessive use of the product, there is a risk of nausea, rashes, itching. In addition, each person is faced with individual manifestations of allergies. It is also important to consider that cotton honey is considered to be very high in calories. Therefore, overweight people should consume it in moderation.

How to spot a fake

Cotton honey is rare in stores. Therefore, the probability of acquiring a fake is high. To avoid this, you need to know how to distinguish a fake. To do this, use the usual chemical pencil. First you need to put a mark with a pencil, and then follow the reaction:

1. If the product is natural, the dot will not spread, and the shade will remain natural, light white.
2. Change in the natural color of honey in the region of the set point to blue-purple indicates that it is a fake. Buying this product is not recommended.

Like other types of honey, cotton nectar is worth buying from trusted beekeepers. It is best to do this at specialized fairs.

Expiration date and storage rules

In order for the composition to retain the maximum number of useful properties, it is recommended to consider the following when storing it:

1. It is important to avoid direct sunlight on the product.
2. Keep the substance better in a dark and cool place. This will help to avoid premature crystallization of the product.
3. Optimal humidity is 60%.
4. The product can be kept in the refrigerator at a temperature of +5 degrees. However, the best option would be a storage temperature of up to +20 degrees.
5. It is strictly forbidden to keep honey in metal containers. This is due to the risk of releasing harmful chemicals.
6. For a short period of time, honey is allowed to be kept in a wooden or plastic container. However, later it must be transferred to a glass container.

If you follow all the recommendations, the product can be stored for decades and not be afraid that it will lose its unique properties.

Cotton honey is a useful product that helps to cope with a variety of problems and saturates the body with vitamins. In order for the composition to bring only benefits, it is important to use it correctly, strictly adhering to the dosage.

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