Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is Raw Honey?NutritionHealth BenefitsWho Should AvoidWhere to FindWhen It Crystallizes
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is Raw Honey?
Nutrition
Health Benefits
Who Should Avoid
Where to Find
When It Crystallizes
Raw honey is an excellent source of antioxidants, offering a variety of health benefits. It contains healthful bee pollen, bee propolis, andantioxidants.
This article will provide an overview of raw honey, including its benefits, nutritional content, precautions, and where to find it.
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Regular honey goes through this same process but is also pasteurized and filtered before being bottled. The pasteurization process applies high heat to destroy yeast found in honey. This makes the honey taste and feel smoother. It also extends the shelf life.
Raw honey has also been linked to several possible health benefits.
Raw Honey vs. Honey: Which Is Right for You?
Raw Honey Nutrition
Honey can be a healthy addition to your eating plan but should be enjoyed in moderation. It is rich in natural sugars.
One tablespoon of honey contains the following calories and nutrients in grams (g) and milligrams (mg):
Raw Honey Health Benefits
Raw honey has been linked to several potential health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and may protect against infection. Unlike some types of regular honey, raw honey does not contain any added sweeteners.
Antioxidants Effects
Raw honey is rich in plant compounds calledpolyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that have been linked to reducedinflammationin the body.They may also lower the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.
Regular honey may have fewer antioxidants than raw honey since pollen is removed.Pollen also contains antioxidants, as well as vitamins, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.Consuming pollen may help to fight inflammation and improve liver function.
Antibacterial Agents
Raw honey is known for its antibacterial effects and may protect the body againstbacterial infections. Raw honey contains an enzyme called glucose oxidase, which has antibacterial and antifungal properties. This enzyme is usually destroyed during pasteurization so is not present in regular honey.A 2017 study found that honey may protect againstCandidayeast infections.
Wound Healing
Honey may promote wound healing because of its anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Chronic inflammation can keep the tissues from healing properly. By reducing inflammation, the compounds in raw honey may lead to faster wound healing.
Honey may also increase the number ofwhite blood cells. White blood cells are responsible for protecting the body from infection. Reducing the risk of infection can also help wounds heal faster.
Relieves Coughs
Taking a spoonful of honey for a cough isn’t just a folk remedy; there is research to back it up. A 2021 review found that honey effectively relieves the symptoms of cough and sore throat in people with an upper respiratory tract infection.
Researchers found that honey reduces coughing and improves the severity of the illness. It may also slow the spread of bacteria in the body, shortening the length of infection time.
Does Honey Help a Cough?
Treats Diarrhea
Honey may improve digestive issues, includingdiarrhea. Honey contains compounds that protect against different types of bacteria includingHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori). This type of bacteria causes diarrhea and is a common cause of stomach ulcers.
Honey also containsprebiotics, substances that nourish good bacteria in the gut and improve digestive health.
Protects the Brain
Consuming raw honey may protect the brain from certain neurological diseases. The polyphenols in honey reduce inflammation in thehippocampus, an area of the brain responsible for learning and memory. This may have several cognitive benefits, including improved memory.
Who Should Avoid Raw Honey?
Raw honey is not safe for everyone, and it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider before adding it to your diet.
Unlike regular honey, raw honey contains pollen. If you have a severepollen allergy, eating raw honey could cause a serious allergic reaction. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends that people with a pollen allergy talk with their allergist before trying raw honey.
Honey of any kind, including raw honey, is not safe for infants under 1 year old. Raw honey may contain the bacteriaClostridium botulinum,which can cause life-threateningbotulism poisoningin babies.
Where to Find Raw Honey
To find raw honey, look for jars of honey that say “raw” on the label. You may find raw honey at your local farmers market or health food store.
It is important to note thatorganichoney is not the same as raw honey. Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or filtered. Organic honey is honey produced on a bee farm that meets the organic standards of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).Organic honey may be pasteurized or raw.
When Raw Honey Turns to Sugar
It is normal for honey to crystallize over time. If you notice that your jar of honey no longer looks clear and smooth, first open the jar and smell it. If there is a foul smell or any signs of mold, throw it away.
To get your honey back to its syrupy texture, try microwaving it to melt it. Store your raw honey in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
Fructose: A Natural Molecule and Added Ingredient
Summary
Raw honey contains antioxidants, vitamins, and enzymes that have been linked to several health benefits. Raw honey has antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. People with pollen allergy should use caution in consuming raw honey. No type of honey, raw or otherwise, should be given to an infant under 1 year old.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F.Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research.Pharmacognosy Res. 2017;9(2):121-127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.204647 (doi link does not work)National Honey Board.Comparison of mineral and enzyme levels in raw and processed honey.U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Honey.Fakhlaei R, Selamat J, Khatib A, Razis AFA, Sukor R, Ahmad S, Babadi AA.The toxic impact of honey adulteration: a review. Foods. 2020;9(11):1538. doi:10.3390/foods9111538Ahmed S, Sulaiman SA, Baig AA, et al.Honey as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: an insight into its molecular mechanisms of action.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:8367846. doi:10.1155/2018/8367846Zhou Y, Zheng J, Li Y, et al.Natural polyphenols for prevention and treatment of cancer.Nutrients. 2016;8(8):515. doi:10.3390/nu8080515Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kaźmierczak J, Mencner L, Olczyk K.Bee pollen: chemical composition and therapeutic application.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:297425. doi:10.1155/2015/297425Denisow B, Denisow-Pietrzyk M.Biological and therapeutic properties of bee pollen: a review.J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(13):4303-4309. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7729Mohapatra DP, Thakur V, Brar SK.Antibacterial efficacy of raw and processed honey.Biotechnol Res Int. 2011;2011:917505. doi:10.4061/2011/917505Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH.Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1259510. doi:10.1155/2017/1259510Eteraf-Oskouei T, Najafi M.Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human diseases: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013;16(6):731-742.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336Alberoni D, Gaggìa F, Baffoni L, Di Gioia D.Beneficial microorganisms for honey bees: problems and progresses.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2016;100(22):9469-9482. doi:10.1007/s00253-016-7870-4American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Nasal symptoms.Nemours Kids Health.Why should babies not have honey?.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Agriculture recommendation.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F.Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research.Pharmacognosy Res. 2017;9(2):121-127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.204647 (doi link does not work)National Honey Board.Comparison of mineral and enzyme levels in raw and processed honey.U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Honey.Fakhlaei R, Selamat J, Khatib A, Razis AFA, Sukor R, Ahmad S, Babadi AA.The toxic impact of honey adulteration: a review. Foods. 2020;9(11):1538. doi:10.3390/foods9111538Ahmed S, Sulaiman SA, Baig AA, et al.Honey as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: an insight into its molecular mechanisms of action.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:8367846. doi:10.1155/2018/8367846Zhou Y, Zheng J, Li Y, et al.Natural polyphenols for prevention and treatment of cancer.Nutrients. 2016;8(8):515. doi:10.3390/nu8080515Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kaźmierczak J, Mencner L, Olczyk K.Bee pollen: chemical composition and therapeutic application.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:297425. doi:10.1155/2015/297425Denisow B, Denisow-Pietrzyk M.Biological and therapeutic properties of bee pollen: a review.J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(13):4303-4309. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7729Mohapatra DP, Thakur V, Brar SK.Antibacterial efficacy of raw and processed honey.Biotechnol Res Int. 2011;2011:917505. doi:10.4061/2011/917505Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH.Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1259510. doi:10.1155/2017/1259510Eteraf-Oskouei T, Najafi M.Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human diseases: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013;16(6):731-742.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336Alberoni D, Gaggìa F, Baffoni L, Di Gioia D.Beneficial microorganisms for honey bees: problems and progresses.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2016;100(22):9469-9482. doi:10.1007/s00253-016-7870-4American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Nasal symptoms.Nemours Kids Health.Why should babies not have honey?.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Agriculture recommendation.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F.Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research.Pharmacognosy Res. 2017;9(2):121-127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.204647 (doi link does not work)National Honey Board.Comparison of mineral and enzyme levels in raw and processed honey.U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Honey.Fakhlaei R, Selamat J, Khatib A, Razis AFA, Sukor R, Ahmad S, Babadi AA.The toxic impact of honey adulteration: a review. Foods. 2020;9(11):1538. doi:10.3390/foods9111538Ahmed S, Sulaiman SA, Baig AA, et al.Honey as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: an insight into its molecular mechanisms of action.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:8367846. doi:10.1155/2018/8367846Zhou Y, Zheng J, Li Y, et al.Natural polyphenols for prevention and treatment of cancer.Nutrients. 2016;8(8):515. doi:10.3390/nu8080515Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kaźmierczak J, Mencner L, Olczyk K.Bee pollen: chemical composition and therapeutic application.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:297425. doi:10.1155/2015/297425Denisow B, Denisow-Pietrzyk M.Biological and therapeutic properties of bee pollen: a review.J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(13):4303-4309. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7729Mohapatra DP, Thakur V, Brar SK.Antibacterial efficacy of raw and processed honey.Biotechnol Res Int. 2011;2011:917505. doi:10.4061/2011/917505Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH.Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1259510. doi:10.1155/2017/1259510Eteraf-Oskouei T, Najafi M.Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human diseases: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013;16(6):731-742.Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336Alberoni D, Gaggìa F, Baffoni L, Di Gioia D.Beneficial microorganisms for honey bees: problems and progresses.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2016;100(22):9469-9482. doi:10.1007/s00253-016-7870-4American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Nasal symptoms.Nemours Kids Health.Why should babies not have honey?.U.S. Department of Agriculture.Agriculture recommendation.
Samarghandian S, Farkhondeh T, Samini F.Honey and health: a review of recent clinical research.Pharmacognosy Res. 2017;9(2):121-127. doi:10.4103/0974-8490.204647 (doi link does not work)
National Honey Board.Comparison of mineral and enzyme levels in raw and processed honey.
U.S. Department of Agriculture FoodData Central.Honey.
Fakhlaei R, Selamat J, Khatib A, Razis AFA, Sukor R, Ahmad S, Babadi AA.The toxic impact of honey adulteration: a review. Foods. 2020;9(11):1538. doi:10.3390/foods9111538
Ahmed S, Sulaiman SA, Baig AA, et al.Honey as a potential natural antioxidant medicine: an insight into its molecular mechanisms of action.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2018;2018:8367846. doi:10.1155/2018/8367846
Zhou Y, Zheng J, Li Y, et al.Natural polyphenols for prevention and treatment of cancer.Nutrients. 2016;8(8):515. doi:10.3390/nu8080515
Komosinska-Vassev K, Olczyk P, Kaźmierczak J, Mencner L, Olczyk K.Bee pollen: chemical composition and therapeutic application.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:297425. doi:10.1155/2015/297425
Denisow B, Denisow-Pietrzyk M.Biological and therapeutic properties of bee pollen: a review.J Sci Food Agric. 2016;96(13):4303-4309. doi:10.1002/jsfa.7729
Mohapatra DP, Thakur V, Brar SK.Antibacterial efficacy of raw and processed honey.Biotechnol Res Int. 2011;2011:917505. doi:10.4061/2011/917505
Pasupuleti VR, Sammugam L, Ramesh N, Gan SH.Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits.Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2017;2017:1259510. doi:10.1155/2017/1259510
Eteraf-Oskouei T, Najafi M.Traditional and modern uses of natural honey in human diseases: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2013;16(6):731-742.
Abuelgasim H, Albury C, Lee J.Effectiveness of honey for symptomatic relief in upper respiratory tract infections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMJ Evid Based Med. 2021;26(2):57-64. doi:10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336
Alberoni D, Gaggìa F, Baffoni L, Di Gioia D.Beneficial microorganisms for honey bees: problems and progresses.Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2016;100(22):9469-9482. doi:10.1007/s00253-016-7870-4
American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.Nasal symptoms.
Nemours Kids Health.Why should babies not have honey?.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.Agriculture recommendation.
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