What is Honey? A Sweet Treat With Surprising Benefits

Honey is a natural substance made by bees from flower nectar. It’s composed of mostly sugars, but also contains vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s been a staple in the kitchen as a sweetener for food and drinks, but also doubles as a remedy for soothing throats, suppressing coughs, and more.

Honey is made when bees collect nectar from flowers. When they return to their hive, other bees add enzymes to the nectar to break down the sugars. The nectar is then deposited into honeycomb cells, where it dries out and thickens, turning into the sticky, syrupy substance we know as honey. Honey can differ in texture, color and flavor, depending on the flowers that the bees visit.

Each type of honey has its own unique flavor profile, color, and texture.

• Clover honey, one of the most common types of honey, is light in color and mild in flavor.

• Manuka honey is dark and thick, and is known for its antibacterial properties.

• Buckwheat honey has a strong, robust flavor and is packed with antioxidants.

• Wildflower honey comes from various wildflowers, so its flavor can vary depending on season and location.

Honey is packed with multiple benefits and uses to help support your well-being.

Antioxidant Properties

Did you know that honey is high in antioxidants? Antioxidants fight unstable molecules in your body that can be harmful to your cells. Honey contains flavonoids and polyphenols, which are plant-based compounds and can help improve your overall health and support your body’s natural defenses.

Immune Support

Honey contains vitamins and minerals that can help contribute to a healthy immune system.

Cough Relief

Honey is considered one of the most effective natural cough ease remedies, especially for children. Try a spoonful of honey or Zarbee’s Cough Syrup products to help coat the throat for relief for your little bee. If you’re looking for a safe and effective option for your hive, Zarbee’s line of cough syrups is specially formulated with natural honey to help soothe coughs associated with hoarseness, dry throat, and irritants.

Culinary Uses

The next time you’re cooking, try adding honey to help enhance flavor in your dishes. Drizzled over yogurt, used in baking, or mixed into smoothies, honey adds a hint of sweetness. Consider using it to replace sugar in your baking recipes or add it to sauces or marinades. Honey also pairs well with fruit, nuts, and cheeses.

Honey for Skin Care

Honey contains natural moisturizing properties, which is why you may see it as a common ingredient in skin care products. It can help draw moisture to the skin, helping to hydrate and soften your face and body. This makes it a powerful ingredient in skin care for individuals with dry or sensitive skin.

Learn more about the science behind honey and how Zarbee's sources dark honey for our products.