Facts

Many people have consumed and has been constantly using honey in their everyday live, but there are not many people who really know the important facts of honey. Over here are some interesting facts about honey which we hope can give you a better understanding on honey.

Honey

• According to ancient folklore, Greek and Roman athletes used honey to increase strength and stamina.
• Today, honey can be found on training tables before the big game and in carbohydrate substitutes for use during exercise.
• Honey is composed mainly of carbohydrates amd water, and also contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
• Honey is a natural source of readily available carbohydrates providing 17g of carbohydrates per tablespoon.
• Recent research published in the Journal of Applied Physiology suggests that carbohydrates that are lower on the glycemic index (GI) may reduce the incidence of rebound hypoglycemia and provide sustained carbohydrate availability during exercise.
• Honey has a long shelf life and there is no need to refrigerate it. It can be stored unopened at room temperature in a dry cupboard and stay unspoilt.
• Honey is one of the oldest foods in existence.
• As honey has a high level of fructose, it is 25% sweeter than table sugar.
• Honey has different flavors and colors, depending on the location and kinds of flowers the bees come in contact with. Climatic conditions of the area also plays an important role in determining its flavor and color.
• To ensure and keep the bee hives strong, beekeepers must place them in locations that will provide abundant nectar sources as well as water.
• Honey has been present with humans for more then 40 centuries. In ancient Egypt, taxes were paid using honey, while in early Greece and Rome honey symbolized fertility, love, and beauty.
• Physicians in ancient Rome used honey to help their patients fall asleep.
• In 1984, honeybees constructed a honeycomb in zero gravity as part of an experiment on a space shuttle.
• Honey contains vitamins and antioxidants, but is fat free, cholesterol free and sodium free.
• An antioxidant which is called "pinocembrin" is found only in honey.
• Honey is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including water.