Colors of Honey

Not all honeys are the same," said Berenbaum, who also is a researcher in the U. of Illenois, Functional Foods for Health program. "Not all nectars are created equal, thus not all honeys are created equal. Depending on the floral source, honey varies widely in color, water composition and sugar, ash, nitrogen and metal content."

In an article published in the Journal of Apicultural Research, the researchers say darker honey has less water and more antioxidants according to May Berenbaum, head of the University of Illinois entomology department; Gene E. Robinson, director of the U. of I. bee research facility; and plant biology graduate student Steven M. Frankel. In addition, honey contains essential minerals including calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and zinc as well as several different amino acids have been identified in honey. Dark honey has more nutrients. Vitamin and mineral content depend on the floral source of the honey. Honey has less than 2% sodium.

Antioxidants ­ substances that slow the oxidation of other substances ­ counter the toxic effects of free radicals, which can cause DNA damage that can lead to age-related problems such as arthritis, strokes and cancer.

Known antioxidant compounds in honey are chrysin, pinobanksin, vitamin C, catalase, and pinocembrin. Unlike most other sweeteners, honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants, which include a wide array of vitamins, such as vitamin B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, and pantothenic acid.

Honey could be a supplemental source for antioxidants, the researchers concluded, noting that many fruits and vegetables often include other desirable sources for antioxidants. Although honey can't replace fruits and vegetables in the diet as a source of antioxidants, it has a lot to offer as a replacement for table sugar, which has little value other than as a sweetener, Berenbaum said.

Because of its antibacterial properties, pure honey can be preserved indefinitely.
Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/
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