A University of California-Davis carbohydrate source when paired
How does honey fight infection
study detected higher levels of polyphe- with protein. Weight-trained men and
and promote healing? Research sug-
nolic antioxidants in participants after women who consumed a powdered
gests that honey’s low water content
just one month of honey supplementa- honey-protein combination drink, not
makes it hygroscopic, enabling it to ab-
tion. Other studies confirm that honey only sustained optimal blood sugar
sorb moisture from tissue and bacteria.
contains numerous antioxidants. They levels for two hours after their workout,
Its high sugar content makes it difficult
include chrysin, pinobanksin, vitamin they showed favorable changes in a
for microorganisms to grow.
C, catalase and pinocembrin, which all hormone measurement that indicates
Many monofloral honeys contain
help to prevent and repair cellular dam- positive muscle recovery.
an enzyme that produces low levels of
age from disease-causing free radicals.
Antimicrobial Properties
hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic.
The amount and type of these
As grandmother knew, honey proves
Honey’s ability to keep the area around
goodies available depend largely upon
an exceptional healing agent when ap-
a wound sealed, moist and protected,
the floral source of the honey. Darker
plied to cuts, scrapes and lacerations.
promotes rapid healing and helps pre-
honeys usually contain higher levels of
All honeys exhibit some antibacterial
vent scars.
antioxidants than lighter varieties.
ability. New Zealand’s active manuka
honey, a monofloral (from one plant)
Honey at Home
Athletic Prowess variety derived from the nectar of the
Honey is a delicious sugar substitute
For athletes, carbohydrates enhance manuka bush (Leptospermum sco-
in oatmeal and tea, and a tasty treat
performance and recovery. A natural, parium), possesses greater antibacterial
drizzled on bread or fruit. Plus, it easily
convenient and inexpensive source characteristics than most other varieties.
incorporates into baked goods.
of carbohydrates, honey provides 17 A review of 22 clinical trials
Use a tried and true recipe or
grams per tablespoon. published in the International Journal of
develop a new one, by replacing the
One study at the University of Lower Extremity Wounds verified that
amount of sugar with an equal amount
Memphis Exercise and Sport Nutrition honey quickly heals existing wound
of honey and reducing the liquid in the
Laboratory, evaluated the effectiveness infections, protects against further infec-
recipe by 1/4 cup. In pastries, lower
of commercial sports gels and honey. tion, reduces swelling, minimizes scar-
the oven temperature by 25 degrees to
The researchers concluded that honey ring, helps remove infected and dead
prevent over-browning. Honey’s only
is an excellent pre-workout energy tissue, and stimulates new tissue growth.
caveat is that it should not be fed to
source, in part because it is easily Research indicates that active manuka
infants younger than 12 months.
digested and released into the body at a honey, in particular, shows promise for
One of the oldest sweeteners used
steady rate. treatment of wounds infected with the
by man, honey remains a perennial
A companion study indicated that superbug, Methicillin Resistant Staphylo-
favorite for good reason, with far more
honey is also an effective post-workout coccus Aureus (MRSA).
to recommend it than just savoring its
sweetness.
Many monofloral honeys contain an enzyme that produces low levels of hydrogen
peroxide, a natural antiseptic. Honey’s ability to keep the area around a wound
sealed, moist and protected, promotes rapid healing and helps prevent scars.
35
September 2008
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