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The Many Uses of Raw Honey
Honey has been used as a remedy throughout history and has multiple health benefits
and even some minor medicinal uses.
Most of the honey you find in grocery stores is pasteurized. The high heat kills
unwanted yeast, can improve colour and texture, removes crystallization, and extends
the honey’s shelf life. However, many of the beneficial nutrients can also be destroyed
in the process.
If you want to try raw honey, you can consider buying it from a trusted local producer. In
the meantime, let’s explore some of the benefits of raw honey:
An excellent source of antioxidants
Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. In fact, some
types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants can aid
in protecting your body from cell damage due to free radicals. Free radicals contribute to
the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases
including cancer and heart disease. Research shows that antioxidant compounds in raw
honey, called polyphenols, have anti-inflammatory effects which can be beneficial in
protecting against a number of conditions.
Raw honey can also contain bee pollen and bee propolis, which have their own set of
benefits. A 2017 review of studies showed that raw honey can have a potentially
positive impact on the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous
systems.
Raw honey is nutritious
Raw honey’s nutrition content varies by its origins and other contributing factors.
Generally, raw honey contains small amounts of the following micronutrients:

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● calcium
● magnesium
● manganese
● niacin
● pantothenic acid
● phosphorous
● potassium
● riboflavin
● zinc
Soothe a sore throat and cough
Honey is a long-time sore throat remedy that soothes the ache and can help with
coughs. Add it to hot tea and lemon for a trusted cold remedy. Though additional
research is required, a 2021 review of studies suggested honey could be superior to
other forms of care for the improvement of upper respiratory tract infections.
How to choose the right raw honey
You’ll want to look out for honey that says “raw” on the label or comes directly from a
farm that can verify it hasn’t been pasteurized. Honey comes in a lot of varieties from
“natural”, “organic”, and “pure”, but none of those indicate that it’s raw.
Look for labels that specifically say raw as well as for any additional added ingredients
such as artificial sweeteners. Mainstream and organic stores, health food stores, and
farmer’s markets are great places to look for raw honey.
How to store raw honey
Honey doesn’t expire easily but it can occasionally become contaminated in certain
circumstances. Store all of your honey in tightly sealed containers in a dark, cool space.
After a while, you may notice your honey starting to crystalize. This is totally safe, but it
can make the honey look grainy and sugary. You can warm it slightly to melt said

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crystals, but know that higher temperatures can cook the honey, removing the raw
properties and causing it to darken in colour. If your honey has changed colour or
smells bad, throw it away.