The honey is an ode to nature, as it not only adds a sweet flavor to all kinds of dishes but is also known for its health benefits. However, not all honeys are the same, and not all have the same effect on health. This time, we tell you all about raw or unrefined honey, you'll be surprised!

What is raw honey?
Raw or unrefined honey is a product that stands out for preserving the same characteristics as when it was inside the hive, according to the portal Healthline. This type of honey is obtained by extracting it from the combs and filtering it to remove impurities, dead bees, or pieces of wax.

The main difference between regular honey and raw honey is that the latter does not go through a filtration or pasteurization process; it is simply filtered and packaged for consumption. In terms of appearance, refined and pasteurized honey has a golden, clear color without impurities, while raw honey may resemble butter or have a cloudier appearance.

Now that you know what raw honey is, you should also know that this type of honey contains a wide variety of nutrients, from vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other enzymes, although it should be noted that these nutrients are present in small amounts. However, the Healthline portal highlights that “unrefined honey contains around 30 different types of plant bioactive compounds called polyphenols, which act as antioxidants.”

Although very few scientific studies have been conducted to compare the two types of honey, one of them demonstrated that raw honey contained “4.3 times more antioxidants than processed honey.”

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What are the benefits of raw honey?
For a long time, experts have highlighted the benefits of consuming unrefined honey, as it seems to help combat cough, cholesterol levels, hypertension, and accelerate wound healing; however, a new study published by the University of Toronto brings even better news, let us tell you more!

In a scientific publication released in November 2022, a group of experts conducted an analysis and meta-analysis “of the effects of honey in 18 controlled clinical trials, which involved 1,105 participants, mostly healthy.”

According to this research, individuals who follow a healthy diet, where no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake comes from sugar, find that raw honey provides many heart benefits, according to information published by Medical News Today.

The clinical trials showed that honey could decrease blood sugar levels when fasting, as well as reduce levels of “bad” and total cholesterol and one of the markers of fatty liver, according to the portal.

It is worth mentioning that experts emphasized the properties of raw or unrefined honey and monofloral honey, as these varieties have the most benefits for the heart. In the case of unrefined honey, this is the one that most significantly decreased glucose levels when fasting.

So now you know, consuming honey is not bad, but you should ensure that it is 100% natural or raw honey, as often, refined sugar is added. On the other hand, remember to consume this delicious product in moderation and consult your doctor if you have any doubts.

You can also read: Benefits of royal jelly