Research by the Palynology Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University tested 60 honey products from super- markets and grocery stores and found that 76% contained no trace of pollen. The Food and Drug Administra- tion (FDA) maintains that any honey products that have been ultra-filtered, as these have, are not actually honey and therefore the health benefits of honey cannot be assumed.

Commercial honey is often heavily processed and may even have been chemically refined. Excessive heat de- stroys the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals in honey. Filtering and processing eliminates many of the beneficial phytonutrients including pollen and enzyme-rich propolis. The only way to achieve sparkling clear honey is by heat, so avoid the golden syrup-like honey in favor of opaque organic raw honey.

Best of all, honey does not need special storage or refrigeration use it by the spoonful straight from the jar.

Honey-infused bandages are known to aid healing. Peter Charles Molan at the University of Waikato, New Zea- land found that honey reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen peroxide, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

Raw honey is a concentrated source of natural goodness. Benefits include:

• A rich taste.
• High nutritional benefits.
• Promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.
• Soothes and heals skin wounds.
• Blocks free radicals.
• Aids sleep.
• Counters pollen allergies.
• Reduces homocysteine levels to maintain a healthy heart.