Forest honey: what is it, what they are made of, benefits and harms

Honey - a delicious and healthy treat that adults and children love. It not only helps cope with colds and flu, but also has a complex effect on the body. It should be consumed correctly to exclude the occurrence of side effects.

What is Forest Honey

Since ancient times, the highest quality and natural honey was obtained by forming beehives in the trees. In them settled bees, which gathered and produced the best honey. Today wild honey is produced only in Bashkiria.

Forest honey is now obtained in a different way. Hives are put in close proximity to the forest, so the collection is made from flowers that grow in the natural environment. Thus, it is possible to obtain a sufficiently high quality product.

The composition of the honey, the pollen for which was collected in the forest, it is impossible to establish exactly. It depends on the plants growing there, the species, the time of collection and other features.

Forest honey can vary in color from amber to dark brown. But it is always darker than meadow or linden honey.

The aroma of honey harvested in the wild is rich, bright and varied. Its crystallization takes quite a long time. Its shelf life is up to 2 years.

The taste of honey is sweet, with a slight tartness. If it was collected in a coniferous forest, it may be characterized by sourness.

Forest honey has a viscous consistency, more like a paste. But it can also be quite liquid. It depends on the plants from which the pollen was collected.

Composition and calories

Honey contains many trace elements and vitamins. Their amount varies depending on the characteristics of the collection of the product. The main components of the product of bee production are:

1. Glucose. It is necessary for the body for the work of the brain. It is thanks to her increases attention and mental work.
2. Ascorbic acid. This is the well-known vitamin C. It is involved in strengthening the immune system and helps the body to fight viruses, bacteria, and infections.
3. B vitamins. Quite a large group that includes vitamins B2, B1, B9 and others. They all take part in almost all biological processes that occur in the body. They are also necessary for the full functioning of the CNS, the visual apparatus, the organs of the reproductive system.
4. Iodine. Quite an important element for the body. It is required for the normal functioning of the endocrine system. It is important to know that its excessive or insufficient amount leads to serious consequences and causes a number of thyroid diseases.
5. Magnesium. The substance is involved in the growth and functioning of muscle tissue. When it is not enough, a person suffers from cramps of the lower limbs and muscle pain.
6. Carotene. It takes an active part in maintaining vision, as well as beauty and youthfulness of the skin.
7. Selenium. The proportion of it in honey is insignificant, as in many other products. But it is important because it is not only involved in strengthening and maintaining the body's defenses. Selenium enhances the action of various vitamins and has an antioxidant effect. The substance has a favorable effect on the thyroid gland and helps to stop the inflammatory process.
8. Phosphorus. It plays a huge role, since none of the biochemical reactions does not pass without its participation.
9. Iron. It is necessary to maintain normal levels of hemoglobin in the blood. When it is deficient, there are signs such as dizziness, weakness, nausea, lack of appetite.
10. Manganese. The trace element takes part in certain reactions that take place in the body. It is also necessary for the production of protein compounds. In addition, manganese is involved in the metabolism of hormones produced by the endocrine system, including insulin.

Honey also contains substances such as sodium, choline, alkaloids, amino acids and organic acids, essential oils, protein and others.

The average caloric value of wild honey is about 305 kcal per 100 grams. But the product of bee production is not consumed in such quantities. A more convenient calculation is a teaspoon. This is the daily rate recommended by experts. The caloric value of such an amount of honey is about 36 kcal, which is quite small.

What are the benefits of wild honey

General benefits

Forest honey contains many different trace elements, vitamins and other useful substances, which makes it useful for health. Among the properties of the product stand out:

1. Anti-inflammatory. Thanks to even a small amount of selenium in the composition of the honey helps to relieve inflammation. Therefore, it is widely used to treat runny nose, cough, as well as burns and wounds.
2. Antimicrobial. The presence of certain substances helps to fight bacteria. Honey, thanks to this property, has also found its application for diseases caused by microbes.
3. Analgesic. The product, made by bees from the pollen of wild flowers, can relieve pain in the throat when coughing.
4. Sedative. Honey is known as a good sedative due to the content of B vitamins, which helps to normalize sleep, cope with stress, depression.
5. Expectorant. The product helps to remove sputum from the bronchi due to its liquefaction. Thus, when coughing, it has a complex effect, not only eliminating the symptoms of a cold, but also having a therapeutic effect.
6. Strengthening. Honey has a positive effect on the heart and blood vessels, strengthening them. This significantly reduces the risk of stroke, heart attack and diseases related to circulatory disorders.
7. Antioxidant. Selenium, which is present in the composition, allows not only to neutralize toxins, but also to remove them from the body. Thus, honey helps to reduce the burden on the liver.

Among other things, honey helps to increase the level of hemoglobin in the blood, which helps reduce the likelihood of anemia, has a positive effect on the digestive system, protecting the mucosa from the negative effects of a number of factors.

The product of bee production is also known for its ability to remove gallstones from the gallbladder, reduces the burden on the kidneys.

Thus, honey is an excellent remedy for many diseases, is used for preventive purposes. Due to its composition, it helps to maintain immunity and strengthens the body at high mental and physical stress.

For women

Honey has a beneficial effect on the female body. First of all, it supports the reproductive system due to the content of vitamin B9. It is folic acid, which is necessary for the proper formation of the fetus.

The product also includes other substances that help maintain the youthfulness of the skin. Honey is also used in cosmetology for the preparation of face and hair masks.

Honey also helps to support the nervous system. Specialists say that women are most susceptible to stress. Regular use of a product of bee production, even in small quantities, helps to lift the mood, increase stress resistance.

For men

Honey has a positive effect on the male body as well. It contains magnesium, which helps to strengthen muscle tissue and increase the body's endurance during physical exertion.

The product, prepared from the pollen of wild flowers, has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. It strengthens blood vessels, preventing the development of thrombosis, strokes and heart attacks. Also honey from the forest has a positive effect on the nervous system and digestive tract.

When pregnant

When a woman is expecting a baby, her body is stressed and the immune system is weakened. To strengthen the body's defenses and increase stress resistance, you can use medications, but during pregnancy, many of them are contraindicated. Honey can help in this regard. But you should use it in small quantities, as it is an allergenic product, and the baby in the future may develop an intolerance to honey. Before introducing it into the diet, it is recommended to consult a doctor.

Also forest honey can help with colds and flu during pregnancy, as it is contraindicated to take many medicines. The product of bee production helps to cope with such signs of a cold as cough and runny nose, reduce the risk of complications and strengthen the immune system.

When breastfeeding

When a woman starts breastfeeding, she needs to exercise extreme caution in her diet. All the products that she consumes can have a negative impact on the baby. This also applies to honey. It is quite allergenic and even a small amount of it can cause unpleasant symptoms. That is why you should not introduce honey into the diet while breastfeeding until the child is one year old. This should be done gradually. If the baby showed signs of allergy, the product should be excluded from the diet.

For children

Forest honey, when properly consumed, can be beneficial for children's bodies as well. It contains glucose, which is essential for brain function. Honey promotes mental work, increases attention and concentration.

The product also contains vitamins and minerals that help strengthen the immune system. Honey helps cope with colds and flu due to antibacterial, anti-inflammatory effect.

Children should be given it only from the age of 3 years, as the product is quite allergenic. It should be introduced into the diet with a small portion, after which the child should be observed for a day. If there are no symptoms such as rash, redness of the skin or itching, then the dosage can be increased.

When losing weight

Forest honey, like any other, is characterized by a large caloric value. There are about 305 kcal per 100 grams of the product. But honey is not eaten in large quantities. It is enough to eat one teaspoon daily. The caloric value of this amount is only about 38 kcal, which is not much. Forest honey does not help to lose weight, because it contains glucose. But the product, if used correctly, will not harm the figure.

Cosmetic applications

Forest honey can be used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology. Today, a number of products are created on the basis of honey. These are various creams, masks and hair products. They help maintain youthful skin, eliminate minor defects in the form of wrinkles.

Also on the basis of honey there are also many recipes, with the help of which you can prepare your own effective cosmetics for face and hair. Here are some of them:

Rejuvenating mask

For its preparation, you will need two large spoonfuls of oat flakes and a spoonful of forest honey. The flakes should first be poured with milk or cream so that they swell. When they have infused, add honey and stir everything. Put a thin layer of the mask on your face for 15 minutes, and then remove it with warm water. After the procedure, use a moisturizing cream. It helps to soothe the skin and soften it. In addition to the rejuvenating effect, the mask has the property to eliminate fine wrinkles, give skin elasticity.

Moisturizing mask

For its preparation will need sour cream and honey in equal proportions. All the components should be thoroughly mixed and applied to the face. Leave for 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water. Also after the procedure, use a moisturizing cream. Such a mask will replenish the supply of vitamins and minerals, will make the skin not only moisturized, but also velvety, elastic.

Hair repair mask

Honey is used not only in the preparation of face masks. It is one of the common components of hair products. The product not only nourishes them, but also makes them beautiful, healthy, strong and shiny. A popular mask of honey and egg yolk with the addition of almond oil in a few drops and aloe juice. The egg yolk should be whipped beforehand. Then add the rest of the ingredients and mix everything. Mask applied to dry hair, be sure to clean. Spread the mixture on the entire length of the hair and leave it for a couple of hours. You can use the mask once a week.

Mask for dry hair.

For its preparation you will need honey, melted in a water bath and olive oil. All mixed and apply to the hair. The exposure time is 20 minutes. It is difficult to wash off such a mask due to the oil content. Shampoo the hair several times. Such a remedy is suitable for any type of hair, but it is recommended for the restoration of dry hair.

Forest honey because of the constituent components is used not only internally, but also used for masks, whose action is aimed at restoring hair structure, its shine and strength, removing wrinkles and prolonging youthfulness of the skin.

Harm and contraindications

Bee product created from the pollen of wild flowers is not always beneficial for the body. It is harmless if consumed incorrectly or with contraindications.

Honey should never be consumed in these situations:

1. Hypersensitivity to bee products. Honey is allergenic and can cause a strong reaction of the body, which is manifested not only in the appearance of rashes and redness, but also in the occurrence of Quincke's edema or anaphylactic shock. In allergies, the external application of honey is also prohibited.
2. Diabetes mellitus. The product contains glucose, which can provoke a rise in blood sugar levels. The consequences of such changes can be quite dangerous and are life threatening.
3. Overweight, obesity. Honey belongs to the high-calorie products. In the presence of any degree of obesity, it is better to give up such a product. If the weight is insignificant, in some cases you can allow eating a small portion of honey. Before using it, it is best to consult a nutritionist.

Forest honey, as well as any other honey, should be eaten with caution during pregnancy. During the breastfeeding period, it is better to give it up. This is due to the fact that its constituent components can adversely affect the formation of the fetus, the child's health. Before the introduction to the diet should consult with your pediatrician.

According to many experts, honey, including forest honey, causes tooth decay. This is why you should brush your teeth or rinse your mouth after consuming it.

The product is known for its ability to activate the digestive system. For this reason, you should not eat it in the morning on an empty stomach. In the case when half an hour after eating honey there is no food in the stomach, an increased production of insulin begins, which can lead to serious consequences.

How to choose and store

Forest honey is not easy to choose. This is due to the fact that it is quite rare and expensive. It is often counterfeited.

1. First of all, you need to know that the product has a thick consistency.
2. Honey made from the pollen of wild flowers has a brownish hue, a pleasant amber color. It tastes sweet and slightly tart.
3. The smell of forest honey has woody notes, the aroma is herbal. This is what distinguishes it from other varieties. When choosing, you should also pay attention to the price. It cannot be low.

Forest honey should be stored in a dry place, because the product absorbs moisture well. The container should not stand in a place where the sun's rays hit, as they destroy all the useful microelements.

Honey should be stored in a glass or ceramic container. It does not absorb odors and does not emit harmful substances.

How to spot a fake

Forest honey can be different depending on the place and time of its collection. Distinguishing it from a fake is not easy. But there are a few signs that can help you choose a real forest honey:

1. Taste. A honey from the forest has a tart, slightly bitter taste. Even a small amount of honey may cause a tickle in the throat.
2. Consistency. Natural honey envelops the spoon.
3. Flavor. Honey made by bees from the pollen of wild flowers has a rich aroma. It is not difficult to distinguish forest honey by its smell, because it is impossible to tell from this trait, from the pollen of which flowers it is made. The aroma combines wood resins and the smell of various herbs.

Beekeepers also say that honey has a genetic memory. It is this property that helps to distinguish a natural product from a fake. To check this, you need to pour a spoon of honey into a saucer, and carefully add a small amount of cold water on top. Take the saucer in your hands and try to stir everything slightly, changing the position of the container. The natural product should take the shape of a honeycomb. Waves will form on the fake.

You can also determine the authenticity of forest honey by dropping a drop on a white sheet of paper. If it left a greasy spot on it, then the product is a fake.

Forest honey is the most valuable product of bee production. It contains many useful substances, trace elements, which have a positive effect on the body. It is used in folk medicine and in cosmetology. It deserves to be widely used precisely because of its medicinal properties. But it is important to know that you should use and use it in moderation, because exceeding the recommended dosages can cause allergies and other side effects.