Honey: Categories, types and benefits

Honey is known for its large number of benefits. Derived out of nectar, which is made of water mostly, honey contains zero fat and zero cholesterol. Not only is it good for your heart but also for your body. There are different kinds of honey found all over the world today. To know more, keep reading!

Categories of honey

1. Comb honey: It is also known as the honeycomb. It is derived directly from the bees and stored by them too.
2. Creamed honey: Creamed honey is granulated on nature. The mixture is stored at 57 degrees till it becomes firm.
3. Chunk honey: Chunk honey is comb honey placed in a jar. It is surrounded by liquid honey.
4. Liquid Honey: Liquid honey is prepared with the help of wax cappings. The centrifugal force helps in the movement of honey out of the cells.

Types of honey based on colour

1. Avocado honey: Avocado honey originated in California. It has been derived out of avocado blossoms found there. It is dark in colour and has a rich taste.
2. Buckwheat: Buckwheat honey is found mostly in Minnesota, Ohio, New York and Pennsylvania, it is also found in the western region of Canada. It is dark in colour and contains antioxidants in abundance.
3. Wild honey: Wild honey has been derived out of undefined flower sources.
4. Sage: Sage honey is very light in colour and was originated in California. It has lovely flavour and smells good too. However this kind of honey takes a lot of time to granulate.
5. Blueberry: Blueberry honey has been derived out of tiny white flowers popularly known as blueberry. It is light amber in colour and has a rich taste. Such honey is found mostly in North England and Michigan.
6. Manuka: Manuka is found in New Zealand. The bees suck nectar out of the flowers of the Manuka bush. The process of making honey is enriched because of the pollution free environment in New Zealand.
7. Tupelo: Tupelo is found in northwest Florida. It is golden amber in colour and has unique taste. Tupelo honey also granulates very slowly.
8. Orange blossom: Orange blossom is found in Florida, Texas and Southern California. It has wonderful smell and a fruity taste.

Benefits of honey

• Aids weight loss

Honey is excellent for most weight loss programmes. Despite being sweet in taste, it comes with several amazing health benefits. Drinking warm lime water with honey every morning boosts metabolism, helps you burn more calories while exercising and ensures timely bowel movement. In other words, honey accelerates the process of weight loss and helps you burn body fat. (Read: Can drinking warm water with lemon and honey help lose weight?)

• Medicine for cough 

Honey can also be a good cough medicine. The World Health Organization also recognises honey as a demulcent that relieves irritation felt in the mouth and throat while coughing. It counters all cough meditation, soothes cough and helps you recover from a bad cold quickly. (Read: 5 combinations of honey that work wonders for your health and beauty!)

• Boosts energy

Another benefit of honey is its ability to boost more energy. It lets you sleep better at night and improves your performance while working out. This ingredient is a must among athletes and helps you stay awake for a longer time. (Read: 10 health benefits of honey)

• Provides shine to your hair

Honey is also known for its several beauty benefits. It conditions your tresses, makes it shiny, soft and smooth. All you have to do is mix some honey with olive oil and apply on hair after shampooing. Massage well and wash off after 5 minutes. Your hair will be soft, radiant and shining.

• Hydrates skin

Honey can also be used as a body lotion or moisturiser during the winter months. For this you have to mix honey with rose oil and almond oil. Store it in a container and apply daily after taking a bath. Apply all over wet skin to see good results. (Read: Say goodbye to these 7 common hair and skin problems using honey)

• Acts as a facial scrub

Honey can also be used as a facial scrub. Take 3 tablespoons of honey, some olive oil and a few crushed almonds. Apply on the face. Scrub for a few minutes and wash off with cold water. Do this twice a week to make your skin glow.

---

For more articles on healthy food, visit our healthy food section. For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter.

1. Prev:Ginger and honey — a mix that’ll help you lose weight faster than Kiran Bedi lost votes!
2. Next:Health benefits of amchur or mango powder