The recorded use of honey dates to Egyptians in 5500 B.C. and it was man's first and most reliable source of sweetener. Honeybees, which are native to Asia, were brought to the New World by colonists in 1622. Until cane sugar became commercially available and affordable in the mid 19th century, honey was the main sweetening agent and was used in cakes and cookies. Honey is full of vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, copper, and five of the eight B vitamins.
B Vitamins
Honey contains five of the eight B vitamins: vitamin B-6, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid. Vitamin B-6 helps the body get and make energy from the food we eat and aids in the formation of red blood cells. It processes amino acids used in the production of proteins and is needed to make a variety of hormones, including serotonin, melatonin and dopamine. Thiamine is used to process carbohydrates, fats and proteins, may enhance circulation and helps with blood formation. Niacin may help lower LDL, or bad, cholesterol and increase HDL, or good, cholesterol. It releases energy from carbohydrates and controls blood-sugar levels while helping to keep the skin, digestive and nervous systems healthy. Riboflavin processes amino acids and fats, is used to activate vitamin B and folic acid and aids in the conversion of carbs into ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, which is the fuel that runs the body. Pantothenic acid produces and releases energy from fats and may help lower levels of harmful cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Calcium
Calcium helps to build strong bones and teeth and is required to help the blood clot, transmit signals to the nerves and help the muscles contract. It is also important for maintaining a normal heartbeat and is an essential dietary element.
Copper
Copper helps the body to use iron, is important for nerve function and bone growth. It also helps the body use sugar and protects cell membranes from being destroyed by free radicals. Copper is the third most abundant mineral in the body and is needed for growth and health.
Iron
Iron is an important mineral for the proper function of hemoglobin, which is what carries oxygen through the blood. It is needed for proper muscle and organ function and is used to produce red blood cells.
Magnesium
Magnesium produces cellular energy and nerve and muscle message transmission. It is used by the body to help maintain muscles, nerves and bones. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential for good health. It is found in the bones, teeth and red blood cells.
Manganese
Manganese is stored in the bones, liver, kidney and pancreas and aids in the formation of connective tissue, bones, blood-clotting factors and sex hormones. It is necessary for normal brain and nerve function.
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