Buckwheat honey comes from bees who feed primarily on buckwheat. This dark-colored honey imparts a rich flavor to baked goods and other recipes, and you may opt to use it as a sweetener for beverages as well. This honey is quite good for you, providing a range of benefits for your health; however, speak to your health care provider before consuming buckwheat honey for any medical condition.
Eases Coughs
A bad cough can wrack your entire body, making you sore and irritable. Including buckwheat honey in your diet may help suppress coughing fits, particularly during the night. A study published in the December 2007 issue of the "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine" compared the effects of buckwheat honey, honey-flavored cough medicine and no treatment at all on nighttime coughing in children. Parents reported that buckwheat honey provided the most relief to their children and helped them get more restful sleep. Presumably, buckwheat honey may work just as effectively on adult coughs.
Boosts Antioxidant Intake
The antioxidants in the foods you eat may help protect the cells in your body from changes triggered by environmental exposure, possibly reducing your risk of developing diabetes and heart disease. Research featured in the February 2003 issue of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" notes that buckwheat honey increased antioxidant intake in laboratory testing. Researchers note that more research is needed on the long-term benefits of buckwheat honey antioxidants for your health.
May Prevent Cancer
Including buckwheat honey in your diet may offer you a chemoprotective benefit. Evidence available in the December 2002 edition of the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry" correlates buckwheat honey consumption with protection against cancer. This effect is due to the pinostrobin in buckwheat honey, which sets certain detoxification enzymes into action. Broccoli is also a good source of this compound, so consider roasting broccoli in buckwheat honey for double the cancer protection and a tasty treat.
Wound Healing Properties
Consider using buckwheat honey as a topical treatment for wounds. Its ability to reduce the level of reactive oxygen species in laboratory testing make it a smart choice to speed healing. A study published in the April 2008 issue of the "Journal of Wound Care" points to the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of buckwheat honey as an indication of its usefulness in cleaning cuts and scrapes and promoting healing.
References
- "Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine"; Effect of Honey, Dextromethrophan, and No Treatment On Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality For Coughing Children and Their Parents; I.M. Paul, et al.; December 2007
- MedlinePlus: Antioxidants
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Buckwheat Honey Increases Serum Antioxidant Capacity in Humans; N. Gheldof, et al; February 2003
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Pinostrobin From Honey and Thai Ginger (Boesenbergia pandurata): a Potent Flavonoid Inducer of Mammalian Phase 2 Chemoprotective and Antioxidant Enzymes; J.W. Fahey, et al.; December 2002
- "Journal of Wound Care"; An In Vitro Examination of the Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Buckwheat Honey; A.J. van der Berg, et al.; April 2008
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