The 10 Properties of Honey: Do You Know Them All?

3Bee is the Nature Tech company that develops technologies for the protection of biodiversity. 3Bee Hive-Tech is 3Bee's first system for analysing the health and 'starvation' status of honeybees, environmental pests par excellence. Over time, we have developed other technologies to study and monitor all the pollinating insects and created more than 200 Oases of Biodiversity with thousands of nectariferous plants to provide them with nourishment. In this way, we want to create a virtuous circle: our beekeepers are transformed by necessity into Oasis growers and promoters of environmental biodiversity. We do not encourage massive production and intensive breeding, which have a negative impact on biodiversity and pollinators. We do, however, recognise the value of honey as a valuable symbol of the biodiversity of an environment and a tool for disseminating the commitment and protection of an area, to be consumed sparingly and with respect for the life cycle of these insects.

Warm milk and honey, how many of us have never tried the classic 'grandma's remedy' for coughs and sore throats? Different types of honey are an excellent cough sedative, says an Israeli study of 300 children. By taking honey instead of syrups and drugs, they saw a considerable decrease from night-time coughing! Just as it is useful in fighting coughs, it is also a great ally in cases of sore throat and seasonal winter illnesses. It exerts a decongestant action on the first respiratory tract. For this kind of ailment, one usually prefers to consume more 'balsamic' honeys, such as lime and eucalyptus, to name but the most famous.

Honey is great for athletes! Being a natural concentrate of sugars with sweetening power, it is a precious source of energy. Its glucose and fructose composition allows both rapid absorption for faster utilisation of sugars and greater availability even during more intense physical exertion. Honey is a food rich in antioxidants and polyphenols. As a rule, the darker the colour of honey, the richer it is in these substances. Its antioxidant action prevents the onset of diseases caused by free radicals and counteracts the ageing process.

In ancient times, honey was used to facilitate the healing of wounds. Many studies have focused on this property of honey. What has emerged is that the use of honey on wounds stimulates tissue regeneration, while preventing inflammation and infection. Honey's ability to reduce infection is related to its known anti-microbial action. The presence of hydrogen peroxide contrasts bacterial proliferation. Many studies have been conducted to try to fully understand its potential. Among the honeys studied, the one that seems to have the most intense action is that of Manuka, especially against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Honey is also rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds and these are responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does it promote tissue regeneration, but it also appears to be a stimulant for our immune system! For all these beneficial properties, honey has an incredibly beneficial effect on our skin, especially in the case of acne and pimples. It can be the secret ingredient in many home beauty recipes, such as moisturising masks and scrubs.

Honey also seems to be very useful in cases of gastrointestinal infections. Precisely because of its anti-inflammatory properties and its promotion of tissue regeneration, it can have positive effects on the health of our stomachs. Among the many properties of honey, we can also mention its adjuvant action in cases of constipation. Its high fructose concentration, in fact, has a lowering power as it stimulates the flow of liquids in the intestinal tract.

Honey is therefore a superfood, compared to sugar, that we should always have with us. Whichever type you choose according to your taste, always make sure it is a expensive and artisanal honey, so that you can enjoy all its properties. Choose to adopt a 3Bee hive. This way you will not only be able to monitor your hive daily from your smartphone, but you will also receive the honey produced directly to your home! Such as acacia honey, honeydew honey, linden honey and many more. Choose the hive that's right for you!