Nutrition, Medicine, and Preservation

1 . Does honey contain protein and vitamins?

Yes, but only trace amounts.

2 . What is honey’s nutritional value?

Easily digestible and quick energy with trace amounts of pollen. This may or may not confer some resistance to local pollen allergies.

3 . Does honey have antibiotic properties?

Honey has a high sugar density (up to 81%) which leaves very little water to sustain the growth of microorganisms. Most bacteria cannot thrive in such a high concentration of sugar. The acidic pH range is inhibitory to many organisms. Minimum pH range for E. Coli is 4.3 and for salmonella is 4.0. Glucose oxidase is inserted into honey by the bees which react with glucose to produce hydrogen peroxide which is antibacterial.

4 . Is honey antibacterial when taken orally?

No, it is only useful when used topically.

5 . What Is “raw” honey?

Raw honey is honey that has not been pasteurized or finely filtered.