Store-Bought VS Local Honey

Honey is a superfood with many medicinal benefits. In addition, it has many healthy plant compounds linked to health benefits. But how do we know which honey is pure? Most importantly, which one to choose; store-bought honey or local honey? 

The United States produces almost 40% of domestic honey; the remaining is imported from Asia or Europe. Most imported honey is pasteurized and filtered, removing all the goodness of honey. In addition, honey imported from nations having high pollution might also contain hard metals, pollutants, and antibiotics.

Raw Honey

Honey that exists in beehives is raw honey. Raw honey is extracted, strained, and directly bottled without the commercial process of filtration and mixing any other ingredients.

Regular Honey  

Regular honey goes through a commercial process after extraction. It is filtered, pasteurized, and even added with additives or preservatives before being bottled. Pasteurization involves passing the honey through high heat, which destroys the yeast to make it smoother and extend its expiry life. Filtration removes impurities and debris but also removes beneficial antioxidants, pollens, and enzymes.

Store-Bought Honey

The majority of store-bought honey is regular honey made by the commercial process. Pasteurization and filtration strip all the goodness of honey, devoid of all the natural benefits that honey offers. 

Many commercial brands are also adding corn syrup into honey to give it natural color and flavor. It does cost less but is fake honey good for nothing. 60% of commercial honey is imported to meet the demand and may contain sugar syrup. The honey does not have any health benefits and will cause weight gain and diabetes.

Store-bought honey is ultra-filtered and super-heated, stripping it off nutrients and beneficial enzymes. The process suits commercialization of honey to extend shelf life and prevents quick crystallization. The process does not harm the honey but removes many healthy compounds.

Benefits of Local Honey

Local honey is raw honey that is bottled straight from beehives. Local honey contains all the nutrients and is considered beneficial over store-bought honey. Here are some of the benefits of local honey.

1. Loaded with Antioxidants

Local honey is a good source of antioxidants that comes from an array of plant sources. Wild honey has a variety of fruits and vegetable antioxidants. It helps prevent cell damage in the body and keeps your skin glowing. Free radicals in local honey contribute towards keeping you young and active. In addition, it prevents heart disease and cancer.

2. Anti-bacterial Properties

Medical research proves honey destroys bacteria and fungus. Local honey contains natural hydrogen peroxide, which is an antiseptic. However, the effectiveness is only present in local honey and is devoid of store-bought honey. Honey acts as a medicine to cure sore throat owing to its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties.

3. Contains Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are naturally occurring plant compounds that protect plants from diseases. For example, it protects the plant from UV rays and keeps insects and pests away. Phytonutrients in honey also account for its antioxidants. Local honey boosts your immune system and also has anti-cancer properties.

4. Good for Digestion

Honey is good medicine for the treatment of digestive issues like diarrhea and indigestion. Local honey is an effective medicine to treat bacteria causing stomach ulcers. In addition, local honey is pro-biotic, which is excellent for your gut. It improves your digestion and helps in eliminating chronic stomach infections.

5. Cures Sore Throat

If you have a sore throat, try a spoonful of local honey. Be rest assured it will activate the healing process, and you will feel good. You can also add it to your lemon tea or take it with warm water. Local honey is a cough suppressant and is prescribed as a cough medicine to children. So next time you have a cough, take a couple of spoons of local honey straight.

Conclusion

After all the comparison and knowing the process, the verdict goes in favor of local honey. Store-bought honey is packaged after the commercial process of ultra-filtration and pasteurization. Moreover, imported honey can also contain sugar syrup and pollutants, which is harmful. So if you are looking for pure raw honey, go for local honey.