Chemical composition and nutritional value of honey

Since ancient times, honey was famous for its medicinal properties, therefore it was used in folk medicine for the treatment of many ailments. To understand the benefits of the product, you should familiarize yourself with its composition and nutritional value. It is different depending on the geography of the collection, climatic conditions, season, weather, bee breed, the maturity of the bee product. The nutritional value of honey allows you to determine how much it should be consumed.

Water

In the product, water can be in the range of 14-26%. Each country has its own norms. The indicator determines the grade. Previously, according to the quality standards, humidity should not be above 21%. Exceptions are cotton varieties, the moisture content of which is not more than 19%. In Russia, honey should contain no more than 20% moisture.

Carbohydrates

Nutritional value of natural honey consists of carbohydrates. In a product of different varieties, this component can reach up to 86%. Over 40 varieties were carefully studied. The main ones are fructose and glucose. Also contains maltose and sucrose.

It should be borne in mind that the composition of nectar is unstable. The carbohydrate content can be in different ranges. This is due to the fact that honey is a living product. From the moment of pumping from cells to its use, it can take a long time. When stored, carbohydrates are stabilized. Fresh product contains more sucrose than already sown.

It is important for consumers to know the relation of fructose to other sugars. The more it is, the longer the sugaring takes place and the more useful the product will be. Fructose is absorbed for a long time, therefore the person feels satiety after using this product for a long period.

Valuable elements

The nutritional value of honey consists of minerals. Fallow cultivars are considered more saturated than flowers. The natural product contains about 1% ash. It is on this depends mineralization. Ash content is determined by the geography of the collection, by nectar production, by climate.

The main substance, which has a large specific gravity of ash, is potassium. Also in the product there are calcium, chlorine, sulfur, sodium, magnesium. Dark honey is considered more saturated with macro- and microelements. This must be taken into account when using such a product.

Nitrogenous components

Contains other components useful honey. The composition and nutritional value are enriched with a variety of substances. Bees saturate the nectar with nitrogenous components - proteins. In floral species, they are about 0.5%. Padaceous varieties contain up to 2% of proteins.

Enzymes

It can be seen from the studies that the protein compounds have enzymatic activity. In honey, there is amylase, inulase, lipase and other components. Enzymes are needed for processing nectar by bees. They are also used in the maturation of the product. Substances are needed for a qualitative analysis of natural honey.

Amino acids

The nutritional value of honey includes amino acids. 100 mg of the product contains up to 98 mg of compounds. Among them: lysine, isoleucine, phenylalanine. Due to the content of amino acids honey acquires a wonderful taste and aroma. A bouquet of variety is created with them.

Alkaloids

The therapeutic properties of this useful product are associated with the content of alkaloids. In a moderate amount, they have a therapeutic effect, and in a large amount - toxicity. Alkaloids include nicotine, caffeine, quinine. In the product they are in the form of traces, so do not cause negative reactions.

Alkaloids have the following functions:

• Inhibitory effect on the nervous system.
• Exciting effect.
• Paralytic effect on nerve endings.
• Anesthetic effect.

These components, depending on the species, can narrow and expand the vessels.

Acids

Acids also contains honey. The chemical composition and nutritional value of this product are rich. Flower varieties have an acidic reaction in the range of 3.2-6.5 pH, and pade - 3,7-5,6.

In the product there are organic acids, thanks to the variety of which provides a beautiful taste and flavor of aromas. They include milk, apple, flower and many others. They are contained in an amount not exceeding 0.3%. Inorganic acids include hydrochloric and phosphoric. Since they are presented in the form of salts, this does not have a huge effect on acidity.

Vitamins

The nutritional value of honey includes vitamins. Their content is not uniform. For example, ascorbic acid can be contained in different amounts depending on the variety:

• Heather honey - 45 mcg in 1 g.
• Buckwheat - up to 120 mcg.
• Mint - 2600 mcg.

In honey there are vitamins B1, E, PP, A, N. The specific weight of vitamins is determined by the amount of pollen grains. Their content is destroyed because of the acidic environment.

The nutritional value

Here is a useful composition has honey. Nutritional value of 100 gr is in the content:

• Proteins - 0.8 g.
• Carbohydrates - 80.3 g.

Caloric content of the product is 328 kcal. But at the same time it is very useful. Honey contains many vitamins and trace elements. It contains rare, but necessary substances for humans. Nutritional value of honey in a teaspoon is 32 kcal, because it contains 10 g of product.

Benefit

Useful properties of honey were known in ancient times. It was used not only as an excellent food product, but also as a remedy for treating many ailments. Honey is famous for the following useful properties:

• Restores strength, strengthens immunity after disease.
• Has a bactericidal effect, so it is used for wound healing.
• Normalizes the digestive system.
• Stimulates the activity of internal organs.
• Eliminates stagnation of bile.
• He cures cataracts.
• Restores physical strength.
• Normalizes the metabolism.

Honey is needed to improve the performance of the respiratory system. It is used in the treatment of colds. With it, the pores on the skin are cleared. The product is used in the bath and for performing cosmetic procedures.

Harm and contraindications

There are recommendations of experts on how not to make honey a harmful product. For example, its structure changes with heating, and the properties become different. Therefore it is forbidden to drink honey with a hot drink. Tea or milk should be in a warm form.

Do not use honey in large quantities. Excessive can cause diabetes. The product causes caries, and faster, compared with sugar and candy. Doctors advise after each use to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth, which will be even more effective.

Do not use honey on an empty stomach. This is due to the fact that honey stimulates the start of the digestive system. If you do not get regular food for 30 minutes, it leads to the production of insulin, because of which there is a deterioration in health.

Some people have an allergy to honey. Hives are common, but there may be an anaphylactic shock. The product should not be given to children under 3 years of age. Honey is considered unique, as it has many beneficial properties for the body. It is only necessary to take into account limitations and contraindications, but it should not be excluded from nutrition.