Want to know arbutus honey health benefits? Arbutus unedo, commonly called strawberry tree, is an evergreen tree, shrub or small tree in the family Ericaceae that is native from the Mediterranean to Ireland. It produces a peculiar tasting honey, one that is regarded as precious and rare due to being found in only a few places in the world. The plant blooms just during late autumn, between October and January, when bees have a reduced activity and are, consequently, less productive.
What makes this variety of honey so popular is its unusual savor that combines sweetness and bitterness in a unique taste experience, but also its high antioxidant content. Arbutus honey contains Homogentisic acid, a powerful phenolic acid. Arbutus honey health benefits include the antioxidant and antibacterial qualities of this honey that are truly exceptional and it is one of the most antioxidant as well as antibacterial honeys in the world. The variety owes its medicinal effects to its high antioxidant content, but also to its superior antibacterial and immunomodulating properties and good nutritional profile.
The arbutus honey health benefits has a large number of therapeutic properties. Anecdotal evidence we have heard also suggests this honey does not cause blood sugar to spike and is often used locally by diabetics.(This is not a medical claim- please consult your doctor if you are diabetic). It can still be used for immunity, for respiratory diseases, for wounds and burns, for cardiovascular conditions and digestive issues.
1. Immunity System Builder
Amongst the many health benefits of Arbutus honey, what is most impressive is that honey can be a powerful immune system booster. It’s antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease. Start every brand new day with this cleansing tonic if you want to see this health benefit of Arbutus honey: before breakfast, mix a spoonful of Arbutus honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink it.
2. Arbutus Honey Controls Cholesterol
High cholesterol is a daunting health problem that should be dealt adequately and on time. Many studies have proved that Arbutus honey is a healthy source to control high cholesterol levels. A study has even mentioned that consuming 70g of Arbutus honey regularly for 30 days can reduce these levels by 3%. Surprisingly, with the help of the Arbutus honey, you can increase good cholesterol levels.
3. Arbutus Honey Reduces Allergies
Because of Arbutus honey’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is able to help reduce allergy symptoms. This health benefit of Arbutus honey acts as a natural vaccine because it contains little amounts of pollen. Once your body gets a small taste of the honey’s pollen, it will produce antibodies that will take care of that pollen, which means that your body will build up a defense against that allergy, over time.
4. Arbutus Honey Prevents Cancer and Heart disease
Arbutus honey is another food that can help prevent or fight cancer because it has carcinogen-preventing properties and can help fight the growth of existing tumors.Research studies suggest that Arbutus honey may have the potential to become an anticancer agent. Arbutus honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.
5. Arbutus Honey has Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Research has shown that raw Arbutus honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. The low pH level of Arbutus honey is unsuitable for bacterial growth and it can reduce infection. Arbutus honey could help combat urinary tract infections and other infections.
6. Helpful for Diabetics
Despite being sweet in taste, Arbutus honey doesn’t increase the sugar in the bloodstream and it is safe for diabetics. It is also said to reduce fasting serum glucose maintain fasting C-peptide, a compound that stabilizes insulin. It could be a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners. Diabetics can now enjoy their teas or oatmeal by incorporating honey in them. Since natural products usually don’t contain any adverse effects it is still advised to consult with your doctor before consuming anything.
7. Arbutus Honey is a Cough Suppressant
The World Health Organization (WHO) gives credence to honey as a demulcent (something that relieves irritation or inflammation), which helps alleviate a cough due to the pure honey benefits acting as a protective film over the throat.
8. Arbutus Honey Improves Sleep
The sweetness of Arbutus honey causes your insulin levels to rise, which in turn releases the neurotransmitter serotonin. Then, the body converts serotonin to melatonin – a chemical that helps your body sleep.
In addition to serotonin, amino acids are found in Arbutus honey, which contribute to the production of the amino acid tryptophan. When tryptophan gets to the brain, it is converted into serotonin and, eventually, melatonin, so you have even more of it to help you sleep better.
9. Arbutus Honey Fights Infections
Bacteria are the main cause of various kinds of infections. You can prevent your body from these infections just by incorporating it into your daily diet. Being enriched with antibacterial properties, it works as a shield against various kinds of infection preventing your body from further damage.
10. Arbutus Honey Improves Asthma
Isn’t it surprising to learn that it can relieve asthma as well, which is a daunting health problem. It not just it treats troubling coughs, but helps relieve the respiratory system by keeping all that wheezing and troubled breathing at bay. Moreover, Arbutus honey is known to soothe mucus membranes found in the airways. Consuming a decent quantity of Arbutus honey can also impede mucus buildup in the bronchial tubes, which is known as a major asthma symptom.
11. Arbutus Honey Improves Weight Loss
This golden colored substance is a mouthwatering way to lose weight. You can even replace regular sugar intake with it for quick results. Moreover, consuming a spoonful of Arbutus honey with warm water can reduce your sugar cravings, which will help you a lot during your weight loss journey.
Arbutus honey has many therapeutic properties and is popularly used as a diuretic, anti-asthmatic (for bronchial infections), urinary antiseptic and to improve blood circulation. Studies have shown this honey type has high antioxidant levels, much more so than Buckwheat or Chestnut honey.