Good for you: Honey

Tawnie Graham

March/April 2023 California Bountiful magazine

It's buzzing
with benefits!

Story by Tawnie Graham

When you think of something healthy to eat, it is often
a dark green vegetable or a fresh piece of California fruit. The phrase “as busy as a bee” is so appropriate
in describing the efforts of the hardworking honeybee in paving the way for us to have an amazing variety of vegetables, fruits and honey on our table.

A bee’s good health is critical to pollination and the production of honey is truly a miracle! Nature’s gold, better known as raw honey, is buzzing with healthy attributes that make it a must to enjoy every day.

A sweetener and more

Healthy alternative to sugar: Honey can replace sugar in baking, cooking and beverages. It’s sweeter than sugar and also adds flavor where white sugar doesn’t.

Great source of carbohydrates: The carbohydrates in honey help fuel our bodies. One tablespoon has 64 calories and 17 grams of carbohydrates.

Antioxidants: Honey contains antioxidants that may boost your body’s overall immunity and protect against inflammation.

Natural cough suppressant: Honey may help treat cough frequency and cough severity and also soothes a sore throat.

Blood sugars: Because of its lower glycemic index value, honey doesn’t raise blood sugar levels as quickly as sugar.

Creative ways to enjoy honey
  • Use in your favorite baked goods
  • Add to tea or smoothies
  • Drizzle on peanut butter toast
  • Create a honey-based salad dressing
  • Mix into a homemade energy bar
  • Add to roasted veggies for a gorgeous glaze
  • Dunk your pizza crust in it or drizzle over pizza!

Bonus tip: When you need to measure honey, grease the measuring cup with nonstick spray before pouring the honey in. This way, no honey gets left behind!

You’ll find recipes for Honey Balsamic Brussels Sprouts, 5-Ingredient Energy Bars and more ways to use honey at krollskorner.com.

Tawnie Graham is a registered dietitian nutritionist, cookbook author, owner of food blog Kroll’s Korner and a mom. Follow her on krollskorner.com and on Instagram at @krolls_korner.