When most people think of honey, they think of the sweet, sticky substance that is often used as a natural sweetener.
However, there are two different types of honey: raw honey and regular honey. What’s the difference between the two? And which one is better for you?
In this article, we will discuss the differences between raw honey and regular honey, and we will help you decide which type is best for you!
What is Raw Honey?
Raw honey is a natural sweetener that is extracted from the nectar of flowers. It is different than processed honey, which has been heat-treated and filtered. Raw honey contains beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and minerals that are lost in the processing process.
It also has a thicker consistency and a more intense flavor than processed honey. Raw honey can be used as a sweetener in recipes or eaten plain. It is also believed to have health benefits, such as boosting the immune system and fighting infection.
Raw Honey vs. Regular Honey: What’s the Difference?
Raw and regular honey is processed quite differently. Raw honey is taken straight from the hive and bottled, while regular honey goes through a pasteurization process.
And this can lead to a variety of distinctions between the two, especially in quality. Here are the main differences between raw and regular honey.
#1 – Raw Honey is More Nutritious
Since raw honey is unprocessed, it contains more vitamins and minerals than regular honey. Raw honey also has more antioxidants than regular honey.
These antioxidants can help neutralize free radicals in the body, which are harmful molecules that can damage cells. Raw honey also contains enzymes that are not found in regular honey.
These enzymes aid in digestion and have other health benefits.
#2 – Most Regular Honey Doesn’t Contain Any Pollen
Raw honey also contains pollen, which is a source of protein. Most regular honey does not contain pollen because it has been filtered out during the pasteurization process.
Pollen can also help with allergies since it can act as a natural vaccine when ingested. When you eat raw honey, you are exposed to small amounts of pollen, which can help build up immunity to allergies.
Raw honey is also said to be more effective in treating coughs and sore throats than regular honey. This is because raw honey contains an antioxidant called propolis.
Propolis is a substance that bees make from tree resin. It has antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.
#3 – Regular Honey May Have Hidden Sugars or Sweeteners
While raw honey is a pure product, regular honey may have added sugars or other sweeteners.
These sweeteners can be natural, like cane sugar, or artificial, like high-fructose corn syrup.
Regular honey may also be filtered to remove impurities, which can include pollen.
This filtration process can also remove some of the beneficial compounds found in raw honey.
Raw Honey Is Not the Same as Organic
Just because honey is raw doesn’t necessarily mean it’s organic.
Organic honey is produced according to specific standards set by the USDA.
To be labeled organic, bees must have access to certified organic land, and they can only eat certified organic food.
The hives and beekeeping equipment must also meet certain standards.
If you’re looking for honey that’s both raw and organic, make sure the label says so.
Risks of Eating Raw Honey
Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
These spores can cause infant botulism, a serious but rare illness that affects babies under one year old.
Symptoms of infant botulism include constipation, weakness, and paralysis.
If you’re pregnant or feeding a baby younger than one-year-old, it’s best to avoid raw honey.
However, botulism is very rare among healthy adults and older children. As the body ages, the gut develops enough to stop the botulinum spores from growing.
That said, if you experience side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea soon after eating raw honey, you should see your doctor immediately.
How to Pick the Healthiest Honey
Whether you choose raw or regular honey, make sure it’s unpasteurized, unheated, and produced by bees that forage on pesticide-free flowers.
Also, look for honey that’s organic and has the USDA Organic seal. This ensures the honey is pure and has not been processed with added sugars or other ingredients.
When shopping for honey, you may also see labels that say “raw” or “pure.” However, these terms are not regulated by the FDA and don’t guarantee the same level of quality as certified organic honey.
If you’re looking for the healthiest option, choose raw, certified organic honey. This type of honey has the most antioxidants and nutrients, and it hasn’t been processed with added sugars or other ingredients.
However, raw honey is more expensive than regular honey and it may be difficult to find in stores. If you can’t find raw honey, choose regular honey that’s organic and has the USDA Organic seal. This type of honey is also pure and has not been processed with added sugars or other ingredients.
Whichever type of honey you choose, make sure it’s pure and has not been processed with added sugars or other ingredients. Honey is a healthy sweetener that you can enjoy in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Try adding honey to your favorite recipes or using it as a natural sweetener in your morning cup of tea.
Conclusion
Now that you know the difference between raw honey and regular honey, you can make an informed decision about which type of honey to buy. Choose raw honey if you want a pure, unprocessed product. If raw honey is unavailable or too expensive, choose regular organic honey instead. Either way, you’ll be getting a delicious and, nutritious product that can add sweetness to your life.
