What are the Health-Promoting Properties of Honey?
In the ancient world, honey was used for medicinal reasons as well as a sweetener. In fact, until antibiotics came onto the scene in the 1930s, honey still had a place in treating a variety of ailments. Now, as more bacteria are becoming drug-resistant, some doctors are again making use of the healing properties of honey. Raw honey contains an enzyme, glucose oxidase, that produces hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and can be used to treat and clean superficial cuts and wounds. Glucose oxidase is destroyed by pasteurization, or by intense heat, so most commercial honeys do not have this benefit. However, if you buy raw or unheated honey, you can take advantage of the antiseptic properties of honey.
