As Americans become increasingly interested in healthy living, they are increasingly looking for alternatives to nefarious processed sugars. Honeys, maple syrups, stevia extract and agave nectar are all becoming more and more prevalent in supermarkets across the nation. This means that there is often a plethora of different types of natural sweeteners for consumers to choose from, however, and not all natural sweeteners carry the same types of health benefits.
It’s important to do your research before buying health foods in Poplar Bluff, MO, because you may be investing in highly processed natural sweeteners that are actually just as damaging to your health as traditional cane or beet sugars!
Honey is known for its antibacterial properties and disinfectant strength. Gurgling raw honey with salt and warm water, for instance, is a powerful way to treat ailments including sore throats and canker sores. Using processed honey, even if it’s organic, however, can render this naturalistic treatment virtually pointless.
Understanding the difference between raw and organic honey can help you make better-informed decisions the next time you go shopping for health foods in Poplar Bluff, MO.
Defining organic honey
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) maintains strong regulations dictating what can legally be called “certified organic.” Organic bees must meet the USDA’s stringent organic livestock guidelines.
Additionally, the USDA requires that organic honey only be produced using flowers that have not been treated with certain chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
After organic honey is harvested, it’s typically processed using heat. After straining the honey, most organic honey producers pasteurize the product before bottling. They may also perform further heat-treating processes to make the honey thinner and smoother.
Defining raw honey
Raw honey, on the other hand, doesn’t necessarily have to be organic. Raw honey is just honey as it comes directly out of the beehive, without any pasteurization or heat-treating. This means that the honey has more of its original nutrients.
Generally, the only type of processing that raw honey undergoes prior to bottling is straining to remove large clumps of beeswax.
Pasteurization and the heat-treating process strips honey of its natural vitamins and antibacterial properties.
If you are looking for the best possible type of honey to use in your home, you should invest in raw, organic honey. It is one of the most versatile health foods in Poplar Bluff, MO that you can buy. Unfortunately, because there are no strict legal guidelines dictating what type of honey can be called “raw,” you should only purchase raw honey from a source that you trust.
Since 1979, The Bee Hive Natural Foods has been the premier provider of natural foods in Poplar Bluff, MO. We offer a wide variety of different honeys, supplements and homeopathic products. We strive to provide our customers with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed and educated decisions about the types of food they purchase and eat. We carry lactose-free products, organic produce, gluten-free items and home wine-making equipment. You can rely on us to provide you with the healthy eating supplies that you need to live your best possible life.