52
THE SECRETS OF NATURE’S GOLDEN NECTAR ✦ And the men of the city said unto him on the seventh day before the sun went down, what is sweeter than honey? - Judges 14:18
W ❖
Diane Elliott
❇ Royal jelly is highly nutritious and may have antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties. These properties may be responsible for many of the health claims about royal jelly. People usually consume it orally or apply it directly to the skin.
e are all more than familiar with the health properties of honey and that it has been used as both a food and a medicine since ancient times. However, many people are unaware of exactly how fond people were of the golden nectar way back in Biblical times and that it is even mentioned frequently in the Bible itself. That’s right, the holy scriptures have over 65 references to bees and honey across books such as Genesis, Exodus, Job, Ezekiel and Matthew, amongst others. Interestingly, honey bees are always used in the context of good, abundance and blessing. There are frequent references to “a land flowing with milk and honey”, and it is sometimes referred to as a precious gift. As such, it would be fair to say that honey is indeed heaven sent - a God sent even!
Back to the present day and honey is now used as a natural health supplement in a variety of ways. High-quality honey contains many important antioxidants, including organic acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids. The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and anti-fungal power. They’re also thought to be the reason raw honey has shown immuneboosting and anticancer benefits. Within moderation, honey is a great natural substitute for refined sugar and can help lower blood pressure in those that suffer from the condition. It is also believed to help improve your cholesterol levels and be used to treat niggly coughs as a natural alternative to contemporary medicines and to ensure a good night’s sleep. Some scientific studies suggest honey can help people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
