Bees produce honey naturally from flower nectar. It has been used as a foodstuff, medicine, and beauty product for so long in different societies across the globe. Honey is loved because of its sweetness and health benefits.
Raw Honey: Raw honey is unprocessed and unfiltered containing all-natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other nutritional elements.
Manuka Honey: Manuka honey originates from New Zealand where it is known to have high antibacterial qualities attributed to methylglyoxal.
Acacia Honey: It is light and mild in flavor derived from acacia flowers’ nectar making it a popular choice for kitchen purposes.
Clover Honey: This type of honey comes from bees that collect clover’s nectar it has a light color with a gentle taste.
Buckwheat Honey: Darker-flavored buckwheat honey contains more antioxidants; hence, the belief that it may offer extra health benefits.
Besides being an organic sweetener, honey provides several essential nutrients and antioxidants. The composition may vary depending on the floral source or processing but below are some general nutrition facts per tablespoon (21 grams):
Calories – 64
Carbohydrates – 17g
Sugars – 17 g (mostly fructose & glucose)
Protein – 0g
Fat – 0g
Vitamins/Minerals – Trace amounts of vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium & zinc are found in this food product called honey.
Antioxidants- Phenolic compounds and flavonoids that have antioxidant properties are associated with this product called honey.
Prebiotics- Prebiotic substances such as oligosaccharides present in certain types of honey can help promote the growth of beneficial bacteria in your intestinal tract.
Natural sweetener: Honey is a good substitute for refined sugar in various types of food preparation which include baking, cooking, and beverage sweetening.
Medicinal ends: Traditionally, honey has been used for hundreds of years to treat ailments such as sore throats and coughs. It can relieve respiratory problems by mixing it with warm water or herbal tea.
Skin health: Honey is an excellent ingredient in skincare products because of its antimicrobial properties as well as being an antioxidant. This helps to moisturize the skin, speed up the healing process for wounds, and fight bacteria that cause acne.
Energy boosters: Quick energy is provided by natural sugars present in honey hence it’s a preferred choice among athletes or fitness freaks, who use it as a pre/ post workout snack when combined with fruits or put into smoothies.
Digestive health: Some varieties of honey contain prebiotics which are important for the growth of healthy gut bacteria. These help digestion and maintain intestinal health.
Allergic reaction relief: Eating raw honey bought locally may help reduce hay fever by gradually desensitizing one’s body against pollen by exposing it to minute quantities.
Antioxidant properties: Phenolic compounds and flavonoids contained in honey are antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress thereby reducing chances of getting chronic diseases.
Chyawanprash is an herbal preparation of Ayurveda that has been used in India as a revitalizing and immune-enhancing tonic since ancient times. It was named after the Sage Chyawan who is said to have created it to regain his youth and vigor.
The exact composition of chyawanprash may vary slightly from one formulation or manufacturer to another. However, some common ingredients include
Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in vitamin C, this fruit also has high levels of antioxidants and is known for its immune-boosting properties.
Ghee (Clarified Butter): This is used as a medium for herbs and it also supplies essential fatty acids.
Honey: It acts as a natural sweetener; honey also possesses several health benefits.
Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb with stress-relieving and immune-enhancing effects.
Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia): Guduchi holds special respect in Ayurveda for its immune-stimulating actions and detoxifying actions.
Pippali (Long Pepper): Pippali helps digestion and increases the bioavailability of other herbs present in its formulation.
Cardamom: Flavors it plus aids digestion
Cinnamon: A warming spice with antioxidants
Various Herbs and Spices: Depending on the formulation, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, etc., can be included in Chyawanprash among others.
Apart from having beneficial herbal components, chyawanprash has an appreciable nutritional status. Below are approximate nutrition facts per tablespoon (about 15 grams) although the actual values might differ slightly:
Calories – About 40-50
Carbohydrates – About 8-10 g
Sugars – It differs based on how much honey was utilized while formulating
Protein – Approximately 0.5-1 g
Fat – Around 0.5-1 g
Vitamins and Minerals: Chyawanprash is packed with vitamin C from amla and may have other vitamins and minerals based on the types of herbs included.
Antioxidants: Chyawanprash is loaded with antioxidants, potentially helping to fight oxidative stress as well as overall wellness and immunity, due to the addition of herbs like amla, cinnamon, and ashwagandha.
Immune Support: Chyawanprash is a popular Ayurvedic supplement for the immune system. This blend of herbs, particularly Amla, Guduchi, and Ashwagandha, helps to boost the natural defenses of the body and keep it free from infection.
Rejuvenation: Chyawanprash has been used as a general tonic for good health and vitality since ancient times; it rejuvenates the body thus promoting longevity, with youthfulness.
Respiratory Health: The herbal mixture found in Chyawanprash can help relieve asthma symptoms, bronchitis, and other respiratory problems. It may also help improve breathing by unblocking congested airways.
Digestive Aid: Some constituents like Pippali aid in digestion thereby improving nutrient bioavailability making this herbal jam useful for digestive health and nutrient absorption.
Stress Relief: Adaptogen herbs such as Ashwagandha contained in a product called Chyawanprash make it possible to adapt to pressure while enhancing brain functions that decrease anxiety as well as fatigue among other things.
Antioxidant Protection: By curing oxidative stress (known to cause aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases) which is linked to aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases through its potent antioxidant-rich ingredients such as Amla, Cinnamon & Cardamom, etc., and Chyawanprash serves as an internal antioxidant supplement.
Nutritional Supplement: Containing vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients at high concentration levels; chywanprash gives the essential nutrients necessary for maintaining sound health & vigor.
Is unpasteurized honey superior to the processed honey?
Raw honey is unprocessed and retains more nutrients and antioxidants than processed honey, which may lose some of its beneficial properties through heating and filtration. However, the above two types can still be healthy for different individuals depending on their likes.
Can diabetics consume honey?
Although a natural sweetener, honey contains sugars and thus should be used with caution by diabetics. While it may have a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugars, it can still raise blood sugar levels. It is therefore important to talk to your doctor for advice on how much honey you need in a day.
Is Chyawanprash safe for kids?
Chyawanprash is generally safe for children but it would be prudent to consult with a pediatrician before giving it to toddlers specifically those who are just a few months old. Some formulas could include powerful herbs that might not suit all ages. Additionally, the use of this drug should be based on the health status as well as the age of an individual.
Can Chyawanprash be taken with other medicines?
Always remember to ask an expert about taking Chyawanprash when you are under treatment using other pharmaceutical products particularly if you have any preexisting disease or prescribed medications. Certain medications may interact with some herbs found in Chyawanprash causing these drugs’ inefficiency or even adverse reactions.
Are there allergies connected with either Honey or Chyawanprash?
Honey and Chyawanprash allergies are rare but might happen especially among people who are allergic to pollen or sensitive towards certain ingredients and herbs. Such kind of symptoms include itching, swelling, hive rashes, or breathing difficulties. If in case there are any after-effects following the consumption of either honey or chayawansh then stop its usage and seek instant medical care.