What is Buckwheat Honey?
Despite the name, buckwheat is not a cereal grain, but a plant related to rhubarb. Dark in colour, buckwheat honey has a smooth, full-bodied taste and is rich in antioxidants. In traditional herbal medicine, honey is used to improve circulation and for heart health. Good news for world heart day.
Why is Buckwheat Honey Good for the Heart?
First, buckwheat honey contains rutin and magnesium. Rutin strengthens capillary walls and magnesium relaxes blood vessels which helps to decrease blood pressure. Second, buckwheat honey has antioxidants. A 2004 Cornell University report on a study showed people who drank 80 g of a buckwheat honey drink, increased their antioxidant capacity by 7 per cent. Reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol while increasing HDL (good) cholesterol is good for the heart.
Buckwheat Honey Relieves Coughs Too!
Honey is also traditionally used to treat upper respiratory tract infection such as cough. A 2007 clinical trial on 105 children with upper respiratory tract infections showed that those getting buckwheat honey before bedtime coughed less and slept better than those receiving OTC products.
To get the health benefits of honey, you need to know the difference between real and fake. Real honey contains pollen and not sugary additives such as corn syrups. And, always buy 100% pure unprocessed Canadian honey from people you trust.
Note: This article should not be considered substitutes for professional medical care and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any specific disease and is for informational purposes only. Bee products may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, consult your health care practitioner for guidance.