Category: Bee,

10 facts : Although honey 🍯 is similar to sugar, why it is still considered a healthier option ?

by drjurisharma, posted in antioxidant, Antioxidant,anti inflammatory, immune boosting, anti cancer, Bee,, Blog, brain, Brain, nervous system, gastrointestinal disease, autism, cancer, cognitive health, Cooling, freezing, storage, Food, Gut friendly, microbes, healing, health, Heart friendly, weight friendly, gut healthy, constipation,, Honey, beehives, polyphenols, antioxidants, anti inflammatory, cough, cardiovascular diseases, neurological diseases, Nature,, Science, self healing, wellness

1. Honey is about 80% sugar, mostly fructose and glucose and is considered a natural sweetener. Since it is a derivative of plant nectar, it is a storehouse of bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. It is a blend of many natural substances, depending upon the different varieties of flowers whose nectar is collected by the bees. Because of its nutritional profile, honey has tremendous health benefits and is considered a healthy sweetener.

Beehives

2. Though honey is rich in sugar, it is a powerhouse of nutritional content in raw, unprocessed form. Depending upon the sources, the nutritional content can vary. Pasteurised honey is processed, filtered and can have a lesser quantity of flavonoids and polyphenols. Besides the antioxidant properties, honey includes calcium, potassium, vitamins, copper, iron and zinc. It also contains a trace amount of protein. Depending upon the varieties of flowers’ nectar, climatic conditions, examples of honey varieties are:

• Clover honey

• Wildflower honey

• Orange blossom honey

• Alfaalfa honey

• Buckwheat honey

• Rare variety like Manuka honey, found in New Zealand

3. Sources: Honey is the only natural sugar source which is produced by insects that humans consume. It is best when consumed raw and unrefined. Supermarket honey available is usually processed, pasteurised honey. Honey should be best sourced from local markets and local farmers, where the content is “pure honey” without any additives. These types of honey are lighter in colour and consistency. Darker varieties are stronger in flavour and nutritionally rich. Honey should be preserved in a glass bottle or plastic airtight container, below 32 degrees F.

4. Crystallisation: This is a natural process of honey where it is transformed from a liquid to a solid state depending upon the temperature and how it is stored. Crystallisation of honey doesn’t mean that the honey is spoiled. Honey with a higher content of sugar (fructose, glucose) is quickly crystallized like Alfalfa and clover types. Crystallisation happens as the dense sugar molecules start to hold the water permanently, which is, in fact, a sign of pure, unadulterated honey. The honey can be restored to its liquid form by putting the honey jar in a warm water container. Boiling water should be avoided as the nutritional content can be compromised.

5. Storage: Honey doesn’t require refrigeration. Its shelf life is around 2 years. Refrigeration and cold temperatures can lead to crystallisation of honey. It can be stored at room temperature at 20 to 25 degrees C or around 60 degrees F, ideally in an airtight glass container. It can also be stored in a food-grade plastic container. In the kitchen, it can be placed in a dry, dark place or pantry, avoiding direct sunlight.

6. Health benefits: As honey is rich in sugar, it should be consumed in small quantities rather than in large amounts. For centuries, the latest research has shown that honey has promising health benefits and healing properties. Some of them:

• Antioxidant rich so consuming raw, unrefined honey on regular basis can have anti-inflammatory benefits.

• Promote balance of blood sugar levels than regular refined sugar.

• Improves heart health by maintaining blood pressure, regulate heart beats.

• Since it has anti-bacterial properties , it can promote wound healing.

• Suppress sore throat and cough and support respiratory health.

• Supports gut health and is helpful in case of irritable bowel disease.

• Anti-fungal, anti-bacterial & anti-cancer.

7. Brain health: Research suggests that honey has amazing benefits for brain health and can prevent neurodegenerative diseases. Manuka honey is the best for brain health. Some of the neurological benefits of honey are:

• Unlike a refined sugar rush, honey can provide a natural, steady energy flow to neurons.• Flavonoids and phenolic acids can prevent free radical oxidative stress and cell damage in neurons.

• Supports memory by protecting brain cell mitochondria and elevates BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor).

• Studies show honey is neuroprotective and prevents cognitive decline.

• Honey naturally contains melatonin, which supports sleep, and naturally removes toxins from the brain that build up while awake.

8. Alleviate cough: Studies have shown that honey is effective in soothing a cough. Drinking honey with a little warm water during a cough can help to form a coating in the throat. Its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help as a healing aid for infections. Moreover, honey is safer as a home remedy than over-the-counter medications. It can be given to all age groups except children below 1 year of age, when there is a risk of food poisoning. Research shows that honey is far better than medicines like diphenhydramine (anti-histamine) and has a similar effect to drugs like dextromethorphan (cough suppressant ) and Salbutamol ( asthma drug).

9. Though honey is a natural sugar alternative, it is usually safe and healthy for daily consumption in moderation. There is no such standard recommendation, but experts suggest that 6-7 teaspoons daily should not be exceeded. WHO guidelines suggest that daily consumption of free sugar should not exceed 10% of daily intake. Since it has therapeutic benefits, its daily consumption can be beneficial for both gut health and the immune system. While using honey as a sugar substitute, other refined sugar food items should be completely avoided, as there are chances of weight gain (due to extra calories), sugar spikes in insulin-sensitive diabetics.

10. Takeaway: Research has shown for decades that honey is healthy with tremendous therapeutic effects when consumed in moderation as a wellness habit. Honey can replace the intake of refined sugar in several ways, such as:

• For dessert, yoghurt or breakfast bowls.

• Herbal teas, green teas.

• Morning, on an empty stomach with warm water as an aid to digestion and immunity.

• Honey should be avoided in boiling water or while cooking, as it may damage its nutritional value.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏

10 facts: The effect of Humming Bee 🐝 sounds on health 🙌

by drjurisharma, posted in Bee,, Blog, cognitive health, emotional health, Emotional thinking, thoughts, feelings,fears, pain, anxiety, hurting, Emotional thoughts, healing, health, Heart disease, Humming, Beeping, sounds, Humming, sounds, yoga, monk, yogis, respiratory, breathing, echoing, sleep, deep breath, depression, anxiety, sleep, mental health., mental health, Mind, thinking,overthinking,wondering mind, Science, self healing, wellness

1. A humming bee sound made by a person is defined as a low-frequency sound made with the mouth closed and the throat open. This sound causes the air to be forced through the vocal cords, vibrating the chest and the head. This sound is usually a voluntary noise which can be made by the person while exhaling. If it is not a voluntary noise made by a person, it can be linked to low-frequency tinnitus, which can cause significant distress. Otherwise, this humming sound voluntarily made causes some amazing benefits to human health, both physically and psychologically.

2. Humming is a low-pitched sound made by an individual voluntarily with the mouth closed. Such a sound is usually made by monks and yogis as a routine meditation practice. This sound has the capability of impacting both emotional and mental health. Studies have shown that humming can promote a state of calmness, peace, and stability. Humming as a mindful practise can significantly impact emotional stress, sleep and physiological health. It can improve focus and attention.

Stressful

3. The power of simple humming can have a significant impact on psychological health. The benefits are many, as such :

• Stress is significantly lowered with humming by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system.

• Routine practice of humming can increase the HRV, heart rate variability by reducing the heart rate and help in cardiovascular health.

• Humming increases focus and attention by improving cognitive ability.

• Promote respiratory health by increasing lung capacity.

• Humming can signal the autonomic nervous system to promote sleep and relaxation.

4. Humming as a quick tool for stress relief: It can be done anywhere without any equipment.

•Sitting or lying down in a comfortable posture.

• Closing eyes, taking 2-3 deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.

• Making a “mmmm” by inhaling deeply through the nose with the mouth closed, as you exhale, the low-pitched sound is produced, and the vibration can be felt on the chest, throat and head.

• Notice the vibrations as they travel through the body, which helps to release the stress.

• Continue for 5-10 minutes, and you will suddenly feel lighter and more relaxed.

5. Chronic stress response can increase anxiety, inflammation and sleep problems. Regular practice of humming can help to combat stress by lowering cortisol, the stress hormone.

Producing the humming sound will create vibration in the throat and chest, which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve. By stimulating the vagus nerve, the parasympathetic nervous system is activated and lowers cortisol, which creates the “fight or flight “ response.

6. Humming and Vagus Nerve: The Vagus Nerve runs through the larynx (sound box) and throat (pharynx) before reaching different organs of the body, like lungs, heart, liver, stomach and intestines. So, when the humming sound is made in the throat, there are mechanical vibrations that reach the throat and chest. These vocal vibrations stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which quickly shifts the body from a “rest and digest” response to a “fight or flight”mode. The parasympathetic nervous system activation also helps to lower the heart rate, lower the cortisol level and reduce the overall tension and stress in the body.

7. Humming and nitric oxide (NO): Nitric oxide is naturally produced in the body during exhalation, which acts as a natural defence mechanism to clear the airways from pathogens. It also acts as a vasodilator and supports cardiovascular health. Humming naturally increases the level of NO (Nitric Oxide) in the nasal passage. The humming sound causes the mechanical vibration in the throat and chest, which in turn oscillates the airflow through the sinuses, where the concentration of NO levels is maximum. Therefore, the simple practise of humming can increase the level of NO manifold times than a normal rhythm of exhalation.

8. Humming, a tool to cope with overthinking: Overthinking is an issue commonly suffered by the majority in today’s time of uncertainty. The mind is filled with repetitive thoughts, negative thoughts, and racing thoughts. Humming can be an effective tool to combat overthinking. Focusing on the humming sound can divert the awareness to let go of repetitive thoughts, allowing one to regain control of the mind and give peace. Regular practise of humming can lower anxiety, mental tensions and restlessness.

9. Humming, a tool for meditation and Yoga: In Yogic tradition, for thousands of years, Humming Bee breath is a kind of Pranayama ( breathing technique) known as “Bhramari”, which is regarded as a powerful breathing technique to calm the mind and create inner peace. In many Ancient Indian texts, it was considered that this humming bee breath creates a resounding echo to enhance mental clarity, reduce stress and bring mental peace and well-being.

10. Takeaway: Humming is indeed a powerful breathing technique which can instantly quiet the mind, help to break the loop of negative, unnecessary thought patterns by helping the mind to focus your awareness on the echo of the humming sound. Neuroscience research has shown that the practise of the humming bee technique can help to bring mental clarity, let go of unnecessary thoughts, calm the nervous system and enhance emotional wellbeing. The deep vibration of the throat and the chest created by the humming sound stimulates the Vagus nerve, helps to reset the mind, and lowers stress and blood pressure.

Thanks for reading.

Peace and love 🙏