Friday, Feb 03, 2017

Dubai A bee may not be an insect many people want to be around, but you have to give them credit for making one of the most natural, healthy and delicious ingredients on the planet. Gulf News spoke to Riath Hamed, of Balqees Honey which has a stand in Dubai Mall, and Tom Dunbar, head apiarist, of Guilds of High Peak Estate, a premium Australian name in honey, who are collaborating with Balqees to bring the latter’s honey brand to Dubai.

Guilds of High Peak’s Dunbar, said that his operation is focused on quality rather than quantity, using sustainable and ethical production techniques that look after the bees while maintaining the integrity of the honey. “We produce three varieties of honey at High Peak Estate - Black Beech Honeydew, Manuka and Clover,” he said.

Gulf News spoke to Riath and Dunbar about the health benefits of honey.

1. Fix yourself

Dunbar says that he uses honey to heal his scratches and wounds. Honey can be used as a treatment for wounds and burns. The compounds in honey can naturally disinfect and heal. Next time you cut yourself, consider covering the wound with some honey and you’ll notice that it heals very well.

2. It’s a natural energy drink

According to Riath Hamed, honey is an amazing source of natural energy. He mixes a tablespoon with some water as a pre- or post-workout drink. The natural unprocessed sugar in the honey is released slowly and gives you a boost of energy.

3. Sleep well

Honey can be a healthy way of helping you fall asleep. Forget counting sheep. When you ingest honey, your body responds with a rise in insulin and releases serotonin, which is converted to melatonin and helps you fall asleep faster.

4. Blood sugar regulation

Although honey is made up of simple sugars, it is definitely not the same thing as white refined sugars or the sweeteners that you add to your tea or coffee. Honey actually helps your body properly normalise your blood sugar levels. Because honey has the exact combination of fructose and glucose, your blood sugar levels won’t suddenly spike. They rise naturally and won’t crash suddenly like a sugar rush would.

5. Honey = beauty

Riath and Dunbar couldn’t stop emphasising about how great honey is for your skin if you apply it topically. For your very own honey mask at home, splash some water on your face and apply some honey on it, until you have a nice even layer. Keep it on for 20 minutes, then rinse it off. Honey has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that help with scars and fine lines.

Yousra Zaki, Guides Deputy Editor

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