Honey is an important source of food which Allah offers man by means of a tiny insect the bee.
Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it.
Scientists who assembled during the World Apiculture Conference held from 20-26 September 1993 in China confirmed that honey is a 'healing for men'. During the conference, treatments with honey derivatives were discussed. American scientists in particular said that honey, royal jelly, pollen and propolis (bee resin) cure many diseases. A Romanian physician stated that he tried honey on cataract patients, and 2002 out of his 2094 patients completely recovered. Polish doctors also informed the conference that bee resin helps to cure many diseases such as haemorrhoids, skin problems, gynecological diseases and many other disorders.
Other benefits of honey are described below:
- Easily Digested: Sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (eg. fructose to glucose), the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content, easily digest honey. It helps the kidneys and intestines to function better.
- Low Calorie Level: When it is compared with the same amount of sugar, honey carries 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.
- Rapidly Diffuses Through the Blood: When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. It frees sugar molecules making the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar.
- Supports Blood Formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood, and functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.
- Does Not Accommodate Bacteria: Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted in water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision.
It is obvious that honey, which is produced in much higher amounts than the requirements of the bees, is made for the benefit of mankind. It is also obvious that bees cannot perform such an unbelievable task 'on their own.'
