Content
- 1 Chemical composition of sunflower honey
- 2 What color is sunflower honey?
- 3 What are the benefits of sunflower honey?
- 4 Harm of sunflower honey
- 5 Calorie content of sunflower honey
- 6 Contraindications to sunflower honey
- 7 Rules for using sunflower honey
- 8 The use of sunflower honey in folk medicine
- 9 Terms and conditions of storage
- 10 How to test sunflower honey
- 11 Conclusion
- 12 Reviews of sunflower honey
Sunflower honey is not in great demand among buyers. The absence of a strong characteristic odor raises doubts. But beekeepers consider this type of bee products to be one of the most valuable.
Chemical composition of sunflower honey
In the chemical composition of the honey variety taken from sunflower, glucose comes first. When standing, it even collects at the top like cream in milk. Because of this, sugaring occurs very quickly. Faster than other varieties. In addition to glucose, sunflower bribes contain:
- vitamins C, K, E, group B;
- potassium;
- copper;
- manganese;
- iodine;
- calcium;
- sodium;
- phosphorus;
- selenium;
- magnesium;
- cobalt;
- aluminum;
- β-carotene;
- hydrochloric acid;
- betaine;
- enzymes.
Sunflower honey also contains 6 amino acids. Or 7. Or 27. In fact, no one did an analysis for amino acids. More detailed chemical composition in the table below.
The composition of soils in regions differs, so the content of elements in beekeeping products varies.
What color is sunflower honey?
Immediately after pumping, the color of honey is yellow. Its color can be:
- bright yellow;
- light amber;
- golden.
Sometimes a greenish tint is possible.
The sugaring speed of this variety is very high: 2-3 weeks. The hardened product darkens a little and is covered with a white film on top - glucose. In sealed honeycombs, the crystallization process does not proceed as quickly, but beekeepers prefer not to leave bribes from sunflowers to bees for the winter. It will have time to harden.
The smell is also different from usual. It may smell like hay or pollen. Some, perhaps due to its association with butter, consider this variety to smell like fried potatoes.
What are the benefits of sunflower honey?
The beneficial properties of sunflower honey are mainly attributed to its high glucose content. But in this aspect, it is rather needed to quickly gain additional energy. Glucose is the most easily digestible sugar found in nature. How beneficial it is for cardiac activity is a controversial question. But the muscles definitely get energy.
Sunflower honey has very high enzyme activity, thanks to which it well normalizes the functioning of all body systems. It is used
- for neuralgia;
- in the treatment of the genitourinary system;
- for diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- to normalize the functioning of the digestive system;
- for diseases of the respiratory organs.
An important feature of honey obtained from sunflower is its diuretic effect. Not strong, of course, but it helps get rid of minor swelling.
A set of amino acids normalizes protein synthesis in the body. In general, this variety is recommended for general strengthening of the immune system.
Harm of sunflower honey
Honey can be damaged if a person is allergic to bee products. It is also not beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. It is not advisable to give sweets to small children. But this is a standard situation: babies often develop diathesis to allergenic foods.
Calorie content of sunflower honey
Calorie content depends on the amount of glucose. Since its percentage can fluctuate, on average 100 g of honey obtained from sunflower contains 310-320 Kcal.
Any sweets have high calorie content
Contraindications to sunflower honey
Contraindications are due to the harm that any type of honey can cause. This product should not be used:
- if you have allergies;
- with childhood diathesis;
- for diabetes mellitus;
- during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
It is also not recommended for use if you are obese. But this is not due to harm, but to the calorie content of the product. To the same extent, if you are overweight, it is advisable to exclude sugar from your diet.
Rules for using sunflower honey
The rule of moderation in food applies to any food product. Excessive consumption of sweets, at best, will lead to excess weight gain. At worst, it can lead to the development of diabetes.
Subject to daily consumption of sweet bee products, its maximum norm is no more than 50 g. It is best to take sunflower honey on an empty stomach in the morning and in an amount of no more than 3 dessert spoons.
The use of sunflower honey in folk medicine
Bee products have long been used in folk medicine. Moreover, everything is used: from honey to dead bees. The first is very popular for colds: a glass of hot milk or water plus honey to taste. But there are other areas of application:
- Gastrointestinal diseases: 2 tsp. for 1.5 glasses of water. Take within 30 minutes for a month. before meals 2-3 times a day. Maximum dose 100 ml.
- Anemia: 100 g per day for a month. Drink with kefir or sour milk.
- Stomatitis and periodontal disease: used as a disinfectant. ½ tsp. for 1.5 glasses of water. Rinse your mouth daily after brushing your teeth.
- Haemorrhoids: enemas and lotions based on 2 tsp. and 1.5 glasses of warm water. Enemas daily, lotions are applied for 20-30 minutes to the problem area. Bee products have a wound-healing and disinfecting effect.
- Cracked heels: lubricate with a mixture of 80 g of honey, 20 of any fat, 3 g of “Xeroform” and cover with a gauze bandage. The procedure is carried out once every 2-3 days at night. In this case, the sweet treat works as a wound-healing agent; Xeroform powder destroys bacteria.
The last two uses originated from honey wound dressings. In times of absence of antibiotics, honey was used for dressings as an antiseptic. In modern conditions, it is better to apply a bandage with an antibacterial drug, but, as a last resort, you can remember the experience of your ancestors.
At home, a hermetically sealed glass jar is optimal for storing honey
Terms and conditions of storage
Honey is a natural preservative and antibiotic. It does not mold or turn sour.It does not require special storage conditions. Although certain rules must be followed:
- store in a dark place, as ultraviolet radiation destroys the structure of the product;
- optimal storage temperature 0-20 °C;
- protect from moisture, otherwise the honey will quickly become moldy;
- do not store near strong-smelling products to avoid the appearance of foreign aroma;
- Storage containers must be resistant to oxidation.
Aluminum and metal containers are not suitable. For storage you need to choose glass, ceramic or enamel jars.
Sugaring occurs due to the fact that the natural product contains pollen particles, around which saccharides begin to crystallize. The quality does not deteriorate from this. If you need to keep the product in a liquid state for as long as possible, it is placed in hermetically sealed jars.
Heating destroys the structure of the product. But, contrary to misconceptions, it is possible to store it in the refrigerator. But not in the freezer.
Such a bright yellow color of sunflower honey, as in the photo, can easily raise suspicions of counterfeiting:
If honey is not cleared of pollen, it will still harden sooner or later.
How to test sunflower honey
Any varieties are tested in the same way, since the main characteristics of this delicacy are the same. But there are quite a few ways to check the goods offered for sale:
- Rub the drop with your fingers. If a lump has formed or a watery consistency appears, it is fake. Fingers stuck together - the product is natural.
- Drop liquid honey onto paper. It should not spread;
- dissolve in water. Particles of additives will be released from the fake and settle to the bottom.
- Add iodine and stir.The appearance of a blue color indicates the presence of counterfeit starch.
- Pour in vinegar. If it sizzles, it means there is chalk in the honey mass.
- Make a 10% solution and pour it into medical alcohol in a ratio of 4:1. The appearance of a white precipitate will indicate the presence of sugar molasses.
- Again a white sheet of paper. If 5 minutes after the drop hit the paper, a wet spot appears on the back side, it is a fake.
- With a piece of bread. Place it in liquid honey. After 15 minutes, the bread will harden if the product is natural, and will become soggy if it is counterfeit.
This all applies to liquid honey, but the sunflower product crystallizes faster than other varieties. It can be tested using a flame. You need to take a small piece and try to “set it on fire.” Natural will melt, becoming liquid. The fake will begin to crackle and hiss. This indicates the presence of foreign substances.
Conclusion
Sunflower honey is not inferior to any other varieties in its beneficial qualities and nutritional value. If it has no odor, you can always experimentally verify before purchasing that it is not a fake.
