Honey

[herbsandhelpers]

Honey

(http://www.mdlinx.com/readArticle.cfm?art_id=3143480) 
The Clinical Advisor, 05/06/10 Sego S 

The product of some extremely determined and industrious insects, this golden, sweet, sticky wonder of nature is a staple in many kitchens. 
Medically, honey has been used for everything from wound healing to 
gingivitis treatment. Medical–grade honeys are filtered, gamma–irradiated, and produced under strict conditions. 

Especially in the area of wound healing, honey is rapidly becoming a standard ingredient in many commercially available dressings. Even though the antioxidant capacity of honey is modest, food–chemistry researchers examined the effect of long–term honey consumption on plasma antioxidant content. Finally, honey is known to enhance growth and acid production of human Bifidobacterium in the gut. 

There are no known drug or other interactions associated with honey. Since honey is a direct product of a number of floral species, anyone with an atopic history (especially to pollens) should use this product with caution. 

Also, consumption of raw (unpasteurized) honey by infants is not recommended due to their immature immune systems. 

For type 2 diabetics and others concerned with refined sugar intake, substitution with honey is clinically appropriate.