The effects of honey
That wonderful honey!
Honey is one of the best arguments to support that what is healthy may not only be healing but at the same time tasty as well. Honey is more than a friendly gesture from nature - and of course, from the bees.
There are more than three hundred kinds of honey that differ in color and taste. Their most characteristic traits are determined naturally by the nectar of the flowers serving as their base. It is widely known that honey is not only healthy and tasty, but only few people are aware that certain types of honey also have curative effect. It seems odd today but through history, honey was used as remedy in diverse ways - the most interesting thing is that science subsequently verified them.
The ancestors were not wrong
In ancient Egypt, honey was used as ointment to cure wounds because of its disinfecting effect. It is true that honey is an effective bacteria killer due to its high potassium content. Its sugar content is also high (it is comprised of one part water and four parts fruit or grape sugar), it has a low pH level and considerable organic acid content (mainly lemon and apple acid). 
Roman gladiators consumed honey to improve their overall physical condition. This also has scientific basis: honey is high in carbohydrate, so it is an excellent source of energy. There are many misunderstandings surrounding the slimming effect of honey, so it is good to note: honey as a sweetener is more effective than sugar and is faster digested by the body. What is more, certain kinds of honey may contribute to weight loss due to their diuretic effect.
Full of good things
In terms of vitamins, honey has nothing to hide: it is rich in vitamin A, C, E, B1 (thiamin), vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid) and vitamin B6, among which we might highlight pantothenic acid, since it slows down aging by enhancing the hormone production of adrenal glands. Honey is also rich in mineral substances (like iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, sodium) and in anti-oxidants.
For all occasions
So honey is a full-value supplementary food, enhancing not only efficiency but also improving activity. It eases depression (especially lime honey, which has acknowledged nerve soothing and disinfecting effect). It is worth keeping in mind honey's antimicrobial effect in case of gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer and illnesses involving inflammation, and because fructose from honey is stored in the liver as glycogen, it is also an effective remedy of liver dysfunctions, pancreas and bile illnesses. It is said about pine honey that it is a powerful cure of whooping cough, lung diseases and windpipe problems, while comb honey helps those with sinusitis.
Consumed for weight loss
Therefore everyone should review their opinions about honey: it is not only a treat but the most delicious medicine produced by nature. Although honey can be used equally well in cakes and herbal teas (the effect of which honey enhances through its own ingredients), we should not forget that it loses from its nutrients through baking or dissolution in hot water. It is worth mixing it with cooled water even in case of herbal teas.
Compared to international standards, annual honey consumption per person is unfortunately considerably low in Hungary (European average is four of five times more), while the products of Hungarian bee keepers - and bees – are of worldwide fame both in terms of color and taste.