The color of honey varies from light to darker or black. The darker the color, the more effective it is as an antibacterial and richer in antioxidants. This is why many people consider the benefits of black honey to be better than regular honey.
Honey contains many nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, sugars, and antioxidants from phenols and flavonoids. The benefits of black honey may be better than colored honey because it contains a higher phenolic component. The higher the phenol content, the higher the flavonoid antioxidant capacity in this type of honey.
There are also studies that suggest that black honey is superior because it is more stable so that the substance in it is not easily damaged.
The following compounds are the key
As mentioned above, one factor that makes the benefits of black honey superior is its phenolic acid and flavonoid content. The following is an explanation of the content of phenolic acids and flavonoid antioxidants in black honey:
- Phenolic acid
Phenolic acid compounds are one of the most important groups of compounds in plants and their types are very diverse. So far, based on their chemical structure alone, there are at least 8,000 types of phenolic acids. In the human body, these compounds act as natural antioxidants that inhibit the activity of free radicals in the body.
According to research, the goodness of phenolic compounds from black honey is shown in several beneficial activities, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, strengthening the immune system, and inhibiting blood vessel constriction because it is considered to inhibit platelet clumping. This effect is considered good to help prevent coronary heart disease.
- Flavonoids
Other health benefits of black honey are related to the flavonoid antioxidants contained in it. Research on this compound has been done a lot. These studies prove that flavonoids act as antioxidants, fight free radicals in the body, anticancer, and prevent coronary heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. This compound may also have potential as a drug to help treat allergy-related diseases, such as atopic eczema, asthma, and rhinitis.
Not only that, flavonoids can protect nerve cells from damage. These antioxidants can even help regenerate nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord. Flavonoids can also help improve blood flow to the brain, so that brain function and cognitive abilities are maintained.
Finally, flavonoids are thought to have effects that can help body tissues repair themselves after suffering radiation injuries. However, research on the effectiveness of flavonoids in curing the effects of radiation has only been carried out on animals, not yet on humans.
After knowing the benefits of black honey above, from now on you can provide black honey as a complement to nutritional intake for family members at home. Consult about nutrition and consumption of black honey with a nutritionist.
