Honey is one of Mother Nature’s greatest gifts and an important item to add to your survival supplies. But it is more urgent than ever that you start stocking up on it. Over the past several years the honeybee population has dropped up to 70 percent and the price of honey is on the rise.
Scientists still don’t know for sure why this is happening, but it is likely due to several factors such as the increasing number of toxins in our environment, especially pesticides.
Whatever the cause, it is quite possible that honeybees could become extinct this century. The good news is that there is still plenty of honey available for purchase and it lasts forever. Archaeologists have discovered jars of honey in ancient Egyptian tombs, and it is still edible!
As with most food, raw is better than processed. Most honey found in grocery stores is “commercial” which means it has been heated and filtered so it looks clean and smooth. Unfortunately, when honey is heated it loses much of its nutritional value, so try to stock up on raw honey, although even commercial honey is good for you. You’ll know it’s raw from the tiny pieces of pollen and honeycomb, or by simply checking the label.
Although it will crystallize into a thick, butter-like consistency after a few months, all you have to do is warm it up with a little water to rehydrate it. Better yet, buy some Tupelo honey—it never crystallizes.
What’s so great about honey?
Honey is one of the best things you can eat; the list of health benefits seems endless. Here are just a few great things about honey:
1. It increases energy
The glucose in honey gives you an immediate energy boost, while the fructose keeps your energy level high for longer. Instead of coffee in the morning, try some honey on toast or in tea. And instead of an energy drink before a workout, eat a spoonful of honey and drink a glass of water. It works just as well and it’s healthier.
2. It builds up the immune system
Honey is full of antioxidants and has many anti-bacterial properties. In The Honey Revolution, Dr. Ron Fessenden goes into more detail.
3. It’s good for cuts and burns
When applied to wounds, honey can keep them clean and free of infections, reduce pain and swelling, and help them heal faster. Manuka honey is believed to be the best type of honey for this.
4. It soothes sore throats and coughs
Honey is great for the walls of the throat and its antimicrobial properties help kill the bacteria causing the infection. And studies have shown that buckwheat honey is as good for nighttime coughs as medicines like NyQuil.
5. It can reduce allergies
This is because taking honey helps you build up a tolerance to local pollen.
6. It can help with insomnia
Mix a teaspoon of honey with a glass of warm milk before you go to bed.
7. It assists with weight loss
Although honey has more calories than sugar, it can help your body burn off the fat stored in your body, especially when taken with a glass of warm water and lemon juice. Another method is to boil it in water and cinnamon powder first thing in the morning.
8. It’s good for those with high cholesterol or type 2 diabetes
In a series of experiences, scientists have been able to show that natural honey, taken daily, can lower cholesterol and cause a much lower rise in blood sugar than refined sugars.
9. It’s good for the skin
Drinking milk and honey every morning can reduce wrinkles and keep your skin smooth and healthy.
10. It shortens hangovers
It’s better if you don’t drink so much you have a hangover, but it can happen to the best of us and honey can help. It’s gentle on the stomach and can help the liver oxidate alcohol more quickly.
11. It goes great with cinnamon
I could write a whole other list about the benefits of honey mixed with cinnamon. This mixture is good for things like arthritis, hair loss, toothaches, upset stomachs, and more.
12. It’s a natural preservative
Honey has a low moisture content while also being acidic, making it a natural preservative. When you use it in cooking or baking, it can extend the shelf life of foods like bread and pastries by retaining moisture and preventing mold.
13. It enhances digestive health
Honey is good for digestion because it has enzymes that help break down foods and soothe the stomach. Just add a spoonful of herbal tea or warm water and your stomach will feel a lot better.
14. It’s a stress reliever
Honey can have a calming effect for many reasons. The sweet flavor and smooth texture make it a wonderful comfort food, but there’s also research that suggests it’s an anti-depressant. Try adding it to chamomile tea before bed for a good night’s sleep.
15. It’s a natural beauty treatment
Honey is a fantastic ingredient for DIY beauty products. You can use it as a face mask to moisturize skin, as a lip balm for chapped lips, or you can mix it with olive oil for a deep-conditioning hair treatment.
16. It supports local economies
Buying local honey not only ensures you’re getting high-quality honey (and not store-bought imitation honey), it also supports local beekeepers, who in turn help maintain the bee population and biodiversity in your area.
17. It improves athletic performance
Just like commercial energy gels, honey provides a quick and natural source of carbohydrates, making it a great energy booster for athletes. It’s more beneficial than regular sugar, it’s full of antioxidants, and it can aid recovery after a workout.
18. It’s a versatile cooking ingredient
Honey, it’s just for tea and toast. It can be used in all sorts of recipes that require a sweetener, such as dressings, marinades, sauces, and more.
19. It’s a sustainable sweetener
As a completely natural product, honey is far more sustainable than processed sugars. It requires minimal processing and packaging and has almost no environmental impact. Using honey supports sustainable farming.
20. It tastes great!
There are even more benefits than the ones listed here, but you get the idea. So when stocking up on food in preparation for whatever urban survival scenario might come your way, stop for a moment and consider your health.
Eating MREs and canned foods during a disaster won’t be good for your body, but eating honey every day can help make up for that. And remember, it lasts forever so get all you can while it’s still affordable.
