The honey which is made by the bees feeding on the clover plant nectar is called clover honey. 64 calories is contained in one tablespoon. It possesses protein in limited quantity, potassium, iron and vitamin B. It also contains the antioxidants which eliminates the diseases. The study which was published in “Journal of Food Science” in February 2004 reports that the heating process doesnot reduce the antioxidant content by the honey which is stored for six months reduce 30% antioxidant. It is used as a sweetener in the coffee, smoothie, fruit and vegetable. Honey possesses high antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.
Health Benefits of Clover Honey
In 2000 year old Chinese texts, Hippocrates mentions about the health benefits of clover. It assists to cure wounds, aids eyes. The sore throat which is caused due to the flu and colds could be treated by using it with lemon. It helps to enhance the digestion and provides energy. The health benefits which are provided by the Clover Honey are:
1. Healing Benefits
Apitherapy is the honey’s effect of healing. It is antibacterial and thick which helps cure the wound. According to the Jennifer Eddy from University of Wisconsin Health’s Eau Claire Family Medicine Clinic, the three split attack of the clover honey prevents from the growth of bacteria. It has low water content and acidic pH. The presence of potassium, iron, copper and vitamin c speeds up the healing process. It helps to treat antibiotic resistant bacteria.
2. Antioxidants
Sweet clover honey possess huge amount of antioxidants. It helps to lower the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins which restricts the development of atherosclerosis. Excessive heat could damage the clover honey’s properties. It should be preserved in an airtight container below 50 degrees or at 70-80 degrees for preservation. The clover honey which is raw is full of minerals and vitamins. It is not advised to give clover honey to the child less than 1 year old.
3. Regulates blood pressure
The daily intake of 1-2 teaspoons of clover honey in the early morning assists in lowering the blood pressure. The benefits of clover honey could be added with the exercise and good diet.
4. Burn treatment
The honey helps to alleviate the infection and preserve the new skin. The study which was published in the Journal Burns notes that the honey cures the burns better and faster. It prevents the infection by drawing the lymph from the burn. Clover honey boosts new blood capillaries and connective tissues. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
5. Liver problems
Consume 1-2 tsp. of clover honey regularly which helps to cure the liver problems. It also eliminates the tumor growth in the liver and also enhances the bowel movements.
6. Benefits when included in cooking
The consumption of clover honey by those people who have just recovered from illness or are on strict diet prevents from bacterial infections.
7. Removes bad cholesterol
The clover honey in raw form helps to eliminate the bad cholesterols. It also prohibits atherosclerosis caused by abnormal cholesterol accumulation in blood vessels. It also eradicates the heart disease and strokes.
8. Cough suppressant
Clover honey helps to thin the mucus. Mix the teaspoon of honey with warm water adding lemon juice. This helps to ease the cough of child and also tastes good. It is a great cough remedy for the children of age group 2-4.
9. Best natural sweetener for children
Honeys possess levulose and dextrose as sugars which are easy to digest and provide an instant energy. As it is easy to digest, it is a natural sweetener for children.
10. Anti-aging
The antioxidant found in clover honey maintains healthy cells and secures from the damage of skin cells components. Dr. Marc Lawrence says that the LDL cholesterol and homocysteine is reduced by clover honey. As it possesses anti-inflammatory properties, it reduces the aging effects of swollen cells.
Precautions while using Clover Honey
It is difficult to use the clover honey which is freshly extracted because it crystallizes very fast. It should not be heated excessively because the more heat may lose the health properties.
Recommendation
Due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial properties, it is considered as a great food to start a day with. It is also easy to digest. The chances of hazardous diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke could be prevented with the daily intake of clover honey.
