Some people believe that raw bioactive honey, raw honey and regular honey are all the same, while others claim that raw honey (both bioactive and non-bioactive) are healthier.
What are raw bioactive honey and raw honey?
Both raw bioactive honey and raw honey are extracted directly from the honeycombs from the beehives and are minimally processed. They are strained to remove impurities such as beeswax, pollen and dead bees, but are not heated or extensively filtered.
Both honeys retain their natural nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants. They can have varying levels of these nutrients depending on the floral source and region where they were produced.
Raw bioactive honey, in particular, is a specific type of raw honey that not only retains its natural profile but also has a high concentration of bioactive compounds that provide additional health benefits. The term “bioactive” refers to the presence of compounds that actively affect biological processes in the body.
In addition to the standard nutrients found in raw honey, raw bioactive honey contains enhanced levels of bioactive compounds. This includes higher concentrations of antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, and specific natural enzymes known for their health-promoting properties. It may also contain unique components like propolis and pollen that contribute to its bioactivity profile.
Both types of honey are valued for their natural properties, but raw bioactive honey is particularly noted for its enhanced health-promoting effects.
How about regular honey?
Regular honey, often referred to as commercial or processed honey, undergoes an extensive processing compared to raw and raw bioactive honey. This processing typically includes heating to make the honey easier to filter and package, as well as to prevent crystallization.
During this process, honey may also be pasteurized to kill yeast. This heat treatment, however, can destroy most (if not all) of the natural enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants present in the honey.
In addition to heating, regular honey is usually ultra filtered to remove finer particles and impurities, which results in a clear, smooth product. While it retains some of the basic sweetness and flavour, the nutritional benefits are reduced due to the removal of many of the bioactive compounds and natural nutrients.
While regular honey is widely available and often cheaper and used by many, it lacks the health benefits and natural healing properties found in raw and raw bioactive honey.
How to measure the bioactivity in the raw honey?
The bioactivity of the raw honey can be measured by its total antimicrobial activity (TA). Specifically, TA evaluates the honey’s effectiveness in inhibiting and killing harmful bacteria, which is a key aspect of its bioactive component. This measurement involves several methodologies such as disc diffusion, well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), each offering insights into the honey’s capacity to combat bacterial growth.
When evaluating the bioactivity of raw honey, Total Antimicrobial Activity (TA) is a crucial metric, especially in the context of its medicinal value. Honey with a TA rating of 30+ is considered to possess significant antimicrobial properties, reflecting its potency in inhibiting and killing harmful bacteria. This high TA rating indicates that the honey contains elevated levels of bioactive compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, which contribute to its therapeutic and healing effects.
Honey with a TA of 30+ is often regarded for its medicinal value, as it demonstrates superior efficacy in addressing various health concerns. The high TA suggests that the honey not only possesses strong antimicrobial activity but also provides enhanced health benefits, such as protecting against infections, improving gut health and digestive system, and reducing oxidative stress.
Health Benefits of raw bioactive Honey
Bioactive Honey is valued for its diverse health benefits:
Antibacterial Properties: Effective against a wide range of bacteria, making it useful in treating infections.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Antioxidant Activity: Protects cells from oxidative stress and supports overall health.
Research continues to explore the potential therapeutic applications of bioactive honey, particularly in wound care, gastrointestinal health, and skincare.
Quality and Certification
At Hives Keeper, our honeys are harvested and produced under the AHBIC regulations preserving the honey's natural state and healing properties. Laboratory tested, it has high antioxidants, antimicrobial properties and a low Glycaemic Index. Laboratory tested, they contain a certified TA value to indicate their antimicrobial strength.
We guarantee what you order is what you receive, and they are 100% pure and raw high-quality honey. Nothing added and nothing subtracted. There are no added sugars, no additives, or artificial flavourings. Most importantly, one of the great things about purchasing from Hives Keeper is that you are receiving 100% authentic honey, no blends with cheap inferior products. They are straight from the hives.
Discover Hives Keeper’s honey now.