Honey May Have a Variety of Health Benefits

It's more than just a sweet treat

LAS CRUCES >> Gordon and Laura Solberg have been keeping bees in Las Cruces since 1972. They say the winged creatures in the Mesilla Valley produce "some of the finest honey in the world." And after nearly five decades producing and consuming honey, and hearing about the experiences of their customers, they're convinced that honey is much more than a sweet treat.

It has a variety of health benefits they said, citing studies that show a daily dose of honey raises levels of disease-fighting antioxidants in the blood. Researchers say honey contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that are thought to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Scientists at the University of California conducted a study which showed that the more honey people ate, the higher the levels of antioxidants in their blood. Antioxidants are thought to protect humans from disease by slowing potentially dangerous disease processes in the body. Researchers concluded that substituting honey for traditional sweeteners may be a healthier option...