Monday, May 3, 2010

Why Honey?

I would first like to apologize for the disappearing act. This month has been a little crazy…But I’m back, I’m motivated and I'm excited to get back to the blogging sphere.

During this time away, numerous possible post ideas have come to mind and I can’t wait to share each and every one of them with you!

Today’s post is on artificial sweeteners and honey. I feel like I’m cheating because I presented this topic in my speech class, but I think it's important information that everyone needs to be aware of so for those of you who heard my speech… I’m sorry (geez I should’ve labelled this post ‘Nutritionista’s Many Apologies!’). For those of you who didn't hear it: Enjoy... 

One small change can increase your energy, nourish your skin and build your immune system. That small change is swapping artificial sweeteners for honey.

Dr. Joseph Mercola, one of North Americans leading natural health advisors, believes sugar substitutes such as Cyclamate known as Sweet ‘N Low, Aspartame, known as Nutrasweet and Sucralose known as Splenda should be avoided because their negative health effects exceed the sugars they are replacing. For more information: click! 

Artificial sweeteners are chemical based products that may affect your well-being and health.

Switching to a natural sweetener, such as honey, cuts risks to your health.

Arthur Evangelista, former FDA investigator reveals research that suggests overconsumption of artificial sweeteners can cause altered brain function, behaviour changes, fibromyalgia symptoms, dizziness, headaches, aggravated PMS and hair loss.

A 2005 study by the European Journal of Oncology found that the overconsumption of artificial sweeteners may link to numerous illnesses and disease.

Now if that’s not enough to get you thinking, how about this fun little fact: Sweet ‘N Low in the United States is made of Saccharin a chemical BANNED here in Canada. Sweet ‘N Low in Canada is made of Cyclamate a chemical BANNED in the United States.

So what makes one ingredient better for Canadians and the other better for Americans? Really makes you think…

Everywhere you look research and advisories suggest using artificial sweeteners with “caution.” I recommend following the precautionary principle, in other words, don’t use it. Why take the chance? Why not use a product that not only adds sweetness to your food, but also contains numerous health benefits; Why not use HONEY?

Honey is an ancient remedy full of natural healing properties. The health benefits of honey include: its nature’s energy booster, it’s an immune system builder and it’s a natural remedy for numerous ailments.

Research has found that honey offers antiseptic, anti-bacteria and antioxidant properties, which can help improve the digestive system and help you stay healthy and fight disease.

Honey has head-to-toe healing remedies. Some of the most common health problems such as fatigue, bad breath, athlete’s foot, hair loss, sleep disorders, arthritis and acne can be taken care of through the use of honey.

Honey also offers numerous beauty and skin care benefits. It works as an anti-aging skin care remedy, it nourishes all skin types and strengthens hair.

Some honey home remedies include…

For a skin boost - Mix six ounces of plain yogurt, a quarter ounce of finely crushed almonds, two teaspoons of honey and two teaspoons of wheat germ oil. Massage into skin and leave for 20 minutes. For more on skin care and health click! 

For a daily immune booster - Mix a spoonful of honey and lemon juice from half a lemon into a cup of warm water and drink before breakfast.

Feel a sore throat coming on? - Gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

Can’t sleep? - Have a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey it calms your system and induces sleep.

The next time you reach for an artificial sweetener think of your body and grab a spoon full of honey instead, because Eating for health has never been sweeter.



Congrats to all my PR lovelies who finished last week! 
Good Luck & All the Best! 

Stay Healthy!

1 comment:

  1. Nice to see you blogging again, great post, keep them coming! I Still have to make my way down to St. Lawrence Market and get some honey.

    ReplyDelete