Buckwheat Honey

Pure form of buckwheat honey can be identified with its dark coppery color, earthy smell and of course its unique rich, malty flavor. It is collected by bees only from small pink flowers of buckwheat plant largely grown by beekeepers. The scientific name of this plant is fagopyrum esculentum. The uniqueness of this honey lies with the fact that it is not blended with any honey obtained from other flowers. For this reason, it is often referred to as monofloral honey.

Nutrition

Buckwheat honey is a major source of antioxidants. Its antioxidants content is as high as that of fruits and vegetables. Research studies suggest that the dark color of this honey is because of the natural chemicals of the antioxidants. A specific type of antioxidant named polyphenol is responsible for unique color of the honey.

It contains a high amount of essential fatty acids. These acids are important for proper functioning of the brain, nervous system, immune system, etc. However, your body cannot produce these nutrients on its own and rely only on the dietary sources and buckwheat honey is one of them which has essential Omega-6 fatty acid or linoleic acid in it.

Seven different forms of amino acids are present in buckwheat honey. Many of those amino acids are found in other protein rich foods only. Besides, it has a wide range of essential vitamins in trace amounts. It includes vitamin A, B-complex, frolic acid and Vitamins C, D and E. It is rich in minerals. Some important minerals found are iron, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iodine, etc. Most importantly, it does not have any fat or cholesterol content in it.

Benefits

One of the key benefits of buckwheat honey is that it can be safely used as a natural cough suppressant for annoying cough in children below the age of six. It has a high viscosity that helps provide a soothing relief from the irritation in the throat that induces cough. For best results, a small dose of the honey should be given before bed time and the child will be able to sleep better. Buckwheat honey cough remedy is much more effective than any over the counter cough syrup that are used for cough treatment. Moreover, it fights off chronic respiratory infections and restores normal breathing in children.

Buckwheat is not just one of the best cough suppressants for children but can treat various health problems in adults too. Antioxidants present in this honey helps to neutralize the free radicals that causes damage to the cells and tissues of the body. Thus it provide protection to the cells from premature aging. It also fights off various age related disease.

The amino acids of buckwheat honey is good for skin and hair health. When applied topically, it helps to get rid of various signs of aging and promotes hair growth. Its antibacterial properties can treat acne. It has excellent anti-inflammatory properties that ensures faster healing of the wound and reduce the chances of formation of scars in skin surface. Research studies have found that it works well on herpes rashes too.

It eases off mental tension and helps your body to relax. For this reason, it is good for those who are having hypertension, anxiety disorders or concentration problems. Those who have insomnia can have buckwheat honey to get an quick relief from the problem and catch some good night's sleep. Since it is rich in nutrients, if it is taken regularly, then brings about improvement in overall health condition and reduce the chances of various deficiency diseases.

Raw buckwheat honey has more nutritional value than processed honey as some of the nutrients may get destroyed when the honey is heated for processing. It can be purchased from local health food stores. It does not require refrigeration and can be stored at room temperature.