Day 317 – A was recently told that I need to reduce my sugar or I’ll end up becoming a diabetic. I gave up Pepsi, which was not easy, but my reoccurring kidney stones convinced me it was time. I am now drinking a lot more water. However, I still enjoy the occasional hot cup of tea, especially now that the weather is getting colder. I started putting honey in my tea, rather than the two teaspoons of sugar I was adding. It got me thinking about honey and it’s sustainability, along with possible health benefits.
The production of honey has the potential of having the lowest negative impact on the environment of all the sweeteners. It really comes down to where you get your honey. If you are able to make it at home, then your are actually making a positive impact on the environment. Not only will your honey be produced without processing, but raising bees will encourage you to garden more sustainably, and the bees will provide the important ecosystem service of pollination for you and your neighbors. The carbon footprint of the honey making process increases when the production becomes more complex and the shipments involve a great deal of travel. If you are not ready to take on your own hive then consider purchasing your honey locally. I have been buying my honey from Heaven’s Honey Inc. Local Honey. I know you can find it at Jewel.
Here are just a few of the health benefits of honey:
- The antioxidants in honey can help lower blood pressure.
- Honey can help lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and help raise “good” HDL cholesterol.
- Honey can lower triglycerides.
- Topically, honey can help heal burns and wounds.
- Honey can help suppress coughs in children.
So, the next time you see a bee swarming overhead, think twice before swatting at it. These little guys are helping create a pretty awesome food.
Tomorrow, it’s not easy being eco-friendly when you’re a Type 1 Diabetic.
365 Ways to Save the Planet 