Honey Coffee Please
Why I put honey in my coffee everyday
Being from the desert, honey was a big deal. People would sell it at local farmer’s markets touting the different varieties: mesquite, cat claw, wildflower, desert blend. I never really gave it much thought. Cool…honey, who cares? I thought. Little did I know.
I travel every year and spend about two weeks in new places. Travel is disrupting to your immune system and hard on your body. New climates, new people, new food. Your circadian rhythm gets thrown off as well. Eight years ago we rented a cabin in Lake Tahoe and picked up a jar of local honey. My husband is very big into food-as-medicine and suggested we eat local honey while traveling to avoid catching a cold. I’m game for just about anything so I figured, why not? This is what I’ve learned.
Honey is a natural antiseptic. It can reduce the lifespan of colds and boost immunity. It can soothe a sore throat and even aid in digestion and gut health. A few years ago I cut back on white, refined sugar and honey is a good alternative. True enthusiasts also gush about honey helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol.
Raw, local honey comes straight off the honeycomb. It contains traces of flower pollen which may help reduce allergies, as one treatment for allergies is small exposure to allergens. When I’m in a new place I like to eat local honey so that my body gets an introduction to the new environment I’m in. I don’t know if this actually works or if it’s all placebo but I can tell you that when I travel I do not get sick.
So, should you try it? It depends on your current well being and health history. I am not a doctor or nutritionist, I’m just letting you know what worked for me. If you have questions about your specific situation, definitely reach out to a professional. (And remember, never give honey to babies under one!) If you are in good health and if you typically use other sweeteners in your coffee or tea, give honey a try. Raw and local is the best when you can get it. Enjoy it in your next cup…and remember to lick the spoon.