• Sweet truth be told: honey as a kitchen staple in Filipino households

Honey is a good alternative to satisfy one’s sweet tooth cravings sans the guilt. This ancient golden medicine, which has withstood the test of time, is not only considered as the perfect alternative to sugar but has also evolved its role in every household because of its natural health benefits.

If there is one thing that sets honey apart when it comes to the sweetener category – it is the product’s versatility. Honey is widely known for its medicinal properties; and its various uses not just as a sweetener for drinks and desserts, but also for cooking. In fact, September is celebrated as a National Honey Month in the US.

Here in the Philippines, there are many honey products that are now available in the market. The viscous liquid – which is a byproduct of bees using the nectar from flowers – has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and glucose that give it its sweetness and richness in terms of flavor. It also has vitamins, enzymes, and minerals that could help in addressing some health issues. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends honey as a natural cough remedy. Using honey as a staple ingredient in the kitchen, whether for food or drinks, has been a common practice nowadays. In its pure and untreated state, it packs in a lot of nutrients good for the throat and the stomach; it can also help lower cholesterol levels; and is said to facilitate better memory and better sleep.

Emie San Beda, Senior Product Manager of Fly Ace Corporation – the Distributor of German product, Langnese Honey, in the Philippines – says that “the booming honey industry in the Philippines and globally has made people realize the importance of honey for one’s health and wellness. Honey can also enhance one’s mood. That is why choosing a good quality of honey is important if one wants to maximize its benefits.” An important thing that consumers have to look for when choosing honey, she adds, is to know the process of how it was made – i.e., a good honey should be 100% pure, raw, unfiltered, and unheated, among others.

“Langnese is one of the few brands in the market that is all-natural, which meets the highest quality standards, especially as it follows strict regulations of the European Union,” San Beda concluded.

Additionally, some people have discovered the healing and antibacterial properties of honey that have also been found to help achieve a healthier and clearer skin, especially among women. Whether used alone or mixed with other ingredients, honey is now a star ingredient to use for DIY face masks that can be used to combat acne and deeply moisturize the skin.

Whether it be for culinary use and as an alternative sweetener/natural medicine or as a beauty product, honey is absolutely the sweetest thing that has happened to mankind.