Acacia honey is a product obtained from bees collecting acacia flowers. This is one of the most delicious types. Externally, it can be yellow or white, thereby differing from buckwheat. Lovers of honey from trees such as Aktia consider the taste of the product to be more subtle and elegant compared to other varieties. Honey crystallizes throughout the year, which is an advantage of the variety.
What it is
The acacia tree grows mainly in the south; acacia blooms at the end of May, the buds remain open for two weeks.During this period, bees collect honey. The fresh product looks like a viscous but liquid mass. In appearance, honey is slightly thicker than water. The color varies from yellow to white, depending on the shade of the buds. The product has a strong floral aroma.
Acacia belongs to the category of excellent honey plants. But the flowering period is short-lived, so pumping out 8 to 12 kilograms of honey from the hive is usually considered a good indicator. From one hectare of plantings it is possible to obtain up to 800 kilograms of product.
Beneficial features
The main property that makes this type especially popular is hypoallergenicity. Honey shares are used for diabetes and other complex diseases. The product contains enzyme compounds that help digest food. Experts also note other useful qualities:
- improving the process of digesting food, increasing metabolism;
- positive effect on blood pressure;
- promoting a diuretic and antibacterial effect from regular use;
- increased hemoglobin levels;
- restorative properties;
- helping to improve general immunity indicators.
The listed properties allow this product to be used as a means to improve the general condition of the body. Regular use is recommended during seasonal colds, when the body needs additional help. Systematic use also helps in the treatment of childhood enuresis and has a beneficial effect on diseases of the hematopoietic system.
In addition, the technique is practiced in the fight against excess weight. Proper use helps get rid of swelling.
Are there any contraindications
But you cannot get carried away and take the product uncontrollably. The daily norm is 2 tablespoons.Excessive intake leads to an increase in the body's allergic response, as well as increased blood pressure and digestive problems.
In addition, serious disruptions in the functioning of body systems are caused by taking honey after heating above 45 degrees. The fact is that when heated, the ingredient loses its beneficial qualities and also begins to release harmful compounds.
There is a special list of restrictions:
- Do not overdo it during pregnancy;
- It is forbidden to feed honey to small children; the product is tried only after reaching 3 years of age;
- When used externally, do not allow contact with open wounds or scratches.
Nutritional composition
The distribution of fructose and glucose within the product is 40 and 36 percent, respectively. This composition is responsible for the delicate taste.
In addition, honey is rich in vitamins. Most of all there are B vitamins, but there is also vitamin A and C.
Among the group of minerals are manganese, chromium and copper, as well as sodium, boron and iron. If we talk about the fat content of the product, it is low: only 3% protein, 78% carbohydrates. 100 grams of product contain 337 kilocalories.
Storage Features
As mentioned above, honey takes a long time to crystallize, which allows you to extend its shelf life. It is important to comply with the basic requirements here:
- glass containers are used for storage;
- for long-term storage, make a top layer of coconut oil and close it with a lid in such a way as to limit the flow of air inside;
- Do not use tin or metal cans for storage;
- Honey should not be left open.
When preparing healthy mixtures with nuts and raisins, it is better to use a fresh product, since the characteristics of the behavior of these ingredients within one composition have not yet been fully studied.
Application
Acacia honey is characterized by both internal and external use. If everything is very clear with oral administration: the norm is 2 tablespoons per day, then we need to talk in more detail about external use.
The product is used to create masks for the face, hair, and body. Products based on this product improve the overall condition of the skin and have a beneficial effect on overall well-being.
Honey wraps are a good remedy for getting rid of cellulite. The top layer of skin, thanks to the influence of the product’s elements, is renewed faster, acquires firmness and elasticity, and the overall skin tone is evened out.
Honey is suitable for treating peeling nails, eliminating the effects of acne, and also for getting rid of small expression wrinkles on the face.
Folk recipes
When used externally, the product is often used in cosmetic recipes:
- Facial scrub. Add the same amount of oatmeal to a teaspoon of honey, then mix with lemon juice. The mixture is applied to the face, left for 15 minutes, then gently washed off. The mask exfoliates dead skin particles, making the face smoother and more even.
- Hair Mask. Mix 1 teaspoon of honey and olive oil, apply to hair, keep warm for 30 minutes, then wash off with shampoo. This mask makes hair manageable and silky.
- Drink to improve immunity. Add 1-2 teaspoons to warm herbal tea, stir, drink 2-3 times a day.
Bonus – how to identify natural honey
When using this type of honey, it is important to correctly determine the authenticity. Unfortunately, today there are many fakes on the market; in addition, the product is diluted or passed off as one type for another.
Here you have to focus on the description of external properties:
- Hue. If the fresh product is an almost transparent mass, then after short-term storage it shows a more saturated yellowish tint. There are no impurities inside the material, no sediment.
- Aroma. When approached, it exhibits a floral aroma without much harshness.
- Form. When you lift the stock, it stretches behind it and does not form lumps when stirring.
There is a test, when used, the authenticity of the product becomes clear. If you add a drop of iodine, honey will turn blue if there are artificial ingredients inside.
In addition, experts recommend paying attention to the smell. If a sharp vinegar aroma emanates from honey, this indicates a violation of storage rules.
