Honey made from clover has been known since ancient times, but today it is a rare variety. The composition contains many valuable components and brings great benefits to the human body. With the help of this product it is possible to strengthen the immune system and cope with many diseases. At the same time, the substance has a potent effect and can provoke allergies. Therefore, it must be used very carefully.
What is clover honey and its composition
Clover honey is a product created by bees based on the pollen of this plant.There are more than 300 species of plants in nature, but insects prefer white, red and pink varieties.
To buy natural clover honey, it is important to know what it looks like. The composition is light in color. Sometimes it contains amber shades. It has a transparent texture and crystallizes within 2 months. After sugaring, the substance becomes light cream. The product has a pleasant floral aroma.
Honey has a viscous and viscous texture. However, after crystallization it becomes granular. The product is characterized by a pleasant caramel taste. It looks a little like iris. There are no bitter or tart notes in the taste. Fruity notes are felt in the aftertaste.
The composition of the product is determined by the clover variety, climate and other factors. The content of pollen from other plants is also important. So, clover honey includes the following:
- sugars – fructose, dextrose, sucrose, melitose, malt sugar;
- proteins - the mass contains components that are easily absorbed by the body;
- essential oils;
- preservatives;
- enzymes;
- vitamins B, C, E, K;
- magnesium, iodine, calcium, sodium;
- tannins;
- water;
- flavonoids.
The energy value of 100 grams of the substance is about 310 kilocalories. This is a fairly high indicator, so it is recommended to use the composition in dosage.
When and where are they collected?
More than 300 species of clover are found in nature. Bees typically collect pollen from white, pink and red varieties. Nectar collection occurs in the spring. Thanks to this, honey crystallizes easily, but it takes a long period of time.
This can be determined by the aroma: the later the pollen was collected, the more intense the smell the finished honey will have.
Benefits and harms
The beneficial properties of the substance are beyond doubt. At the same time, it is characterized by certain features. This product is considered one of the sweetest varieties. Its sweetness is due to its high fructose content. In terms of sweetness, the composition is in third place after products made from raspberries and coriander. This feature is very important for people who monitor their caloric intake.
Clover honey has pronounced expectorant properties. In the midst of viral infections, honey is recommended to be consumed for bronchitis and respiratory infections.
Systematic use of the substance has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
The product normalizes sleep and blood pressure. It is especially useful after operations and during the recovery stage, with long-term debilitating diseases.
With the help of clover honey, it is possible to normalize the functioning of the digestive system. If taken before meals, it will promote the secretion of gastric juice. When consuming the substance 1.5-2 hours before meals, it will be possible to significantly reduce the secretion of gastric juice.
The composition is often used in cosmetology. This substance is added to creams, gels and ointments. It promotes the restoration of skin cells and has pronounced bactericidal characteristics.
The most lasting and pronounced effect is achieved with constant consumption of honey. If you eat 25-30 grams of the product every day, you will be able to saturate your body with valuable elements. In this case, heat treatment is contraindicated.
Sometimes natural clover honey is harmful. This applies to allergy sufferers and people intolerant to the product.Also, people who are overweight or suffer from diabetes should not overuse honey.
Uses of clover honey
The product is used in medicine, cosmetology and cooking. Systematic use of the composition helps to significantly improve overall well-being. Approximately 30 grams of product per day helps strengthen the immune system and saturates the body with valuable substances. The composition also helps cope with chronic diseases.
Clover honey is often used to treat illnesses. However, only proper use of the substance will help achieve the effect. It is important to know that heat treatment reduces the beneficial properties of honey. Therefore, the product is recommended to be consumed fresh. It can be eaten as a separate dish or combined with bread and fruit.
Contraindications
Not everyone can eat this product. It contains pollen, which can cause intolerance to the substance. Therefore, before using the product, it is important to make sure that you are not allergic to it.
Doctors also advise avoiding bee nectar in the following cases:
- children under 3 years of age – the product can cause allergies in children;
- diabetes mellitus – the high carbohydrate content in nectar can lead to increased blood sugar levels;
- allergy;
- pregnancy;
- diseases of the circulatory system;
- phlebeurysm;
- thrombophlebitis;
- increased blood clotting.
Checking for naturalness
Clover honey is considered a rather rare product. To buy a natural composition, it is important to check the certificate, which confirms the commercial qualities of the product. However, this does not guarantee its authenticity.
To determine the naturalness of a product, you should pay attention to the following signs:
- pronounced floral aroma;
- thick and viscous consistency - by mid-autumn the mass should be candied and quite dense;
- fresh nectar has a transparent color - 2 months after collection it turns white;
- lack of bitterness in taste - real nectar contains a lot of sugar, so it has a pleasant sweet taste and a fruity aftertaste.
How and for how long can you store it?
Honey easily absorbs foreign odors and moisture. Therefore, it is recommended to keep it in a clean room. It is best to place the mixture in glass jars. However, it is not recommended to use copper, tin or iron containers.
The optimal temperature for storing the product is +10 degrees. At higher values and honey humidity greater than 20%, there is a risk of the fermentation process starting. Experts do not recommend storing the product for more than 1 year. This will lead to the loss of its beneficial properties.
Clover honey is a valuable composition that contains many useful components and significantly improves human health. To achieve the desired results, it is important to adhere to the rules for using the substance and take into account existing contraindications.
