Safflower is also called American or wild saffron. It is grown commercially to make oil, paints and feed. At the same time, beekeepers make honey from this plant. This is a rather rare product that contains many unique components. In order for safflower honey to be beneficial, it is important to follow the basic recommendations.
Description and differences of safflower honey
Getting honey from safflower is very problematic. The plant blooms for a short period of time and contains very little nectar.In addition, the process of its collection is directly affected by weather conditions. This doesn't happen every year. Flower nectar is produced only at +30-35 degrees, which is not typical for other honey plants.
The main features of safflower honey include the following:
- A light yellow, golden or straw hue that persists after crystallization.
- Pronounced taste with moderate sweetness and a honey-bitter aftertaste.
- Light aroma with barely noticeable floral notes.
- Long crystallization period.
- Thick and slightly viscous consistency after pumping.
- Dense structure after crystallization. At this stage, honey resembles a cream and contains small grains.
Composition and calorie content
Safflower nectar is a delicious product that contains many vitamins and minerals. The rich composition of the substance allows it to be used to combat various pathologies and maintain the balance of nutrients.
The product is quite high in calories. There are about 300 kilocalories in 100 grams of the substance. It also contains vitamins B, PP, iron, potassium, phosphorus. Contains magnesium and calcium.
The substance contains a small amount of proteins. At the same time, it is rich in carbohydrates, which are represented by fructose, glucose and sucrose. The share of these substances is 80%.
Safflower honey also contains organic acids - lactic, tartaric, citric, oxalic. It also includes small quantities of chromium, silver, zinc, and copper. Due to the low moisture content, the product has a long shelf life. However, this requires providing the necessary humidity and temperature parameters.
Honey nectar always contains pollen elements, which safflower is so rich in. At the same time, the composition and properties of the product are influenced by the place of collection and weather.Other plants from which the bees collected nectar are also important.
Useful properties and contraindications
Safflower honey contains a large amount of vitamins and microelements. Thanks to this, it has a beneficial effect on the human body. Systematic use of the product helps achieve the following results:
- strengthen the immune system;
- relieve tension and cope with diseases of the nervous system;
- improve the condition of the skin and speed up its regeneration in case of various injuries - for this you need to make honey masks;
- make hair more shiny and silky;
- obtain laxative and diuretic effects;
- improve the flow of bile;
- relieve pain from inflammation in the joints, arthritis and rheumatism;
- make blood more liquid;
- cope with colds;
- eliminate inflammation in the oral cavity and respiratory system.
At the same time, uncontrolled consumption of honey can cause serious harm.
Therefore, caution must be exercised when using it. The main contraindications to the use of honey include the following:
- Allergic reactions - if you are intolerant to bee products, any types of honey and related products are prohibited.
- Diabetes mellitus type 1 - the product contains a lot of fructose and glucose, as well as a minimal amount of sucrose. There is no need to completely eliminate this substance. At the same time, it is necessary to reduce its use if the disease is not advanced. In any case, it is important to control the total amount of sugars in the diet.
- Infant botulism contains bacterial spores that can cause this rare disease. Therefore, the product should not be given to children under 1 year of age.Spores will not harm older children.
- Dieting – the product contains a lot of calories, so its uncontrolled consumption leads to weight gain. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right diet, taking into account the energy value of safflower honey.
Dosage for children and adults
In order for the product to bring exceptional benefits to the body, it is important to strictly adhere to the rules of its use. However, the dosage differs depending on age.
How to choose quality honey
Safflower honey is not found in its pure form, and therefore it is practically not counterfeited. However, distinguishing it from other varieties is not difficult.
Immediately after pumping, safflower honey has a transparent consistency. If you look at it against the light, you can see a light yellow tint. As it crystallizes, the product acquires a thick and viscous consistency and retains its color. The substance has a light aroma.
To buy a quality composition, it is important to adhere to certain rules:
- Buy the product only from bona fide beekeepers.
- When purchasing, read the quality certificate.
- Control the consistency of the product. In summer, honey should be liquid, and in winter – solid and candied.
Practical use
Regular consumption of 2-3 tablespoons of honey strengthens the immune system and increases the body's resistance. To make the product more effective, preparing drinks with warm water and lemon juice will help. They help restore metabolic processes, remove toxins, normalize appetite and cope with swelling.
Safflower honey is a very healthy product that contains many valuable components. For the composition to be beneficial, it is important to use it correctly, strictly following the dosage.
