Honey is nutritious, with a sweet flavor and a neutral nature. It can tonify the spleen and nourish Qi, and moisten Yin to lubricate the lungs. A cup of honey water daily can moisten the intestines to promote bowel movements, prevent colds, remove toxins from the body, nourish the skin, and delay aging.
High water temperature destroys nutrients
There is a proper way to prepare honey; it should not be mixed with water that is too hot. Besides containing 65% to 80% glucose and fructose, honey is also rich in enzymes, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients can be destroyed by high temperatures. For instance, using boiling water to prepare honey can lead to a loss of over one-fifth, or even half, of its vitamin C. Therefore, it is best to use warm water, with a temperature of 40~50°C being ideal. The water temperature should not exceed 60°C. People with a deficient and cold constitution should use hot water to prepare it, while those with excessive internal heat should use cold water.
Honey is best consumed 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal. Try to avoid consuming it with cold-natured foods at the same time to prevent diarrhea. For individuals with excessive stomach acid or stomach and duodenal ulcers, drinking honey water 1.5 hours before a meal can not only suppress stomach acid secretion but also lower the level of stomach acid, which is beneficial for ulcer healing. People with neurasthenia can drink honey water before bed because honey has the effect of calming the mind, improving intelligence, and enhancing sleep.
Do not use metal containers to store honey
Since honey is a weakly acidic liquid, it can undergo chemical reactions with metals. When it comes into contact with metals like lead, zinc, and iron during storage, a chemical reaction will occur. Therefore, non-metallic containers, such as ceramic, glass bottles, and non-toxic plastic buckets, should be used to store honey. Honey should be kept in a cool, dry, clean, and well-ventilated environment, with a temperature maintained between 5~10°C and an air humidity not exceeding 75%.
The container for honey should be sealed tightly to prevent leakage and reduce contact with air. Honey has the ability to absorb moisture from the air; absorbing too much moisture will lower its concentration and easily lead to fermentation and spoilage. Utensils used for taking honey should be washed and dried. After each use, the container should be sealed tightly to prevent contamination.