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A little honey in a hot drink or how to combine business with pleasure when the temperature plummets. However, this preemptive reflex will not be the most effective at soothing winter ailments. Details.
For every sore throat, take out a spoonful of honey. Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiseptic, healing, energizing… We can’t count anymore the virtues of this golden liquid extracted from flower nectar and transformed by bees. Apis mellifera. In ancient Egypt, the product was so popular that it was even offered to the gods. However, to benefit from its healing properties, it’s best to avoid slipping it into your tea or infusion. Explanations:
Heat destroys living assets
We must understand one thing: in practice, the antibacterial and antiseptic effect of honey comes from the synergy of several factors. Starting with its acidity, thanks to its very low pH, which prevents the growth of bacteria. Its high sugar level (80%) associated with low water content (15 to 18%) takes care of the absorption of water particles, which are vital for bacteria to destroy them better. Finally, in our honey pot we also find protective enzymes transmitted by the bee, such as glucose oxidase, which will produce hydrogen peroxide, better known as hydrogen peroxide, this popular antiseptic used to save small ulcers.
Honey is very sensitive to oxidation and heat
Hafid Halhol, nutritionist
However, as soon as you bring the kettle close to this microcosm, you will disrupt its proper functioning. “Honey is very sensitive to oxidation and heat,” notes nutritionist Dr. Hafid Halhol (1). The more the temperature rises, the more the enzymes break down. “Beyond 42°C, all living activity is destroyed, it’s the same for the human body,” affirms Albert Becker, doctor, beekeeper and doctor of the French-speaking Apitherapy Association (AFA).
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First a hot drink, then a spoonful
Be sure that it is always possible to drink tea with honey without risking the body and enjoy some of its benefits. “We’ll wait for it to cool so the cup doesn’t burn our fingers anymore, and then we can add honey to it before we drink it,” explains Dr. Albert Becker. As pharmacy doctor Olivia Metral (2) points out, this gesture will aim to preserve the sweet taste of honey, as well as its anti-inflammatory properties, but not its natural anti-infective properties. “If we dilute honey with water, we change its pH and sugar concentration, hence its effect against bacteria,” explains the apitherapy specialist.
If we dilute honey with water, we change its pH and sugar concentration, and therefore its effect against bacteria.
Olivia Methral, Doctor of Pharmacy
On the other hand, if taken separately, warm water and honey are very effective, especially for flu-like conditions. “A hot drink between 37 and 38°C will increase oral vasodilation,” says Dr. Nicholas Cardino of Human Nutrition (3). This will allow for a larger exchange surface and therefore better absorption of the active ingredients under the tongue when you take honey. Without further ado, take some verbena, a spoonful of honey and go to bed.
(1) Dr. Hafid Halhol is the author Superheroes on your plate, foods that save your life.Éditions Larousse, 304 pages, €14.95.
(2) Dr. Olivia Methral is the author Honey at your pharmacyÉditions Baroch, 168 pages, 24 euros.
(3) By Nicolas Cardinault Treat yourself to bee productsÉditions Thierry Souccar, 240 pages, €13.90.
Published in December 2019, this article has been updated.
Source: Le Figaro
