NZ Honey Products an Effective Alternative to Medication

24 July 2013

NZ Honey Products a Healthier, Effective Alternative to Medication This Winter – But Some Are Better Than Others

According to international research, honey could be a healthier, effective alternative to over the counter cough and cold medications this winter. Repeated studies in the United States have shown that honey is a better option for adults and children than Dextromethorphan based cough syrups and other products containing chemical ingredients, many of which have limited or no research on their safety once consumed. Honey health products have also been proven to be a good alternative for people on low or restricted carbohydrate diets as honey is rated lower on the glycemic index than refined sugars.

Honey lozenges in particular have become increasingly popular in New Zealand and overseas. They are an easy, palatable way to benefit from the natural goodness of honey, boosting the immune system and protecting the body from coughs, colds and tickly throats. However, according to Airborne Honey, New Zealand’s oldest honey brand, Kiwis need to be on the lookout for unhealthy additives and added sugar.

“Some honey lozenges on the market only contain a small percentage of honey, typically less than five percent, and are made from refined sugar. These products are often boiled, which results in heat damage and removes the natural nutrients and anti-bacterial qualities of honey. You might as well be eating lollies,” explains John Smart, Airborne Honey Sales and Marketing Manager. “Ideally, shoppers should be looking for lozenges that are almost entirely made from honey, at least ninety-percent. Customers should also choose lozenges that have been dried not boiled so they can be confident that the honey hasn’t suffered any heat damage.”

John explains that many people read honey lozenge on the label and assume that they are getting a natural product.

“Kiwi shoppers need to be well informed and aware of exactly what they’re buying,” says John. “If you are treating children for coughs and colds, or if you require a lower carbohydrate diet, it’s important to check that the honey product you’re buying doesn’t have sugar or corn syrup as its primary ingredient. Too much sugar can lead to tooth decay and weight gain so it’s a good idea to cut it out as much as possible. Many health experts also believe that refined sugar suppresses the immune system, meaning it’s one of the last things you should be eating when you’re trying to protect yourself against winter coughs and colds.”

About Airborne Honey
Airborne Honey is New Zealand’s oldest and most technically competent honey company. Behind each jar is 100 years of experience, plus 25 years of laboratory experience and a comparative database containing more than 31,000 records. Airborne Honey adheres closely to the principles of being Honest, Undamaged and Traceable. Specific numbers on Airborne Honey packaging relates to the honey’s actual pollen count, the HMF level, plus others, giving Airborne the ability to trace the honey right back to its source, as well as pinpointing any damage from processing and identifying its active ingredients. Airborne Honey has also patented a unique, breakthrough technology that almost entirely minimises heat damage to honey and delivers to the consumer the most natural and undamaged honey possible. For more information on Airborne Honey, visit www.airborne.co.nz.

ENDS

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