There are more than 300 kinds of honey in the world! The general idea when one hears about honey is that it’s sweet and healthy. But how many of you know the differences that they hold?
Similarly, there is a rare kind of honey found in Nepal that has certain unique factors. These factors make mad honey stand out among all other kinds. If you think raw honey and mad honey can be used interchangeably, then please read our blog for clarification!
Raw Honey vs Mad Honey
Both regular honey and mad honey have potential health benefits. It would be unfair to say that the usual honey does not serve us anything. Raw honey is packed with various nutrients. However, mad honey amplifies the benefits.
Here are a few differences between raw honey and mad honey:
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Source
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) create regular honey by gathering nectar from a diverse range of flowers and plants. They travel from one flower to another, gathering the sugary nectar, which is later transported back to their hives.
Within the hive, the bees undergo a process of regurgitation and evaporation to transform the nectar. Enzymes from the bees' salivary glands aid in breaking down the intricate sugars in the nectar into more basic sugars, while water is evaporated, yielding the familiar dense and sweet liquid known as honey.
Whereas, Mad honey, also known as hallucinogenic honey or psychedelic honey, is found abundantly in the mountainous regions of Nepal. The giant honeybees collect the honey from these mighty cliffs.
When the giant honeybees collect nectar from the flowers of rhododendron and related plants, they also gather traces of grayanotoxins. Then, these substances are present in the honey that the bees produce.
Also Read: Manuka Honey vs Regular Honey: Also Highlighting Mad Honey
Grayanotoxin and Benefits
The main distinction between raw and mad honey is the presence of grayanotoxin. The giant honey bees collect nectar from specific flowers containing grayanotoxins.
Because of grayanotoxin, consuming mad honey can lead to improved concentration and heightened mental creativity. It offers various advantages, such as alleviating throat irritation and aiding in weight loss. This unique honey is a source of beneficial carbohydrates that can provide an energetic start to your day.
Mad honey has a smoky flavor that might trigger a tingling sensation in your throat. Also, it is rich in antioxidants and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
Additionally, it contains essential minerals and vitamins that support proper blood regulation and provide energy.
On the other hand, regular honey lacks the mind-relaxing compound found in mad honey. While it does offer antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, its effects are less potent compared to mad honey.
Also Read: Why Honey and Himalayan Salt for Pre-Workout?
Sugar Content
Regular honey is a sweetener that lots of people use in cooking and drinks. But for folks with diabetes or those who watch how much sugar they eat, there are things to think about.
One issue with regular honey is that it has a good amount of sugar, which might not be good for people who need to control their blood sugar.
People with diabetes need to be careful about how much sugar they eat, including the kind in honey, to keep their blood sugar steady.
Even though honey is thought to be a healthier choice than white sugar, it can still affect blood sugar because it has lots of sugars, like fructose and glucose.
However, mad honey has a lower number on the "glycemic index" compared to many regular jars of honey. It could be interesting for people who want something with a smaller effect on blood sugar.
This index tells us how much certain foods can affect blood sugar. Foods with a lower number mean sugar gets into the blood more slowly, which keeps things steady. The reason mad honey has a lower glycemic index is because it comes from special flowers and has different things in it.
That is why it becomes a better choice for people with diabetes or those who want less sugar. People who choose mad honey might still enjoy the sweet taste without getting big jumps in their blood sugar.
But remember, even though mad honey is different, it's important to be careful and not eat too much. If someone is interested in trying Mad Honey, it's smart to talk to a doctor first.
