Without us giving much thought to it, our immune system is working for us all the time. It helps to fight off infections and keeps us healthy.
But as we all know only too well, sometimes, the onslaught of stomach bugs and winter viruses is too much for the immune system to deal with. We then end up coughing and sneezing or suffering the effects of a vomiting bug.
Eating healthily, exercising, avoiding stress and getting enough sleep all helps to support a healthy immune system. But did you know that eating active healing honey can also help to bolster the immune system…?
The Function of the Immune System
In a healthy individual, the organs, cells and proteins of the immune system are constantly on the lookout for invading pathogens and potentially harmful environmental substances.
When it detects a pathogen or something that it doesn’t recognise as belonging to the body (‘self’ vs ‘non self’) it sends an army of killer cells and antibodies to fight the offending invader.
Killer cells tend to fight off pathogens such as cold viruses or stomach bugs. Antibodies are usually released as an immune response to an allergen (something that causes an allergic reaction) that the body has encountered before, such as pollen particles or gluten, if we’re sensitive to them.
So to avoid infections getting in the way of a healthy life, we need to look after our immune system and keep it as healthy as possible.
How Jarrah Honey Helps the Immune System
Jarrah honey is a type of active healing honey. All active healing honey is given a Total Activity, or TA, rating. The higher the rating, the higher the natural antimicrobial activity and healing properties of the honey.
However, not all honey can heal in this way. Necta & Hive Jarrah honey has a TA rating of 22, one of the highest TA ratings on the market. Necta & Marri Wild honeycomb 15+ TA with Honey also has additional benefits for digestion, and a healthy gut is important for all aspects of our health!
Consuming a food that has such great antimicrobial power helps to boost the work of the immune system and help us fight infections that may have taken hold.
The antimicrobial (antibacterial, antifungal, anti-yeast) properties of active healing honey mean that it’s now recommended as a selfcare intervention for coughs by doctors. Studies have found that active healing honey, such as Jarrah honey, reduces the longevity and symptoms of sore throats and coughs.
Active healing honey also contains high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants help to neutralise free radicals, unstable oxygen molecules that can cause damage to our cells, including the cells of the immune system.
Free radicals enter the body as a result of breathing in cigarette smoke (actively or passively) or pollution or by eating a diet high in fried or processed foods. They’re also produced by the body as a by-product of digestion and breathing.
The more we can ‘mop up’ these free radicals by consuming antioxidant rich foods such as active honey, the better for our immune health. A build-up of free radicals can lead to a condition called oxidative stress, which can lead to chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hearts disease and certain cancers.
Enjoy Necta & Hive high TA honey as part of a healthy diet. We recommend adding a teaspoon to hot herbal teas once a day. Wait for your hot drink to cool down to a drinkable temperature before adding your Necta & Hive honey. This is so that you don’t destroy the beneficial enzymes that we’ve been so careful to protect, with boiling water. Drink, enjoy and help to keep your immune system functioning as healthily as possible!
