Benefits of local honey

Never a dull moment at The Estates. 

I couldn't get the jar of our homegrown (Upper Arlington, Ohio) honey open this morning to make my delicious chocolate-honey de-caf. Even when I was a strong 65, I couldn't get these open (home processed). So, I tucked it inside my waxed amaryllis box and went down to the night watchman (it was about 6:30 a.m.) and asked for help. I even took with me two plastic jar opening strips. Big guy, he  huffed and puffed but he couldn't do it either. So, I told him we needed hot water to loosen the ring seal, so he took it to the back room and did that. After much effort, he was successful. Then there was the sealed lid, so he found a pair of scissors, and finally, success!

"Benefits of Local Honey

Local honey offers various health benefits that can enhance daily wellness. This natural sweetener not only tastes good but also provides important nutrients that support a healthier lifestyle.

Nutritional Advantages

Local honey contains essential vitamins and minerals. It includes vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which contribute to overall health. This sweetener also provides carbohydrates, giving a quick source of energy. Unlike processed sugars, local honey has fewer additives and preservatives, making it a cleaner choice for sweetening foods. The presence of local pollen in honey can boost immune responses. This helps the body build tolerance to local allergens, which can be especially important during allergy season. Choosing local honey means enjoying a product rich in nutrients while also supporting local beekeepers.

Antioxidant Properties

Local honey is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can lead to chronic diseases and aging. Antioxidants found in local honey primarily come from plant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Consuming local honey can aid in reducing inflammation and supporting heart health. Studies show that honey's antioxidant content can be more effective than those in many processed sweeteners. Regular use may help improve overall health by boosting the body's defenses and promoting better well-being. Local honey stands out as a natural choice for enhancing health and combating oxidative stress." . . . 

Why Is Local Honey Better for You? Key Health Benefits — Blythewood Bee Company

At the Farmer's Market--giant zucchini at the organic tent

Benefits of summer squash such as zucchini--World's healthiest Foods newsletter

"Although summer squash has long been recognized as an important food source of carotenoids, only recently have research studies documented just how fantastic summer squash can be when it comes to these key antioxidants. For some groups of study participants, summer squash turns out to be the primary food source of alpha-carotene and beta-carotene in the entire diet! For lutein, zeaxanthin, and beta-cryptoxanthin (three other health-supportive carotenoids) summer squash also comes out among the top three food sources in several studies.   

When we think about food and antioxidants, what first comes to mind might be fresh fruit and vitamin C, or bright orange carrots and beta-carotene. Yet several recent studies have underscored the unique contribution made by summer squash to our antioxidant requirements. While not as rich in some of the more widely-publicized antioxidants like beta-carotene, summer squash is a very strong source of other key antioxidant nutrients, including the carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin. Since the skin of this food is particularly antioxidant-rich, it's worth leaving the skin intact and purchasing organic summer squash to help avoid potential unwanted contaminants."

Today I had beet tops and corn on the cob (2 minutes in the microwave) for lunch. Our Farmer's Market at Lakeside is great, and two of these items were organic, and the zucchini will last a long time unless I figure something out.