Is Raw Honey Safe for Elderly?

Author

Griswold Home Care

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Griswold Home Care

Posted on

Sep 03, 2023

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

Raw honey is known for its numerous health benefits, but is it safe for our aging loved ones to eat? In this blog, we will explore ways honey can assist seniors in achieving and maintaining their overall health.

Is Raw Honey Safe for Elderly Adults?

Yes, raw honey is safe for elderly adults. The only age group for whom honey is unsafe is children under the age of one, as they do not have enough of an immune system yet to fight any potential bacteria in the honey. Otherwise, honey provides considerable benefits for people in most other age groups.

What is the Difference Between Raw and Commercial Honey?

Raw honey differs from commercial honey in that it has yet to go through the pasteurization process. It is not filtered, so while it does not have the smooth golden look of honey you usually find in grocery stores, it maintains many nutrients and enzymes that filtration otherwise removes.

The Benefits of Eating Raw Honey

Raw honey is highly beneficial in managing seasonal allergies, especially when locally sourced. The bees ingest the same pollen that will make you sneeze in April and May. You can build immunity to those allergens when you eat local honey starting a few months before allergy season. It won't replace your allergy medicine, but it can help reduce symptoms and provide relief.

The anti-inflammatory properties in honey can help soothe a cough or sore throat, which is why you may be reaching for honey to put in your tea when you are feeling ill. Honey also acts as a natural sweetener, a healthier alternative to sweeten your tea in place of processed white sugar.

Honey can even be used for wound or burn care. Honey releases hydrogen peroxide through an enzymatic process and has antiseptic properties. A bit of honey on a small burn or cut can help with pain relief and healing.

DOWNLOAD OUR HEALTHY AGING DIET GUIDE

Does Honey Help with Anxiety?

Recent studies in rats show a significant reduction in anxiety after consuming honey. A spoonful of honey with some cinnamon for added flavor can help you calm down in a particularly anxious moment. (It helps that sweet things generally help us feel happier). Adding some honey to your chamomile tea in the evenings can also help promote restful sleep.

The Connection Between Honey and Alzheimer's

This article has been singing the praises of honey, so you might think suggesting honey can help treat Alzheimer's is getting carried away. To convince you, here is a super fast science lesson:

  • Acetylcholine is a chemical in the body critical as a neurotransmitter and plays a role in memory, learning, attention, and involuntary muscle movement. Lack of acetylcholine is a cause of Alzheimer's.
  • Cholinesterase inhibitors are drugs or other medical treatments which help to prevent the decay of acetylcholine.

Honey is a great source of cholinesterase inhibitors, preventing the decay of acetylcholine and improving memory function and brain health. Honey is also full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, both crucial for brain health. So while taking honey for dementia may not cure it, it can have a positive effect.

Overall, there are only benefits to eating raw honey (unless you are allergic to bee pollen). So enjoy a spoonful when you need a sweet treat, or add it to your tea the next time you can.

Other Articles You May Like

SnackEver: Your Healthy Snacking Solution

Switching to a healthier lifestyle often involves making significant changes to your diet, and one of the most challenging aspects can be finding nutritious and satisfying snacks. Traditional snack options, like chips, candy, and cookies, are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial additives. Fortunately, there's a convenient and delicious solution: SnackEver.SnackEver is a subscription service that delivers a curated selection of healthy snacks directly to your doorstep each month. With a variety of boxes to choose from, there's something to suit every taste and dietary preference. Whether you're looking for gluten-free, vegan, keto friendly, organic, kosher, dairy free, or low-calorie options, SnackEver has you covered.Why Choose SnackEver?Convenience: Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for healthy snacks at the grocery store. SnackEver takes the guesswork out of snacking by delivering a carefully curated box of delicious and nutritious treats right to your door.Variety: With SnackEver, you'll never get bored of your snacks. Each month, you'll receive a new assortment of healthy goodies, including everything from protein bars and nuts to fruit chews and trail mix.Customization: SnackEver offers a variety of subscription options to cater to your individual needs and preferences. You can choose from monthly, bi-monthly, or quarterly plans, and you can even customize your box by selecting specific snacks or dietary restrictions.Cost-Effective: While healthy snacks can often be expensive, SnackEver offers a convenient and affordable way to enjoy nutritious treats. By subscribing, you'll often get a discount on the individual price of each snack.Discover New Favorites: SnackEver is a great way to discover new and exciting healthy snacks. With each box, you'll have the opportunity to try products from different brands and categories, helping you to find your new favorite go-to snack.The Benefits of Healthy SnackingIncorporating healthy snacks into your diet can have numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Here are just a few:Increased Energy: Eating healthy snacks throughout the day can help to stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent energy crashes.Weight Management: By choosing nutritious snacks over unhealthy options, you can help to control your calorie intake and support weight loss or maintenance.Improved Nutrient Intake: Healthy snacks can be a great way to increase your intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.Enhanced Focus: Eating a balanced diet, including healthy snacks, can help to improve your cognitive function and concentration.If you're looking for a convenient and delicious way to incorporate more healthy snacks into your diet, SnackEver is the perfect solution. With its wide variety of options, customizable plans, and commitment to quality, SnackEver can help you achieve your health goals while enjoying delicious and satisfying treats.

6 Brain-Healthy and Stress-Relieving Foods for Everyone

Being mindful of our dietary choices can result in improved cognitive health and emotional stability. The food we consume significantly contributes to these aspects, helping us to feel better, think clearer, and reduce stress levels. Senior Helpers Overland Park will explore the wonderful world of nutrition and its impact on our brain and emotional health. We've compiled a list of brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods that are beneficial for everyonefrom seniors looking to boost their cognitive abilities to caregivers needing a little help managing stress.Nutrition and Brain HealthCertain nutrients help to enhance memory and cognition and delay brain aging. This is particularly beneficial for seniors, who are often at risk of cognitive decline. Seniors can stimulate brain function and maintain their mental health by incorporating brain-friendly foods in their diet.Nutrition and Stress ManagementJust as foods can boost your brain health, they can also aid in managing stress levels. The body's response to stress can be intensified by inadequate nutrition. A well-balanced diet can promote resilience towards stress and foster feelings of well-being. Caregivers, who often face high stress levels due to their demanding roles, can greatly benefit from this aspect of nutrition.In the same vein, good nutrition can be pivotal in mood regulation. What we eat can impact our brain structure, brain chemistry, and, subsequently, our emotions. Foods rich in certain vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can help regulate our emotions and reduce the risk of mood disorders. This is significant for everyone, seniors and caregivers alike.Fuel Your Mind and Mood With These FoodsHere are 6 brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods to add to your grocery list:BlueberriesDon't underestimate the power of these tiny fruits! Blueberries are bursting with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. These nutrients work together to delay brain aging, improve memory, and protect your brain cells from damage.Dark ChocolateCraving a sweet treat? Look no further than dark chocolate! This delicious indulgence contains flavonoids, caffeine, and antioxidants.  These components not only benefit your brain health but also possess mood-boosting properties, making it a great stress reliever in moderation.BroccoliThis versatile vegetable is a powerhouse of nutrients for your brain. Packed with antioxidants and vitamin K, broccoli is believed to support cognitive function and promote brain health.Pumpkin SeedsThese tiny nutritional powerhouses are a fantastic source of brain-friendly nutrients. Pumpkin seeds are rich in antioxidants, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper. These minerals are essential for maintaining cognitive function and overall well-being.TurmericThis vibrant spice has gained popularity for its numerous health benefits.  The active ingredient in turmeric, curcumin, boasts impressive brain-protective properties.  Curcumin can cross the blood-brain barrier and enhance the brain's oxygen intake, keeping you alert and focused.OrangesAs a rich source of vitamin C, oranges are a champion for brain health.  Vitamin C  plays a vital role in protecting against mental decline and improving overall cognitive function.Adding these brain-boosting and stress-relieving foods to your diet is simple and enjoyable! Explore different ways to incorporate them into your meals and snacks.  For instance, sprinkle blueberries and oranges over your morning cereal or yogurt. Enjoy dark chocolate squares in moderation as a delightful treat. Turmeric can be added to soups, stews, or even teas for a subtle flavor boost. Roasted pumpkin seeds are a delicious and healthy snack, and broccoli can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, from salads to stir-fries. Remember, a balanced diet rich in these power foods nourishes your body, mind, and emotional well-being.Senior Helpers Offers Nutrition Assistance and SupportNutrition is crucial in maintaining our overall health, particularly brain health and emotional stability. By making conscious dietary choices, we can manage our stress levels, enhance cognitive health, and regulate our emotions. Whether you are a senior aiming to boost brain function or a caregiver looking for stress management strategies, incorporating these brain-healthy and stress-relieving foods into your diet can be a game-changer.For those in Overland Park, Olathe, Johnson County, and Prairie Village needing assistance with senior care, a healthy diet, or stress management, contact us at Senior Helpers Overland Park. We proudly provide premium senior care services!

4 Healthy Treats for Aging Adults with a Sweet Tooth

Everyone craves a little something sweet sometimes, but it may be a challenge to find a pleasurable snack thats also nourishing. Luckily, there are a variety of simple healthy foods that can offer a taste both you and your elderly loved one can enjoy. Try some of these sweet suggestions. 1. Chocolate-Dipped Fruit Fruit can be a refreshing and sweet snack on its own, but pairing it with chocolate can add to the sweetness. You can buy chocolate dips that come in a ready-to-use liquid form that hardens when it dries or in a flaky, dry form that needs to be microwaved before dipping. Your loved one can dip whole strawberries or chunks of banana or pineapple into the chocolate and then let the shell harden before serving. Some seniors find it difficult to eat healthy because of health conditions or mobility issues. Living with serious health conditions can make it challenging for seniors to age in place. However, they can maintain a higher quality of life with the help of professional live-in care. Naples seniors can benefit from assistance with meal prep, bathing, transportation to the doctors office, medication reminders, and much more. 2. Smoothies Smoothies can be a great choice for seniors who have difficulty chewing harder foods. Simply mix plain yogurt, milk, and your loved ones favorite fruits in a blender, then puree and serve cold. You may also want to check with your loved ones doctor to see if its okay to add a bit of protein powder for an extra nutritional kick. A professional caregiver can be a terrific source of support for a senior who needs a hand with preparing healthy treats and nutritious meals. Seniors who want to remain healthy as they age can benefit in a variety of ways when they receive professional at-home care. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one accomplish daily tasks, prevent illness, and focus on living a healthier and more fulfilling life. 3. Peanut Butter & Jelly With the perfect balance of good taste, comfort, and nutritional value, this traditional sandwich is a classic for a reason. Grab some whole wheat bread, natural peanut butter, and your loved ones favorite flavor of jelly, and this simple and sweet treat is ready. A thinly sliced banana in the sandwich can also be a healthy addition.  4. All-Natural Freezer Pops Your loved one can make homemade fruit pops with fresh juice and a mold or buy them already prepared in the freezer section of the local grocery store. For the best health benefits from store-bought pops, suggest those made of 100 percent fruit. To offer variety in your loved ones snack choices, puree watermelon chunks with lime juice or peach slices with apple juice.  Limiting consumption of sweets is part of an overall healthy lifestyle, and some seniors need help when it comes to managing nutrition. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they dont all need the same type of in-home care. Naples families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide individualized care plans to meet their elderly loved ones unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia. To learn about our high-quality in-home care plans, call us today.

Local Services By This Author

Griswold Home Care

Home Health 9200 Bonita Beach Road Southeast, Bonita Springs, Florida, 34135

Griswold is More Than Home Care. Its Peace of Mind.Griswold offers compassionate in-home care for those who want support to live where they love. With over four decades of experience and a storied legacy of compassion and integrity, we focus on the people we meet and the connections we make. It is our privilege to support your unique needs with respect, empathy, and dedicated attention so you can Live Assured, without the weight of worry.Griswold is an award-winning pioneer in the non-medical home care industry. We believe Care Professionals are the foundation of our success, and our commitment to innovation is based on our desire to improve the lives of everyone we touch in the communities we serve. We focus on personal care, homemaking, companionship, and support for those with conditions, illnesses, or injuries.With almost 200 locations in 32 states, Griswolds reach continues to grow. While each location benefits from the collective expertise of the national network, our deep local community ties are what make us special.