Natural Honey, the Golden Nectar: Insight from Scriptures and Food Sciences

¹Independent Scholar, Pakistan

²Department of Family Practice, The University of British Columbia, Canada

*Corresponding author: Prof. Iqbal Akhtar Khan, MBBS, DTM, FACTM, PhD, Independent Scholar, Lahore-54792, Pakistan, ORCID: 0000-0002-2363-9486, E-mail: [email protected]

Received Date: February 03, 2025

Published Date: February 17, 2025

Citation: Khan IA, et al. (2025). Natural Honey, the Golden Nectar: Insight from Scriptures and Food Sciences. Mathews J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 10(1):27.

Copyrights: Khan IA, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Honey, often referred to as "liquid gold," has captivated humanity for millennia, serving as a completely natural food devoid of additives and preservatives, significant medicinal value and a symbol of cultural and spiritual significance. With over 300 varieties recognized globally, honey’s composition, flavor, and therapeutic properties vary significantly based on its botanical and geographical origins.

Historically, honey has been revered by ancient cultures, from its symbolic role in Egyptian, Greek, and Indian traditions to its central place in Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Judaism. Its mention in holy texts emphasizes its sanctity and wholesome potential. Scientifically, honey is a complex supersaturated solution containing sugars, amino acids, vitamins, and antioxidants, with demonstrated antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Modern research highlights its prebiotic activity, cardiovascular benefits, and role in managing diabetes and promoting wound healing.

Despite its remarkable medicinal value, honey is classified as food rather than a drug by regulatory authorities, underscoring the need for further research to standardize its therapeutic use. This manuscript explores the multifaceted nature of honey, examining its historical, religious, nutritional, and medicinal roles across civilizations.

Keywords: Honey, Golden Nectar, Apiculture, Apitherapy, Cultural Significance, Religious Significance.