If you've never tried raw honey, you might not even recognize it as honey at first. It's much thicker than processed honey, completely opaque, and often contains little waxy bits of beehive. And it's delicious. But could unhomogenized honey pose a health problem? In an HSI Forum thread titled "Raw Honey," a member named Rob poses this question:

"Have any members had experience consuming raw unpasteurized honey as opposed to the pasteurized kind? I've read that although unpasteurized milk is better for you that it's safer to consume pasteurized milk. I'm wondering if the same applies to honey?"

A response from a member named Jerry gets right to the point: "Go ahead and consume the unpasteurized honey. It is much better for you. Pasteurization is a process where heat is applied to kill microbes. Unfortunately it also destroys valuable nutrients. Same for milk. Pasteurization is used to extend the shelf life of milk. The spin they put on that is that it is safer for the consumer. Don't believe them."

Rob puts up another posting to ask, "But is it (honey) prone to the same bacteria problems present in unpasteurized milk?" And Jerry responds with more details: "Honey is also an antiseptic and antibiotic. Besides being a superb energy food, honey is one of nature's most powerful germ killers. Germs simply cannot survive in honey. Primitive man not only used honey as food, but also as medicine to heal his wounds."

And to back up Jerry's comments with some "expert" testimony, here's a quote (not on the Forum) from Heather Clay, the executive secretary for the Canadian Honey Council: ''Pasteurization of honey is a marketing issue - not a health issue. Many consumers think that the word 'unpasteurized' suggests that there is a health issue with honey, which simply is not the case.''

Raw honey is not nearly as easy to find as processed honey. But a member named Roz offers this tip: "You might inquire at a good health-food store, as to whether they know of someone locally, or else if they can acquire it for you. Our's does, but I still buy mine from the bee-keeper - an older couple, trying to supplement their income."

Picking up a jar of fresh, raw honey from a local beekeeper certainly sounds appealing. But if you live in the big city - miles from the nearest beehive - you can find several good sources for raw honey on the Internet.

I'll finish up this sweet topic with a note of caution: If you're avoiding carbohydrates, or if you have a diabetic condition, you'll probably want to keep your honey intake to a minimum, because honey is high in carbohydrates, glucose, and fructose - whether it's raw or pasteurized.

Other health topics of interest on the HSI Forum this week:

• A thread titled "Osteoporosis meds" weighs the pros and cons of prescription drugs and natural alternatives for addressing osteoporosis. 

• A member named Michael shares instructions for making "seed cheese" out of nuts in "Walnuts and omega 3."

Log on to our web site at www.hsibaltimore.com, and go to the Forum, where you can read and add your own comments to any of the dozens of health topics being discussed. 

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