When you imagine honey, you probably think of something sweet, but it might surprise you to hear the word sour associated with it. Sourwood honey is the only honey with pinocembrin, an antioxidant similar to those in green tea and dark chocolate. It offers various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, despite its name suggesting sourness.
Sourwood honey is produced from the ‘Oxydendrum arboreum’ tree, found in the Appalachian Mountains of North Georgia. This beautiful tree blooms from late summer to autumn, when bees gather nectar from its fragrant white flowers. Contrary to what its name suggests, sourwood honey isn’t actually sour; it just has a hint of tartness that makes its taste unique.
Honey is known for supporting health, commonly used for soothing sore throats and coughs. Sourwood honey stands out because of its abundant antioxidants, particularly due to the pinocembrin from its nectar. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which can lead to diseases such as cancer. These essential nutrients are typically found in fruits and vegetables and certain kinds of honey and red wine.
Research in the Journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry tested sourwood honey’s antioxidant power against 27 other kinds from nine countries. It was found to have the highest antioxidant strength among them all. Sourwood honey has also been studied for its ability to combat collagen-induced arthritis, showing promising results when consumed orally by rats in a study.
Sourwood honey contains pinocembrin as an antioxidant, helping fight free radicals that can damage cells and lead to diseases. It’s helpful for conditions such as arthritis, stroke, and heart disease. This type of oxidative stress is linked to over 200 diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular issues. Although its low water content gives sourwood honey its dark color, it also means it’s packed with antioxidants, including carotenoids, which help protect against cancer and heart diseases.
Quercetin and gallic acid in sourwood honey also contribute to its health benefits. Quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties useful against asthma, arthritis, and heart disease, while gallic acid aids in reducing inflammation and battling infections.
Sourwood honey is recognized for its antibacterial and antifungal effects. Studies have shown it effectively fights harmful bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, it’s rich in amino acids, crucial for cell repair and metabolism, supporting healthy skin, hair, and nails.
This honey variety is also low on the glycemic index, making it a healthier sweetener choice. A study found it to have a low GI, meaning it doesn’t spike blood sugar, which can benefit those with diabetes or prediabetes. It also contains bee pollen, which provides essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.
The antioxidants in sourwood honey act as a booster for the immune system and have shown potential in fighting cancer cells. Research has suggested polyphenols from sourwood honey can inhibit the growth of cancer cells and aid in digestion by acting as a mild laxative. Its antioxidants also contribute to reducing cardiovascular disease risk by improving cholesterol levels.
Besides these benefits, sourwood honey can soothe a sore throat better than cough syrup, offering relief from nighttime coughing. It’s used in alternative medicine for wound healing and allergy symptom relief.
When purchasing sourwood honey, you can choose between raw and processed forms, with the former containing more natural properties. Similar to manuka honey, sourwood honey is effective against certain pathogenic bacteria. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine, and recent studies highlight its compounds essential for optimal health. Enthusiasts are often willing to pay more for raw sourwood honey because of its rich, sweet flavor, but it’s always best to consult with a doctor before trying any new supplement.
