White Honey: How is it different from regular honey and what are its benefits

With growing awareness and inclination towards health and fitness, traditional and natural foods are making a comeback, and honey is one such food that has been a part of Indian culture and cuisine.

While most of us have grown up consuming brown/golden honey, there many rare varieties that are no less than hidden gems of nature, one such rare variety of honey is White honey. Well, here’s all you need to know about white honey and what makes it unique…

What is exactly?White honey is a unique and rare variety of honey, which is loved for its creamy texture and white pale color, which makes it different from regular golden honey.

Well, what makes it different from regular honey is its clear, liquid golden colour, thick texture and sweet taste, which differs from white honey, which has a mild, delicate sweet taste, and its almost crystallized texture, which gives it a unique colour.

What makes it different?White honey and regular honey have many differences, most of these depend on their origin. White honey is extracted from specific rare flowers like sage, fireweed, and the kiawe tree in Hawaii, which gives this honey a nutrient dense composition, thick texture and unique taste.

Interestingly, white honey goes through minimal processing, which helps retain more antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients compared to typical regular honeys that usually undergo pasteurization and filtration. While, white honey is usually sourced from flowers, regular honey on the other hand is commonly harvested from a broader variety of flowers, but often undergoes heating processes that reduce some of its nutritional benefits.Lesser-known health benefits of white honeyThere’s no denying that white honey has many of the benefits of raw honey, and has higher antioxidant concentrations that help improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and promote overall health. EnzymesWhite honey is a rare variety, retains an abundance of natural enzymes, antioxidants, and nutrients that contribute to overall wellness.AntioxidantsWhite honey has high antioxidant content, these antioxidants are compounds help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.

White honey’s antioxidants include polyphenols and flavonoids that support immune health and combat inflammation.

Antimicrobial propertiesThis honey variety also has potent antimicrobial properties, making it effective in soothing sore throats and preventing infections. Applied topically, white honey's antibacterial effects can aid in wound healing and skin care, helping reduce inflammation and promoting faster recovery due to its naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide and other bioactive compounds.Good for digestion and heartWhite honey is also known for its digestive benefits. It contains enzymes like diastase and invertase that assist in breaking down food, improving digestion and absorption of nutrients. Its gentle sweetness can help alleviate symptoms of acid reflux and gastritis when eaten in moderation, making it a natural aid for gastrointestinal comfort. White honey has been found to support cardiovascular health by improving blood lipid profiles and reducing blood pressure, potentially due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

This makes it a heart-friendly alternative to processed sugars.