Honey: Is it really the bees knees?

Did you know that the delicious drizzle of liquid gold that you take for granted with your pancakes was considered in Greek mythology the food of the Gods?

Legend has it that baby Zeus was raised on honey.
Honey has been valued by the Greeks since ancient times, both as a food and medicinal source. Father of medicine Hippocrates found that honey healed boils and cleaned sores and ulcers on the lips.

Greek philosophers Plato, Aristotle and Homer all praised this "divine food" as an elixir of eternal youth, beauty and strength.
Today scientists have found several benefits associated with the sticky stuff.

The Pros

· A well known antibacterial and anti fungal agent, and helps disinfect and speed the healing process in wounds, scrapes and burns.

It has been used at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in the treatment of ulcers and wounds.

"Not all types of honey have equal antibacterial properties though, and the most effective seems to be Manuka honey," says Professor David Mudge from the hospital's Department of Nephrology.
"Medical-grade honey can be purchased from the chemist and is perfectly safe to use at home."

· A natural moisturiser and is rich in vitamins, minerals, which nourish the skin. In fact I'm using a honey based skin care range at the moment which is lovely and moisturising for my sensitive skin- it's called Bee Natural.
· Contains antioxidants, powerful compounds which fight free radicals and reverse aging.

· Four tablespoons a day might cut the duration of your cold by up to two days, according to a new study from Jahrom University.

The Cons

Honey might be fat free but it contains more calories than sugar spoon for spoon.
"The energy value is the same for both but when you use honey you don't need as much," said practicing accredited dietician, Dr Catherine Itsiopoulos.
"It is also possible that it may have some nutritional benefits but more research needs to be done."