Once thought to be like sugar, made up of "empty calories" honey is now getting a lot of attention as a health food 

Fighting Free radicals just got sweeter according to a recent University of Illinois study. Researchers found that honey contains antioxidants, which protect against cell damage, and help prevent cancer and heart disease. The darker the honey the greater the antioxidant punch. 
Honey also contains trace amounts of important vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, thiamin, niacin, riboflavin, phosphorous, calcium, potassium and zinc. What's more, a study by microbiologist Richard Stier of the University of Florida's Food Science and Human Nutrition Department found that honey's unique composition - high - acid, high - sugar and low - protein - makes it an effective antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, useful for treating minor scrapes, burns and some types of bacterial infections. Scientists also say that when applied topically to minor skin injuries, honey may prevent scarring.  While a spoonful of honey a day won't replace your five recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables, using it as your primary sweetener is a smart way to get an extra antioxidant "buzz" inside your body. 

First for women 1/25/99 Page 76