Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN)–Who doesn’t want to use the delicious original honey, sprinkle it on a piece of bread, or add it to sweeten tea?
It may be confusing to buy honey sometimes, and to avoid adulterated honey, so some may resort to wrong practices to ensure its quality.
And the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (FDA) indicated on Twitter that a rumor had spread that it was possible to differentiate between adulterated and original honey by its ability to absorb starch.
These allegations are untrue, according to the authority, explaining that there is a possibility to determine the quality of honey by conducting advanced laboratory analyzes, including:
- Detection of the content of hedioxymethylfurfural, which is an indication of the preservation and storage of honey under appropriate conditions
- Detection of sugar content, which is an indication of adulteration in honey
- Diastase activity test
And honey is not only a sweetener for your meals, it also has various health benefits.
Honey has the ability to kill bacteria. Studies have shown that it is effective against dozens of strains, including E. coli and Salmonella.
Honey is also helpful in soothing the throat. A study of 139 children found that honey did a better job of relieving nighttime coughing and improving sleep than the famous cough suppressant dextromethorphan and the antihistamine diphenhydramine.
And if you’re an athlete, honey may be a good addition to your diet.
Three studies conducted at the University of Memphis’ Sports Nutrition Laboratory found that honey was just as effective, or even more efficient, than glucose, or sugar, and water in boosting people’s ability to sustain endurance sports.