Honey contains a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. The vitamins found in honey include niacin, riboflavin and pantothenic acid; minerals present include calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. In addition honey contains a variety of flavonoids and phenolic acids which act as antioxidants, scavenging and eliminating free radicals.

University of Illinois food scientists have discovered that honey packs the same antioxidant punch as spinach and strawberries. "And that means substituting honey for sugar and other sweeteners is a delicious way to give yourself some fantastic health benefits," declares lead researcher Nicki Engeseth, Ph.D. Studies revealed that eating 2 - 4 Tbs. of honey daily can raise antioxidant levels in your bloodstream by almost 10%. How does this help your health? "The antioxidants stop cholesterol from sticking to blood vessel walls," explains Engeseth. "And that's essential for preventing the buildup of artery-clogging plaque." Other research shows the antioxidants may help your liver flush up to 84 percent of artery-clogging fats out of your system, enough to slash your heart attack and stroke risk by 20%.