Honey Chemistry

Honey typically has a complex chemical and biochemical composition that invariably includes complex sugars, specific proteins, amino acids, phenols, vitamins, and rare minerals. It is reported to be beneficial in the treatment of various diseases, such as those affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, as well as diabetes mellitus and certain types of cancers; however, there is limited literature describing the use of honey in modern medicine.

This Brief explains and discusses honey and its production from a chemical perspective. It outlines why honey is a special and unique food, being produced by bees from the nectar of plants or from secretions of living parts of plants.

by Elizabeth De La Luz Ortiz Vazquez (Editor),‎ Jorge Carlos Ruiz Ruiz (Editor),‎ Denis Israel Magana Ortiz (Editor),‎ Jesus Manuel Ramon Sierra (Editor)

This book highlights the science underlying honey, which is central to an understanding of conventional medicine or ingredients of food used mostly in all societies and it is attracting increasing interest among food scientists and professionals worldwide. Honey, wax, propolis and royal jelly also have significant roles in various nutraceutical and pharmaceutical products and this book provides collective information and practical approaches regarding all characteristic features of honey and its applications as functional food and medicines. Not only does this book explain the comprehensive knowledge of honey and its medicinal properties based on current researched evidence, it also explores the contribution of honey in the food science and medicine industry as a significant part of nutraceuticals and functional food research. Written by leading scientists in the field, the book will be a valuable resource for students and researchers in the fields of food chemistry, nutritional science, taste physiology, and neuroscience, as well as for professionals in the food industry.