HONEY Researches

Is raw honey good for weight loss in females?

Raw honey is versatile, from medicinal use to natural sweeteners and aesthetic benefits. One of the interesting benefits of raw honey is believed to be weight loss. It is said to be a natural and tasty way to support your weight loss journey, making it a staple in many diet plans. Does it help females with weight loss? Does it help lose weight in general? Let's find out. Today's blog will walk you through the nutrient profile of raw honey, help you understand its role and benefits for your body, and give you insight into its use in weight loss. So keep reading until the end. What Does 'Raw Honey' Mean?It is normal to confuse raw honey with regular honey. While some believe that raw honey is far superior to regular honey in nutritional benefits, others believe there's no difference between the two. So let's set it straight. Raw honey is best defined as honey extracted from the beehive, strained, and poured straight into the bottle for use. It skips the commercial processing methods that regular honey undergoes. Raw honey, once extracted, is poured over a mesh or a nylon cloth to remove beeswax and dead bees. That's all! It does not undergo the following two processes:Pasteurization: Process that destroys the yeast in honey by applying heat, extends its shelf life, and makes it smoother. Filtration: Process undertaken to remove debris and air bubbles. As a result, honey stays like a clear liquid. So how do the two differ? Raw honey contains higher amounts of antioxidants than its processed counterparts. It contains nearly 30 bioactive plant compounds called polyphenols, which act as antioxidants. Most processed honey does not contain any pollen, which is very nutritious. It contains over 250 substances, including vitamins, micronutrients, and antioxidants. Regular honey may have artificial sweeteners or added sugar.As a result, raw honey's health benefits may be based on its nutritional profile due to its higher antioxidant content. Why Raw Honey May Be Good for Weight Loss?Honey has been linked with weight management for quite a significant amount of time. Previous research suggests that honey has multiple physiological effects, such as:AntibacterialAnticancerAnti-inflammatoryAntioxidantImproves cardiovascular health, immune system, and gastric activity. Sugar Content in HoneyClinically, high intake of sugar has been linked with obesity and being overweight. However, it helps the body function at homeostasis when taken in appropriate amounts. Raw honey is concentrated with fructose, glucose, and small amounts of other varieties. For instance, Turanose is a type of sugar in honey that reduces fat buildup in the body. Research suggests that it lowered the activity of specific genes linked to fat production in the body. Leucrose, another sugar found in honey, helps to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Similarly, Trehalose is believed to prevent obesity by encouraging 'browning' of white fat, which helps burn more calories. Proteins in HoneyHoney is not primarily known for its protein content because it is in very small quantities. However, the proteins and amino acids may still have a positive impact. Phenylalanine, an amino acid, helps with appetite control. Then there's Glutamine. It is the most common amino acid in blood and shows promising results for weight management. In a small study, obese women who took glutamine daily for four weeks saw a drop in both body weight and waist size. Histidine, another amino acid, has shown results for obese women. It improved insulin resistance, reduced BMI, and helped cut down fat mass. However, it is important to note that these results depend on the intake of these amino acids per kg of body weight. Even though proteins and amino acids are not present in significant amounts in honey, they may make a slight difference. Raw Honey Might Benefit Weight LossWe've covered the intricate details of the ingredients found in honey and their impact. Let's put it into perspective now. Raw honey might aid in weight loss by:Controlling Your AppetitePhenylalanine found in honey controls your appetite by suppressing it. Theoretically, this means it increases satiety and reduces small hunger pangs. As a result, it saves you from overindulging, which may contribute to weight gain. It is important to note that more research needs to be undertaken for this aspect. Protection Against Metabolic SyndromeMetabolic syndrome is a group of conditions, including high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels, that together increase the risk for:Cardiovascular diseaseType 2 diabetesStroke2021 research suggests that honey and its components:Balance blood sugarImprove how the body uses insulinSupport fat metabolism by lowering triglyceridesReduces bad cholesterol (LDL)Boosts good cholesterol (HDL)Together, these factors prevent weight gain, help with fat loss, and help control obesity. Proceed with CautionWhile research supports using honey for weight management and weight loss, it is essential to remember that these studies are inconclusive. Most of them were performed on rats. Since rats and humans fundamentally differ in their body process, more research needs to happen with humans. More specifically, females need to be researched upon since the biological response to raw honey may slightly differ in males and females. ConclusionRaw honey is the nutritious form of honey present today. Its unpasteurized and unfiltered form ensures that the honey retains most of its components and delivers all the benefits. However, it is essential to note that raw honey is not the same as organic honey. Remembering this point will always help you make the right choice. GeoHoney offers 100% natural, raw honey sourced from trusted beekeepers around the globe. You can use it as a natural sweetener for your beverages and desserts, as a cooking ingredient, or for its medicinal properties. Visit GeoHoney today and add the magic of raw honey to your life.

Multiple | Created at: August 21, 2025 | Researched at: August 21, 2025

How Climate Change Is Forcing Asian Honey Bees Out of Their Natural Habitats

Asia's native honey bees—Apis cerana, A. dorsata, and A. florea—are confronting a formidable challenge: climate change is reshaping their habitats. A recent paper in the Journal of Wildlife & Biodiversity (June 2025) reveals that by 2050, average annual temperatures across their range are projected to rise by 2.3–2.5 °C, with 50–60 mm more precipitation. These changes are expected to alter foraging periods and impose intense summer heat stress (Wildlife Biodiversity,ResearchGate).Key FindingsApis florea may face an average temperature rise of +2.5 °C; A. cerana +2.4 °C; A. dorsata +2.3 °C.Increased rainfall could extend foraging in spring/winter, but hotter summers may threaten survival (Wildlife Biodiversity).Habitat suitability models (using MaxEnt and WorldClim data) show significant contraction in current ranges, especially in Pakistan. Many regions may become inhospitable during peak summer months.Broader consequencesRising temperatures may force bees upslope or poleward, disrupting existing ecosystems.Colony resilience could decline under thermal and moisture stresses.Crops and wild flora dependent on these bees may lose critical pollination services.Conservation & action stepsLandscape management: preserve corridors between cooler regions, forests, and shaded refuges.Climate-informed apiary siting: prioritize elevations and microclimates that buffer extreme temperatures.Assisted migration and breeding programs: propagate heat- and humidity-resilient subspecies.ConclusionClimate change isn't just a distant threat—it’s actively reshuffling bee habitats now. Our native Asian honey bees are at the forefront of this ecological upheaval. We cannot stand by while warming temperatures uproot pollination networks essential to agriculture and biodiversity.

Multiple | Created at: July 22, 2025 | Researched at: July 28, 2025

Is Your Honey Safe? Shocking Levels of Pesticides Found in Bee Products

Honey is a symbol of purity, but new research tells a more troubling story. A study published in Environmental Toxicology & Pharmacology (April 2025) sampled honey, pollen, and wax foundation sheets from over 40 apiaries. The results are shocking: 96%–100% of the samples contained at least one pesticide residue—revealing chronic, widespread exposure in bee products (ResearchGate).What they foundWax foundation and pollen were nearly universally contaminated.Common agrochemicals, including neonicotinoids and fungicides, persist in hive materials.Chronic exposure—even at low levels—can subtly impair bee health by affecting development, immunity, and reproductive success (Wildlife Biodiversity,Wikipedia).Why it mattersBees ingest or contact these chemicals constantly—not just during foraging, but within the hive.Long-term exposure could accumulate, increasing risks for colony decline.Even trace levels can combine synergistically, amplifying their impact compared to single-pesticide studies .Implications for beekeepers & consumersMonitoring residue levels isn't just for regulated food safety—it's critical for hive health too.Sourcing wax foundation from pesticide-free or organic-certified suppliers can reduce contamination.Demand for raw, minimally processed honey may help reduce exposure—yet vigilance remains essential.TakeawayYour sweet spoonful of honey may be carrying unseen chemical baggage. This study urges beekeepers, consumers, and regulators to prioritize pesticide monitoring and take action to protect the intricate balance within hives.

Multiple | Created at: June 18, 2025 | Researched at: July 31, 2025

10 New Insights in Climate Science 2024/2025

10 New Insights in Climate Science 2024/2025Source: Future Earth, The Earth League, and the World Climate Research ProgrammeEach year, the scientific community compiles the most significant recent advancements in climate science to support informed policy and societal action. The 2024/2025 edition of 10 New Insights in Climate Science—based on peer-reviewed research published between January 2023 and June 2024—synthesizes urgent findings for decision-makers, negotiators, and the broader public. Produced by Future Earth, The Earth League, and the World Climate Research Programme, this report brings together interdisciplinary knowledge to highlight both accelerating risks and emerging opportunities.The following summary presents these insights in detail, unpacking their scientific basis, implications, and recommendations for future action.Understanding the State of the ClimateThe years 2023 and 2024 have marked the hottest period ever recorded, with August 2024 registering temperatures 1.51°C above pre-industrial levels. Simultaneously, global sea surface temperatures reached historic highs, and extreme weather events—from Canada’s unprecedented wildfires to South Asia’s deadly heatwaves—have become increasingly likely and intense. These developments emphasize the need for a new level of urgency and ambition across climate mitigation, adaptation, and resilience planning.Key Scientific Insights1. Methane Levels Are Surging: A Critical Opportunity for Fast MitigationMethane, a powerful but short-lived greenhouse gas, has been rising rapidly, with emissions from fossil fuel extraction, agriculture, and waste identified as the primary drivers. Since 2006, global methane levels have accelerated sharply, surpassing historical records.Scientific Highlights:Methane is over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over a 20-year period.It has contributed ~0.5°C to global warming since the 19th century.Natural methane emissions, such as from wetlands, are also increasing due to feedback from warming.Challenges and Opportunities:Only 13% of methane emissions are currently regulated under binding policy mechanisms.Satellite monitoring now enables the identification of major methane “super-emitters.”Deep cuts in methane emissions—particularly from oil and gas operations and waste facilities—are both technically feasible and cost-effective.The agricultural sector remains harder to reform but offers mitigation potential via feed management, waste reduction, and dietary changes.Governments should incorporate explicit methane targets into their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), supported by enforcement mechanisms, monitoring frameworks, and international collaboration.2. Declining Air Pollution Unmasks Underlying WarmingGlobal efforts to reduce aerosol emissions (air pollutants such as soot and sulfates) have significantly improved public health but also removed their temporary cooling effect on the atmosphere.Scientific Highlights:Aerosols reflect sunlight and cool the Earth’s surface, partially masking the warming effects of greenhouse gases.Reductions in aerosols are now exposing the full warming potential of CO₂ and methane.Regional aerosol changes are altering rainfall patterns and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.Implications:The unintended warming effect from aerosol reduction could accelerate climate change temporarily.South and East Asia show diverging aerosol trends, influencing localized climate risks.Aerosols must be accounted for in both mitigation and adaptation plans. A global task force on aerosols—similar to methane initiatives—could help incorporate these dynamics into national strategies and inform the next IPCC guidance.3. Heat Is Rendering Regions Increasingly UninhabitableHuman health, productivity, and survival are tied to a narrow range of climatic conditions. With rising temperatures and humidity, more regions are moving outside the so-called “human climate niche.”Scientific Highlights:Over 600 million people now live in areas with conditions deemed uninhabitable for extended periods.Each degree of warming could push an additional 10% of the global population outside habitable ranges.Heat stress is especially deadly when combined with high humidity and poor infrastructure.Societal Impact:Populations in the Global South are disproportionately affected due to limited access to cooling infrastructure, healthcare, and water resources.Vulnerable groups—such as outdoor laborers, pregnant women, children, and the elderly—face the highest risks.Heat Action Plans and Early Warning Systems must be scaled urgently. Adaptation planning should prioritize urban design, labor protections, and infrastructure improvements that can mitigate the worst impacts of heat.4. Climate Change Threatens Maternal and Reproductive HealthClimate-related stressors are exacerbating health risks for women and children, particularly in low-income and climate-vulnerable regions.Scientific Highlights:Heat exposure is linked to higher rates of miscarriage, preterm birth, and maternal mortality.Floods and displacement can disrupt healthcare access and increase exposure to disease and violence.Climate-related food and water insecurity further compounds reproductive health challenges.Structural Gaps:Fewer than 25% of NDCs reference maternal or newborn health.Gendered dimensions of climate risk remain underrepresented in adaptation frameworks.Maternal and reproductive health must be integrated into climate adaptation and healthcare systems. Gender-equitable planning and investment in climate-resilient health infrastructure are essential.5. Ocean Warming Raises Alarms Over El Niño and AMOC InstabilityOceans are warming at record-breaking levels, affecting global circulation systems and atmospheric dynamics. Two key concerns are emerging:A. El Niño IntensificationEconomic losses from El Niño are now estimated in the trillions.Frequency and severity are expected to increase with warming.B. AMOC Collapse RiskThe Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) is weakening, with potential for abrupt collapse in the coming decades.This could disrupt weather patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems across the globe.Robust ocean monitoring systems and risk assessments are urgently needed. Climate models must be refined to incorporate feedback and thresholds, with increased investment in ocean–atmosphere observation networks.6. Biocultural Diversity is Key to Amazon Forest ResilienceThe Amazon is facing dual threats from climate change and human activities like deforestation and illegal mining.Scientific Highlights:Parts of the forest have shifted from carbon sinks to carbon sources.The forest is approaching ecological tipping points linked to rainfall and temperature thresholds.Solutions:Indigenous and local stewardship enhances resilience through traditional knowledge.Preserving biodiversity—both ecological and cultural—is critical to maintaining ecosystem stability.Support regional cooperation, law enforcement, and the development of sustainable economic models that prioritize conservation. Brazil’s proposed Tropical Forest Forever Fund should be operationalized by COP30.7. Infrastructure Systems Are Vulnerable to Cascading Climate RisksCritical infrastructure—such as energy grids, water systems, healthcare, and transportation—faces growing risks from extreme climate events.Scientific Highlights:Interconnected infrastructure increases the risk of cascading failures.Informal settlements, where infrastructure is weakest, are home to over 1 billion people.Emerging Tools:AI and machine learning can enhance resilience through predictive analytics, smart grids, and real-time risk monitoring.Resilience reviews must become standard practice, particularly in urbanizing regions. Investments should prioritize decentralized systems, nature-based solutions, and integration with climate adaptation strategies.8. New Frameworks Can Drive Climate-Resilient Urban DevelopmentCities are central to climate solutions but often fail to integrate mitigation and adaptation holistically.Scientific Highlights:The SETS (Social-Ecological-Technological Systems) framework offers a blueprint for aligning environmental, social, and technological priorities.Integrated urban planning can unlock co-benefits such as reduce

Multiple | Created at: May 01, 2025 | Researched at: May 02, 2025