For those who love to add honey to their recipes, clover honey is a mild, organic alternative that also provides a healthy boost to your system. However, before you add any new food to your diet, it is best to understand what it contains and what benefits it may possess!
What is Clover Honey?
Clover honey is the honey made by bees who almost exclusively feed on the nectar of the clover plant. While this small difference may seem insignificant, the flavor profile of clover honey is slightly different than regular honey, with a mild flavor and a light color. Similar to raw honey, this honey has undergone no heating, processing, or pasteurization. This fully organic form of honey has gained popularity and is now widely available in organic and natural food stores.
Clover honey has a sweet, mild floral taste. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Clover Honey Nutrition Facts
Clover honey is packed with minerals, such as zinc, copper, magnesium, potassium, and manganese, as well as high levels of B vitamins, vitamin C, polyphenolic antioxidants, hydrogen peroxide, and calcium. There are 64 calories in a tablespoon of this honey, but no fat or cholesterol. Since there is no processing, most of these nutrients are fully retained. [1]
Clover Honey Health Benefits
The best health benefits of clover honey include its ability to reduce chronic diseases, protect the immune system, lower blood pressure, and regulate diabetes, among others.
Prevents Oxidative Stress
Studies have found that this honey has several powerful polyphenolic antioxidants, which can help to reduce chronic diseases in the body by preventing oxidative stress and the negative effects of free radicals. [2]
Boosts Immune System
The antibacterial quality of clover honey is partially derived from the hydrogen peroxide found in most varieties of honey, which helps the immune system combat foreign agents and potential infections throughout the body. [3]
Protects Heart Health
The notable levels of potassium and other minerals and antioxidants can help to lower blood pressure, which can lower your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, stroke, and coronary heart disease. [4]
Manages Diabetes
Although this honey does possess a similar amount of sugar to regular honey, it is still a better choice than regular sugar, which has a more significant impact on blood sugar levels. [5]
Improves Bone Strength
With a wide variety of minerals, clover honey can help the body prevent the loss of bone mineral density and slow osteoporosis symptoms as we age. [6]
Types of Honey: Difference
Clover honey is honey made from the nectar of clover plants and is typically not processed or pasteurized in any way. Raw honey, on the other hand, maybe made from a variety of different plants, but it is sourced directly from the beehive, and also doesn’t undergo pasteurization or heating processes. Finally, regular bee honey comes from a variety of flowers and is processed in various ways, and may contain additives and preservatives, as well as fewer nutrients. [7]
Where to Buy Clover Honey?
Clover honey can be purchased in most health food stores, big box stores, and grocery stores. You can also purchase this type of honey directly from beekeepers who cultivate this type of honey. While the price may be slightly higher than for regular honey, the nutrient boost and organic nature of this honey make it worthwhile!
