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Honey is essentially a food rich in
simple sugars directly assimilable
by the human body. Now whilst it is
common to have it on your breakfast
table rather than the stables…honey
is one of mother natures little gems
for horses. It has enormous
sweetening power, equal to or even
greater than that of sugar but it
has an advantage over sugar is that
it contains a number of mineral
salts an enhances their assimilation
and fixation, especially for
calcium.
In addition to fructose, glucose and
water, honey contains other sugars
as well as trace enzymes, minerals,
vitamins and amino acids, samples
from various regions contained a
wide range of B vitamins, including
riboflavin, pantothenic acid,
niacin, thiamine and pyridoxine. The
amount of each vitamin fluctuated
widely from one region to another.
Other studies found that vitamin C
in honey also fluctuates. Darker
honeys contain more vitamins than
lighter ones and also are more
likely to provide traces of several
minerals including calcium,
magnesium and potassium. There's
also some evidence that the glucose
in honey enhances calcium, magnesium
and zinc absorption.
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The use of the inclusion of honey
into the horse’s feeding regime is
in very small quantities. For years
it has been used as an enticer, a
little placed on the bit before
bridling will find the reluctant
horse or pony happy to accommodate
the bit, smeared over the end of the
worming paste tube. Honey is also
ideal for the slight cough, helping
to reduce irritation and soothe the
throat. Some say it has a soothing,
calming affect on the equine.
Today we find, honey been mixed with
another of ‘mother natures’ gems
Apple Cider Vinegar as a general
equine and human health tonic, or
mixed with natural yoghurt to sooth
the gut and steady the nervous
stomach. Just as honey has its
benefits when internally taken, its
benefits have been recognised when
used externally as well.
The Use of Honey on Injuries
The use of honey as a wound dressing
goes back to ancient times and has
continued into present-day folk
medicine. It is a common observation
in medical journal reports that
numerous benefits result from using
honey to dress wounds. In the last
few decades scientific research has
confirmed that honey has certain
unique properties that make it an
ideal wound dressing.
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