Health Benefits of Raw Honey | SCD + Paleo Caramel Sauce

"Find something you're passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it."
Julia Child

It's no secret we are tremendously interested and passionate about living a lifestyle of clean eating. Not only do we choose this path of life to treat our son's Crohn's disease, but it is a way of living that I believe adds value to our health and enriches our lives. The food industry is constantly changing and transitioning as new trends pop up and we are all aware of the "fad" diets that have made their mark in the media and then trickled down into our daily routines.

The one thing I want to stress is that clean eating is not a fad diet, in fact, I do not look at it as a diet at all. Clean eating is a lifestyle of simply eating healthy foods; foods free from preservatives, added sugars and processed carbohydrates.

I often get asked why honey is a allowed on the Specific Carbohydrate Diet. According the Elaine Gottschall, author of Breaking the Viscous Cycle, "Honey is legal because, as the book states, it contains only single sugars (monosaccharides) which do not need microvilli enzymes in order for the two sugars of which it is composed to be absorbed into your bloodstream. The two sugars are already in the absorbable form. However, sucrose and lactose, etc. need action of the microvilli enzymes and in people with IBD and other illnesses, research shows that these enzymes are not active."

Studies have linked processed sugar to inflammation and disease, leaving honey as a great alternative sweetener. While honey is still sugar, it is healthier than refined sugar and, like all things, should be consumed moderation.

Benefits of Raw Honey Include:
1. High in antioxidants. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals, honey may even help prevent cellular damage and loss within the brain.
2. Research has shown that raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus.
3. Helps aid in digestion. Honey is also a potent prebiotic, meaning it nourishes the good bacteria that live in the intestines, which are crucial not only for digestion but overall health.
4. Fights the common cold and allergy season. Honey’s anti-inflammatory effects and ability to soothe coughs has led to the belief it can also reduce seasonal allergy symptoms.
5. It's good for your skin. Applying raw honey on the face can treat various skin problems including acne, thanks to the antibacterial properties. Because it is rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, you can reduce the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines by using topically on a regular basis.
6. Boosts energy levels. Honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar. Consequently, the body absorbs honey slower than sugary foods, which in turn creates longer lasting energy.

This easy-to-make Caramel Sauce can be used as a flavoring in puddings and custards, as a topping for ice cream, pies and cakes, or simply to dip with apple and pear slices.

CARAMEL SAUCE
SCD, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan
yield: about 1 cup

INGREDIENTS:
1 can full fat coconut milk (FIND it here)
2/3 cup honey (best to buy local)
pinch of Himalayan pink salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium sauce pan, combine all ingredients and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Turn the heat down to a low-medium heat and continue to simmer until reduced by about half, stirring occasionally. The caramel should start to turn into a rich amber color. This usually takes about 30-45 minutes.
2.Remove from heat and transfer to a glass bowl. Let the caramel cool to room temperature, then stir and serve as intended.

*DO NOT walk away while making this caramel. While you do not need to constantly stir it, you will need to occasionally stir the sauce to prevent burning.

**Donuts provided by Liberated Specialty Foods