Emerging Research Links Honey to Potential Benefits for Diabetes, Overweight,
Hypertension, Restorative Sleep and More

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 8 /PRNewswire/ — An international gathering of
scientists convened in Sacramento, CA today at the First International
Symposium on Honey and Human Health to review emerging findings on the potential role of honey in human health, including studies suggesting honey may play a favorable role in protection against chronic conditions such as diabetes, overweight, and hypertension. New research explores the natural sweetener’s potential to improve chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, wound healing, restorative sleep, cough suppression, and cognitive function.
"This exciting new area of research brings together modern science and ancient traditional medicine regarding honey and health to support the many roles honey may play in human health," says Ron Fessenden, MD, MPH, co-chairman of the Committee for the Promotion of Honey and Health. Dr.Fessenden added that "honey’s many benefits are interrelated, much like the cells of a honeycomb, and at the very least, there are no known medical reasons not to enjoy honey as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle for adults and children over the age of twelve months. The fact that modern science supports honey’s role in positive metabolic functions that address major health concerns is very exciting."
Honey and Diabetes
With national estimates that two out of three U.S. adults (133.6 million) are overweight or obese, and with childhood obesity on the rise, plus the fact that nearly 21 million people have diabetes, scientists are looking for sound methods to combat these chronic diseases. David Baer, PhD, Research Physiologist at the USDA set the stage by showing how insulin resistance, a sign that glucose metabolism is breaking down, is not only related to diabetes, but also to obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and hypertension.
"Controlling blood sugar is critically important for diabetics, and
maintaining good insulin sensitivity reduces the risk for diabetes in at-risk people," says Baer. He added that "experimental evidence suggests that consumption of honey compared to some other sweeteners may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity. Fructose found in honey may play an important role in mediating this potential health benefit."
For more detailed information regarding the research presented at the First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health, and to view this press release in its entirety, please visit
www.prohoneyandhealth.com/custom.aspx?id=10

Press Contacts for the First International Symposium on Honey and Human
Health: Kevin Hughes
Pollock Communications
646-277-8720
347-423-7559 (mobile)
khughes@pollock-pr.com

Melissa McAllister
Pollock Communications
212-941-1414