HEALTH FROM THE HIVE

A recent study confirmed what I have always suspected: British bees produce honey with ‘superfood’ status. Researchers found that honey made from Scottish heather contains ten times more manganese than at least 200 of its rivals from around the world. Manganese is a trace element that’s important for bone health, particularly in the protection against osteoporosis. Previous research has discovered that heather honey has high levels of antimicrobial activity, too. The study was commissioned by The Scottish Bee Company and founder Suzie Millar believes the findings could help to make heather honey a “rival to manuka honey”. It could be because I’ve never much liked the ‘medicinal’ taste of manuka, but I’m pleased to hear that the (generous) dollop of heather honey that goes on my porridge in the mornings might be helping to boost my health.