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What if you found out there was a delicious beverage that boasts not only a rich history, but numerous health benefits, too? You would likely be intrigued and eager to learn more. This holds particularly true when talking about mead. Statistics from the American Mead Makers Association show a 130% increase in the sales of mead between 2012 and 2017. The oldest fermented drink, this honey wine offers a plenty of nutrients and potential therapeutic properties.
A Brief History of Mead
The ancestry of mead harkens back nearly 9,000 years to northern China where the earliest residue of this fermented honey treat, rich in mead nutrition, was discovered. You may think of mead as a drink of the Middle Ages, but it has been consumed on almost every continent by many different cultures since prehistoric times.
The Magic Ingredient: Honey
Mead makers prize honey for its intrinsic health properties. Honey is packed with vitamins like B, C, and D plus minerals such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains antioxidants to fight off free radicals casing harm to your cells.
Fermentation’s Probiotic Potential
The process of fermentation generates probiotics, beneficial bacteria that can aid in improving digestion, enhancing the immune system and even potentially influencing mental health. While not all meads can be considered a rich source of probiotics, certain raw or unpasteurized versions retain much of the ‘good bacteria’.
Mead and Cardiovascular Health
With its rich profile of phenolic compounds derived from honey, mead may contribute to cardiovascular health. Specifically, these compounds have been associated with reducing inflammation and helping to prevent blockages in arteries – both key factors in maintaining a healthy heart.
Beauty Benefits
If you thought mead’s benefits were only internal, think again. As the drink is rich in antioxidants, it contributes to healthier, glowing skin. Moreover, the antibacterial properties combat skin imperfections and can contribute to a clearer complexion.
Loaded with Nutrients
With honey as its base, mead boasts an impressive nutritional profile. A single cup offers an array of vitamins such as thiamin, niacin and Vitamin B6. In addition, you receive iron, copper, and a healthy dose of protein from this age-old beverage.
If You are Diabetic
Mead does contain sugar, though mostly naturally-occurring ones from honey. While it may not be entirely off-limits for individuals with diabetes, moderation is key. It is important to factor mead’s sugar content into the overall dietary requirements.
Moderation is Key
As with all alcoholic beverages, it is crucial to consume mead in moderation. Despite its nutritional profile and numerous health benefits, excessive consumption can have detrimental effects on your health ranging from obesity to liver disease.
Selecting Quality Mead
For maximum health benefits, seek out mead that uses high-quality honey. Furthermore, raw or minimally processed versions retain more of their nutritional profile and probiotic potential. Always check the label for details about how it was made and the quality of ingredients used.
Making Your Own Mead
Are you interested in producing your own mead? Home brewing is becoming increasingly popular and could be a fun way to explore the world of mead further. However, as with all homemade fermented products, be advised that it requires strict sanitary precautions.
Tasting Notes
Mead offers a symphony of tastes, determined by the variety of honey used and whether there are added fruits or spices. Dry meads can taste similar to a crisp white wine, while sweet variants may bring to mind a robust dessert wine. Delve into the world of mead, and discover an array of delicious profiles to savor.
Combining Enjoyment with Health Benefits
Mead unites the pleasure of a smooth, versatile drink with health benefits from vitamins to probiotics. This beverage from the past is finding its place in the 21st century as a unique addition to our range of alcoholic drinks.
Final Thoughts
Indeed, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to mead. A glass of this high-quality honey wine not only provides an intriguing alternative to grapes and grains, but invites you on a journey says into history itself. Revel in its unique palette of flavors as you harness the hidden health benefits within your goblet’s amber depths.
