When you take a look around at the waist lines of America, what’s the one of the main things you notice? For me personally, I notice that the “muffin top” is no more. Instead of a little extra fluff flowing over the sides, the whole stomach is round and solid. We’ve lost our top.

Did you know that the belly is actually the WORST place to store your fat? Fat stored here isn’t simply surface deep (also known as subcutaneous fat). Belly fat actually goes below the muscle line to build up around our organs (known as visceral fat).

Visceral fat is dangerous because it produces hormones and other substances that lowers your good/healthy HDL cholesterol, increases your bad/lousy LDL cholesterol (and remember that heart disease is the #1 killer of men and women!) It also raises our blood pressure, and makes it harder for our body to properly use insulin. All fat leads to cardiovascular disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, or worse.

The real kicker about belly fat is even if your weight falls within the healthy BMI range, if you have a thicker midsection, then you have an increased chance of premature death.

To find out if you’re at risk, take a soft tape measure and wrap it around your waist just below your belly button. Relax and exhale. If your measurement is 35 or above for women, or 40 and above for men, then it’s time to trim the belly.

Get your blood pumping!

 The quickest and easiest way to break up belly fat is to get moving. You need to feel your heart pounding and shortness of breath. Interval training is a great way to go about this. When exercising, try 4 minutes on, 4 minutes off. Run for 4 minutes, and then walk for 4 minutes. If you don’t want to time it, jog a song and then walk a song. Aerobics classes follow this timing technique and it proves most effective.

Take a look at your diet.

Juicing, blending and dehydrating are perfect place to start when it comes to lowering your belly fat. Those who eat primarily plant-based diets (fruits, veggies, and whole grains), lean proteins and calorie count are thinner in the middle. Whenever friends of mine are struggling with their midsection, I always suggest one other thing – cut out Partially Hydrogenated Oil and Hydrogenated Oils. 

This food ingredient is created by adding hydrogen to oil. It’s done so to extend the products shelf life, which unfortunately leads to trans fat. This ingredient is being added to more and more of our food, yet most countries in Europe have now banned its use. Look for it in margarine, shortening, crackers, cakes, cookies, chips, peanut butter and coffee creamers (boo!)

Especially watch out for Partially Hydrogenated Soybean Oil because it depresses your thyroid, which lowers your energy. Also, look out for Mono-and Di-Glycerides, which is a fancy new name for trans fat that don’t have to be reported on the labels.

What are your favorite tummy trimming tricks? We’re all in this together, so leave me a comment below!

Blending is a daily affair in our household. It’s a quick and easy way for me to trick my family into eating their fruits and veggies. We’ve discovered some super delicious smoothies that I can even pass off to my kiddos as dessert. Once I realized they had a taste for my creations, it was time to boost up the nutritional content.

Bring on the add-ins!

While certain add-ins like vitamins can take away from the flavor of your smoothie, there are many other ingredients that are ah-mazing!

So, here it is: my top 5 favorite smoothie add-ins!

Flaxseed

Ground flaxseed adds healthy fat (Omega-3!!!) and fiber to your smoothie! Flaxseeds also contain Lignan, which is a huge help in the fight against cancer. There is also some evidence that flaxseeds may help reduce your risk of diabetes, stroke and heart disease.

Wheat Germ

Wheat Germ is one of the best sources of folic acid. For those of us who suffer from anemia, or are pregnant, folic acid is a must!  Wheat germ also contains a phytonutrient called L-ergothioneine, which is a powerful antioxidant. And hurray for another source of fiber!

Cocoa Powder

Researchers at Cornell University have found that 2 tbsp of cocoa powder contains nearly three times more antioxidants than a cup of green tea. Cocoa also contains magnesium, which is key for battling diabetes and high blood pressure. It’s also been used for centuries to help breast milk production, and increase  libido!

Tofu (soft or silken)

Tofu adds a rich, creamy texture to your smoothies and a ton of protein! It’s great for lowering your lousy (LDL) cholesterol, and it can even help alleviate symptoms of menopause. Tofu also contains isoflavones, which prevents premature aging! What I love most about tofu though is that it’s flavorless, so it takes on the essence of whatever you’re mixing it with.

Protein Powders

The three main versions of protein are whey, hemp, and soy. They are sold in plain and flavored powered versions and can be mixed in with any smoothie. Whey protein is milk based and is my personal favorite. According to Dr. Mike Moreno, a dietician, it’s the best protein out there. Whey protein is loaded with amino acids and thanks to its high levels of leucine, it promotes fat loss, all while keeping your muscle lean.

Simply sprinkle the powders into your favorite smoothies, or try one of these recipes!

Flax Tofu Mango Peach Smoothie 

• 2 servings of silken or soft tofu
• 1/2 cup rice milk
• 1/2 cup soymilk
• 1/2 cup frozen mango
• 1/2 cup frozen peaches
• 1 teaspoon flaxseed

Add liquids to blender, followed by the tofu, frozen fruits and flaxseed. Blend and enjoy!

Wheat Germ Smoothie (from Dr. Oz!) 

• 6 oz Greek yogurt
• 1 cup almond milk
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1 cup blueberries
• 4 strawberries
• 1/4 banana
• 1 tbsp wheat germ
•  A few ice cubes

Add Greek yogurt, almonds, almond milk and ice to blender and blend to desired consistency.

Add berries, banana and wheat germ and re-blend until smoothie is completely mixed.

 

Coconut is the newest health food darling, with it being used in everything from cooking to hair care. And coconut milk, used for centuries in eastern food cultures, is now hitting the mainstream in North America, where it can be found weaving seamlessly into our diets – and for good reason!

Coconut, whether in oil, milk or water form, is effective in destroying intestinal parasites, which are a byproduct of suspect food consumption. With the northern American diet rich in processed foods, coconut detoxifies the kidneys and urinary tract and can be a godsend for women who suffer chronically from the dreaded urinary tract infection.

A terrible side effect of a nutritionally devoid diet is stomach ulcers. By ingesting coconut, we help repair the damage. With its incredibly high lauric acid content, coconut makes an effective natural antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal remedy, helping to naturally boost our immunity. And with some harsh winter weather still ahead for some parts of the country, coconut is essential in any cold and flu fighting arsenal.

For those among us undertaking a strenuous exercise regime, the juice of coconut has a high resource of electrolytes, facilitating quick exercise recovery and reducing pain associated with working out. In addition to reducing pain and recovery time, it also increases the metabolic rate of our bodies – meaning that energy is consumed faster and excess body weight is burned off!

This makes coconut, in its many forms, an excellent addition to any weight loss oriented endeavor.

Coconut is a friend to our skin, as it balances our PH levels and therefore supporting the chemical balance that our skin so heavily relies on. Coconut’s high antiviral content also makes it an effective remedy for mild acne, psoriasis and even eczema, helping to calm even the most reactive skin types from the inside out. And to keep teeth gleaming, the consumption of coconut water and milk have both been proven to prevent tooth decay and mouth disease.

On a far more serious note, heart disease claims more women than any cancer, including breast and cervical, and the consumption of coconut milk improves cholesterol ratio and protects the arteries from injury causing atherosclerosis. And fellas can benefit from coconut milk too, as we should all be doing what we can to reduce our chances of heart attack and stroke.

Get your coconut on!

Smoothies – gotta love ‘em! They are single handedly the most efficient way to infuse nutrients into our bodies, and you know very well by now that my love for them knows no bounds. They enable even the pickiest of palates among us to meet our daily nutritional requirements.

Any smoothie effort can be supercharged with coconut, which boasts all of the aforementioned health benefits. Sweet, cool and smooth are words that describe this smoothie recipe perfectly, making it an excellent introduction to the smoothie way of life for any blending novice!

Coconut Blueberry and Peach Smoothie

• ½ pint blueberries
• 1/3 cup shredded coconut
• ¾ cup frozen peaches
• 240 ml coconut milk
• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, vanilla flavor

Combine all ingredients in a blender, reserving 1 tablespoon of shredded coconut. Blend on high until completely free of lumps. Garnish with shredded coconut and a blueberry.

So, how do you take your coconut? Tell us in the comments below!

 

I am known as a breakfast evangelist among my group of friends. I feel it’s important to stress the the daily ritual of breakfast to whoever will listen. I try to avoid standing too often on my soapbox – I reserve it only for special occasions – and this is one of them!

But it can be hard for many people to get on the breakfast bandwagon. You may either prefer to log a few more precious minutes of sleep or find that eating immediately after rising causes your stomach to upset. Maybe you just forget about it all together in the chaos of the morning.

The importance of breakfast – like you’ve never heard it before!

Firstly, by jump starting our systems every morning with a shot of lemon juice, everything wakes up, including our appetite. As far as sleep goes, by skipping breakfast we will undoubtedly be exhausted by mid-morning, because we need fuel to carry out daily tasks.

Now I am not here, on my soapbox, to lure you into long, time consuming breakfast rant. I’m here to lure you into an immune boosting and delicious smoothie. We all know that smoothies are so efficient in delivering nutrients throughout our bodies. Think of them as nutrition to go, if you will!

This smoothie is packed with rich antioxidants, powerful phytochemicals and loads of protein that will get us up and keep us moving. By combining raspberries and blueberries in the same smoothie, we give our immune systems a serious boost.

The vitamins and nutrients that burst from these berries and contribute to their vibrant red and purple are what enables our bodies to fight off cancer, carcinogens and mental health risks that we would all prefer to steer clear of.

This smoothie is a perfect morning wake-up. It is filling and sweet – almost dessert like, in fact – but you won’t even notice the baby greens, with the exception of darkish green color they will impart. Now there is no excuse to skip breakfast!

A Berry Good Morning Smoothie

Makes 1 quart

• 2 cups mixed baby greens
• 1 pint frozen raspberries
• 1 pint frozen blueberries
• 1 banana, peeled
• 1 cup almond milk

Combine the greens, berries and bananas and blend; while blending slowly add the soymilk until a smooth and creamy consistency is achieved. Enjoy!

During my pregnancies, I didn’t have Morning Sickness – I had All Day Sickness that lasted the entire nine months.  There wasn’t much that would bring me relief, so I was willing to try anything and everything. This is when I discovered a little root called ginger.

You can find ginger root at your local supermarket or specialty store. It typically costs about $1.99 a pound and will survive for up to 3 weeks if stored in a plastic bag in your refrigerator.

To relive my nausea, I’d peel the root and slice a one inch chunk into 15 pieces, then boil the chunks in water for 30 minutes, and viola! I had a tea that settles the tummy. Little did I know that the power in ginger was oh so much more than it’s awesome soothing abilities.

What else can ginger do for you?

•  In addition to helping with nausea, ginger also relives bloating and gas!
•  Ginger contains antioxidants and phytochemicals. It’s a natural anti-inflammatory that helps arthritis, asthma, and even migraines.
• In the battle against heart disease, it prevents cholesterol from oxidizing and lowers your LDL (lousy) cholesterol. Ginger also lowers your triglycerides, which are important as a mechanism for storing your unused calories.
• Ginger helps prevent blood clots, which then lowers your risk of stroke and heart attack.
•  In the home, ginger is used to treat coughs, colds, and congestion. Ginger also acts as an antihistamine to help with allergies.
•  Ginger juice can also be used on snake bites. As a natural pain killer it provides immediate relief for tooth aches and minor burns!
•  The University of Minnesota conducted a study that found ginger may slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells (colon cancer).
•  A study conducted at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center found that when ginger powder was applied to ovarian cancer cells it induced cell death.
•  Heartburn sufferers can find relief in the root. It also helps protect against ulcers and gall stones.
•  And ladies…ginger can help with those awful menstrual cramps!

Impressive, right? My husband calls it the miracle spice!

Juicing with ginger!

Ginger can be added to almost all your favorite juicing recipes! The daily recommendation is 5g, so I usually use recipes that call for 1 inch of ginger.

Kick start your morning with this simple recipe (pictured above):

• 8 medium Carrots
• 3 Apples
• 1 inch of Ginger

Remember to wash your fruits and veggies before juicing, especially fruits that have a wax coating – like apples. The ginger adds a nice finish to the juice and you’ll find yourself with a boost of energy!

Here is a yummy recipe that will also get you going. Literally.

• 3 medium Apples
• 3 large Pears
• 1 inch of ginger

This recipe is a mild laxative, so it’s great for regulating bowel movements.

For a sweet green juice, try this:

•  1 cucumber
•  1 carrot
•  1 green apple
•  1/4 cup parsley
•  1/4 cup mint
•  1 stalk of celery
• 1/2 inch ginger
• 1/2 lemon (peeled)

Cucumber is great for your skin and the celery is a natural diuretic, helping with the unwanted water weight!

What is your favorite Ginger juicing recipe?

Tell us in the comments below!

 

 

Maybe you add purifying parsley to your green smoothies, and you know that the basil in your caprese salad is heart-healthy and full of vitamin A–but it’s time to think outside the western hemisphere when it comes to powerhouse herbs.

Traditional Chinese medicine is one of the oldest medicinal practices on record, and it’s based in part on a Daoist belief that everything about the body (and the universe) is interconnected. Try some of these gentle herbs today, and see if your health—and qi—improve.

Note: These herbs come in a variety of forms, the most common of which are strong teas, syrups, and pills. Chinese herbs can be bitter, so search out the pill version if you’d like to avoid the strong taste of the teas and syrups.

Ginseng

Ginseng, one of the most commonly used herbs in Chinese medicine, is a stimulant used to increase endurance (both physical and mental), energy, and sometimes even sexual desire. It’s also a helpful treatment for male pattern baldness. Recent research has shown that ginseng may slow down the aging process, help prevent memory loss, and boost the immune system.

Szechuan Lovage

The dried root of the Szechuan lovage plant can help with headaches, menstrual cramps, and nervous tension. Ahhhhhh…it’s also found in supplements designed to encourage hair growth and benefit dry, graying hair.

Gotu Kola

Often referred to as “the fountain of life,” this herb is believed to boost longevity. It’s also great for a plethora of other health benefits: strengthening memory, improving blood circulation, healing wounds, and curing anxiety and insomnia. It can even improve varicose veins and psoriasis.

Fo-Ti

In China, this herb is called He shou wu, or ”black-haired Mr. He.” Legend has it that an older man, Mr. He, took fo-ti and recovered his full head of black hair, his vitality, and his youthful appearance. Fo-ti is useful as an anti-aging tonic, benefiting everything from graying hair to weakness to loss of libido. It’s also thought to lower cholesterol and reverse hardening of arteries.

Hoelen Mushroom

Though not technically an herb, Hoelen mushroom is a rich source of potassium and anti-bacterial properties. It’s also a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer. See why we included it on the list?

Ginger

Okay, you’ve probably heard of this one before. But nothing calms an upset stomach quite like a mug of hot ginger tea. This spicy root relives nausea, helps reduce coughing, and warms the body from the inside out.

Tell us in the comments below: did we miss any traditional Chinese herbs?

Photo attribute: www.edwindiaz.net.

People have long considered February to be the height of cold and flu season. If you fall ill, you know to rest, get plenty of fluids and nutrient-rich foods, and staying off your feet are essential for a speedy recovery. But for those of us who have managed to evade the dreaded cold, being on the defense, nutritionally, will help us sail through this season with our immunity intact.

Antioxidants are essential for a properly functioning immune system, due in large part to immune cells producing free-radicals for our body’s natural defense functions. If the level of free-radicals in our immune cells goes beyond the normal level, they wreak havoc on our immune systems.

Antioxidants scavenge free-radicals cell production and serve to promote our immunity. An imbalance between free-radical and antioxidants in cells results in reduced immune function.

The goal: load up on antioxidant-rich foods right now!

The only way to get antioxidants is to eat them, and lucky for us, they are found in abundance in the foods we consume. Chocolate and raspberries boast some of the highest antioxidant content of any food, even more than red wine and green tea, which have long considered antioxidant dynamos.

I’ve got a smoothie recipe for you that not only boasts cacao powder and raspberries, but also bee pollen, which aids our bodies in creating antibiotics, essential for warding off sickness. It’s a one-sip sickness slayer – say that three times fast!

This month, the old adage an apple a day keeps the doctor away should be revised to a choco-raspberry smoothie a day keeps cold and flu away!

Choco-Raspberry Smoothie

• ¾ cup almond milk
• ½ cup coconut water
• 1 tbsp bee pollen
• 1tbsp cacao powder
• ¾ cup frozen raspberries

Combine all ingredients and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute or so.

Do you have any cold and flu-fighting smoothie or nutritional recipes you can share with us?

Please do so in the comments!

 

Well, this marks the end of the Anatomy of a Detox series, and, in my humble opinion, I believe that having an arsenal of healthy go-to recipes is essential for a detox success. When it comes to the food, it’s imperative to eat clean. So if you find yourself in the center aisles of the grocery store, you are lost – turn around and head back to the perimeter!

You’ll notice that when you undertake a cleanse or simply embark on a clean eating lifestyle, you will find that your grocery store trips will be quick, because you get to skip the interior of the grocery store altogether. However, you will also notice that you will be in the grocery store far more frequently than before, because the emphasis is on freshness – fresh fruit, vegetables and proteins. But trust me when I say that you’ll get used to it!

I will end this series by sharing a few of my favorite clean recipes, and bid you good luck in your detoxification efforts!

Beet, Apple, Mint Juice

Serves 1
Press 1 small beet, 5 chopped carrots, 1 cored apple and ¼ cup fresh mint through a juice extractor and serve immediately. Alternately, in a blender, blend all ingredients and strain through a fine mesh sieve; serve immediately.

Green Machine Smoothie

Serves 2
Combine 6 chopped romaine leaves, 4 chopped kale leaves, ½ cup fresh parsley sprigs, ½ cup frozen pineapple, ½ cup frozen mango, 1 inch fresh ginger and ½ cup cold water. Blend ingredients until smooth.

Grape Fruit, Carrot and Ginger Juice

Serves 1
Press 2 chopped grapefruit (peel and pith removed), 5 chopped carrots, 1 inch fresh ginger (peeled and chopped) and feed through a juice extractor; serve immediately. Alternately, in a blender, blend all ingredients and strain through a fine mesh sieve; serve immediately.

Toasted Coconut Muesli

Serves 1
In a bowl, combine 2 tbsp toasted unsweetened coconut flakes, 2 tbsp cooked gluten free rolled oats, ½ sliced apple, ¼ cup thawed frozen berries, ½ cup almond milk.

Quinoa, Poached Egg and Cucumber

Serves 2
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 sliced garlic clove and cook for 1 minute. Add 5oz rinsed spinach and steam, covered, until wilted, about 1 minute; season with coarse salt.

Rinse pan and add 2 inches of water and bring to boil. Add 1 peeled and thinly sliced carrot and cook until tender; about 1 minute. Remove from water and combine with spinach. Reduce heat to simmer and poach 2 large eggs for 3-4 minutes. Divide 1 ½ cups of cooked quinoa between 2 bowls. Top with egg, spinach, carrots and thinly sliced cucumber. In a bowl whisk 1tsp white wine vinegar, 2 tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp coarse salt and drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle with red chili flakes and 1 tsp fresh chives.

Good luck on your detox, and share with me any questions, concerns, or comments, as always!

If you’re like me, when you think of avocado you think of Mexican food or some other savory, fiesta-worthy application…but hear me out. This fruit (yes, fruit!), also known as the avocado pear, is becoming very popular for its use in sweet culinary treats and dishes. And you know me – it wasn’t long before I found myself dabbling in avocados for my smoothies.

A little more about avocados

My love of avocados is certainly not misplaced. Although avocados are high in fat, the fat within avocados actually helps to lower cholesterol within our bodies. Further, a toxin present within the avocado is said to help prevent and treat breast cancer and some forms of prostate cancer.

Avocado is also an excellent source of potassium, which is crucial in the regulation of blood pressure. By consuming enough potassium we protect ourselves from heart disease, stroke and heart attack. Another heart healthy benefit of avocado is its abundance of folate, which helps protect against heart disease. For those who resolved to have a child this year, folate is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and the development of a healthy baby.

That’s wonderful! But is avocado fit for a smoothie?

But enough about the stats – let’s get down to the deliciousness that is this avocado smoothie. I am a lover of all things coconut, so when I saw someone combining avocado and coconut milk to make a sweet smoothie, I immediately thought to myself how I must have it!

Initially when I gave this smoothie a try I did not freeze the avocado, so the smoothie was left with little bit of a slimy-mouth feel. For my second attempt, I included some unsweetened coconut flakes and I froze the avocado prior to blending and it took this sipper to the next level.

It was smooth, creamy and completely satisfying. And the best part thing about this smoothie: it’s 100% naturally sweetened! Thanks to the innate sweetness within the coconut milk and coconut flakes, I didn’t (and you probably won’t either!) need any other type of sweetener. So go ahead and give this smoothie a try - because avocados aren’t just for guacamole anymore!

Avocado Smoothie

• 1 large avocado, frozen
• ¾  cups coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon shredded coconut

In a blender combine all ingredients, and blend until smooth.

Honey, the stuff of legend and health-full-ness is the natural product of the labor of the honey bee. A great alternative to cane sugar, honey is nature’s own energy booster, immunity builder, and natural remedy.

Honey production is one of the ever-fascinating stories that unfolds in nature. Bees feast on the nectar from flowers. The nectar mixes with the enzymes in the bees’ saliva, and it’s this process that turns nectar into honey. The bees then take the honey back to the hive for storage and future feasting (for other honey bees, humans and enterprising bears, too).

Nutritional Benefits of Honey

Immuno Booster

Honey has both antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties that can keep the flora and fauna in your digestive tract humming along healthfully.

Morning Buzz: Mix 1 Tbs honey with juice from half a lemon in a cup of warm water and drink it down before breakfast. The morning buzz will have you full of vim and vigor throughout your day.

Improve Athletic Performance

A recent study concluded that the consumption of honey after an intense workout can help you maintain optimal blood sugar levels afterwards, and assist in muscle recovery and carbohydrate restoration.

The study included 39 male and female weight-trained athletes, of whom half consuming sugar after the workout while the rest consumed honey. Researchers also found those who ate honey post-workout were more prepared to workout again just as hard the next day. Honey, it seems, has a tonic effect on athletic endeavors.

Wound Healing

The wound healing properties of honey are not only legendary, but are also factual and reproducible. Honey has been used to treat ulcers, burns, and other wounds for eons.

A study in India measured the effects of honey vs. silver sulfadiazine (the conventional treatment) on 104 first-degree burn patients. After one week, 93% of silver sulfa-treated burns had become infected; compare that to 91% of honey-treated burns that were infection free. Additionally, the honey treated burns healed more rapidly.

Honey’s wound healing ability is attributed to honey’s chemical compound of glucose, fructose and antioxidant and flavonoid enzymes.

Antioxidant Health

Eating 1 to 4 tablespoons of honey a day “raises blood levels of protective antioxidant compounds in humans,” per a University of California study. Antioxidants, of course, help reduce the free radicals (cell destroyers) that ramble around in our bodies with the intent of mayhem.

High Cholesterol and Type 2 Diabetes

In a study comparing sugar, artificial sweeteners, and honey on patients with high cholesterol, honey came out the winner. Regular consumption of honey decreased total cholesterol levels by 8% and LDL by 11%.

The same study was done with patients who have type 2 diabetes. Natural honey causes a significantly lower rise in blood sugar than either cane sugar or artificial sweeteners.

Honey Lore

The practice of beekeeping or apiculture has been around since at least 700 BC.

Honey is been used as both food and medicinally throughout history. It has also been deemed a sacred food due to its divine sweetness.

As a sacred food, honey was given to the Gods in worship. And it was also used in Egypt to assist in the embalming process.

Olympic athletes of ancient cultures were required to eat honey (and figs) as a part of their diet to enhance their performance.

Honey Selection

Choosing the best honey for you is mostly a matter of taste, but can also be a matter of style and selection of process.

Honey Styles:

• Honey Comb: pulled directly from the hive, with the honey still in the beeswax comb.
• Liquid Honey:  removal of the honey from the beeswax comb through the means of a honey extractor and the use of centrifugal force.
• Chunk Honey: a combination of honeycomb and liquid honey.
• Creamed Honey: a blend of granulated honey and liquid honey. The combination is cooled until it becomes firm.

Honey Bee and Comb

Honey Colors and Flavors

If the bee colony has abundant access to one kind of flower, then they will typically produce a honey that is ‘flavored’ with that essence. If no one flower predominates, then bees will produce a honey that is blended. Sometimes, honeys from multiple hives are blended by apiaries to create a specific flavor.  There are over 300 types of honey available in the United States.

The color of honey also ranges upon the flower source, from colorless to dark brown; it simply depends on where the bees had buzzed. Typically, darker colored honey has a strong and distinctive flavor which lessens as the honey color lightens.

Some of the most widely produced and popular flavors include: alfalfa, buckwheat, clover, fireweed, orange blossom, sage, tupelo, and wildflower.

Processing

Honey that comes to your local grocer has often been processed to be in alignment with the FDA regulations (though these days, raw honey is now often more available, especially at your local apiary or famer’s market).

• Pasteurized honey has been clarified or filtered.
• Raw honey has not been pasteurized, clarified, or filtered.

Sources

http://www.benefits-of-honey.com/health-benefits-of-honey.html

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=96

http://www.honeyo.com/types.shtml