Content
The benefits and harms of mead have been of interest to people since ancient times. She was considered a life-giving drink that protects the body from all diseases. It took about 15 years to cook it in oak barrels. Today mead continues to be produced on an industrial scale.
What is and types of mead
Mead is an alcoholic drink made on the basis of bee honey. Ancient Russia is considered the birthplace of its appearance. Earlier, a strong drink was an obligatory attribute of special events. A distinctive feature is the process of preparing the drink. Fermentation is carried out naturally, without the addition of alcohol.
Honey elixir is classified according to the method of preparation and the set of ingredients. In addition, there are non-alcoholic and alcoholic varieties of the drink.
In total, the following types of drink are distinguished:
- intoxicating;
- boiled;
- non-alcoholic;
- fake;
- put.
According to the degree of strength, mead is divided into young and ordinary. In the first case, the cooking duration will be 2 weeks, and in the second - from 3 months. There is also a separate type of drink that does not require boiling. It is he who is called staged mead.
Honey drink differs from beer in the absence of malt in its composition. There are no components in the mead that you add malt to break down. But the way of making drinks is very similar. The main advantage of mead over beer is its composition. Its benefit lies in the systemic effect on the body and the replenishment of the supply of vitamins. Beer, in turn, has more disadvantages than positive qualities. It overloads the venous bed and has a detrimental effect on sex hormones.
Composition, degrees and calorie content of mead
The strength of the honey elixir ranges from 5 to 16%. It depends on the aging time and the ingredients used. The calorie content per 100 grams of mead is 94 kcal. Most of the composition is carbohydrates. Therefore, the drink is contraindicated for patients with diabetes mellitus and overweight people. It also contains the following components:
- biotin;
- vitamin C;
- iron;
- vitamin B;
- zinc;
- tocopherol;
- magnesium;
- nutrients;
- beta carotene;
- calcium;
- potassium;
- phosphorus;
- iodine.
The presence of minerals in the composition ensures the strengthening of bones and teeth. Due to its iron content, the drink prevents the development of anemia. Due to B vitamins, the work of the nervous and reproductive systems is stabilized. Ascorbic acid strengthens the immune system. The iodine in the drink makes it possible to use it for endocrine disorders.However, due to its high sugar content, it is prohibited in the presence of diabetes.
Why mead is useful
A quality drink, in the manufacture of which natural ingredients were used, has a whole range of beneficial effects. It is often prescribed to be taken in the postoperative period and after suffering serious illnesses. The drink increases the physical endurance of the body and helps to resist stressful situations. The most valuable medicinal properties of mead include:
- sedation;
- normalization of metabolic processes;
- removal of puffiness;
- restoration of blood circulation;
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases;
- elimination of muscle pain;
- antipyretic effect;
- help in losing weight;
- cleansing the body of toxins;
- antibacterial action;
- treatment of colds.
One of the main medicinal properties of mead is to cleanse the body of toxins. Against this background, not only does the state of health improve, but also the appearance of a person changes. Hair becomes shinier and skin smoother and more elastic. At the same time, the work of the nervous system improves. Taking honey elixir helps relieve irritability and improve sleep. It can be drunk in the evening to relieve insomnia.
For colds, mead is used to relieve fever and cough. It is able to thin phlegm and remove it from the lungs. I often advise newlyweds to drink mead in the first month after the wedding. It has a beneficial effect on the functions of the reproductive system, providing healthy offspring. Sometimes the drink is used to normalize digestion and start metabolism.
Why mead is good for women
The honey drink brings special benefits to the female body. It is often used for diseases in the small pelvis. The substances that make up the drink strengthen smooth muscles and eliminate inflammation. This helps to prepare the body for carrying a baby. Thanks to vitamins, the drink is also used for cosmetic purposes.
Is it possible for pregnant and lactating mead
In theory, any bee product has a stimulating effect on the production of breast milk. Despite this, it is contraindicated to take mead during lactation. This can provoke an allergic reaction in the child.
There is a lot of controversy about the possibility of using mead during pregnancy. The alcohol-containing type of drink is prohibited. Non-alcoholic mead can only be beneficial when taken in dosage. It improves peristalsis and normalizes the water-salt balance. Thanks to this, it is possible to cope with constipation that occurs in the last trimester of pregnancy. The drink also helps to replenish vitamin and mineral reserves. However, it must be used with extreme caution.
Why mead is good for men
Mead has a positive effect on male reproductive health. Due to its rich zinc content, it eliminates inflammation of the prostate gland, thereby preventing the development of prostatitis. The abundance of trace elements in the composition also improves the composition of the semen. The health of the offspring depends on this. In addition, moderate consumption of mead stimulates blood flow to the genitals, which has a positive effect on erectile function.
The benefits of mead for children
Children are only allowed non-alcoholic drinks. It effectively prevents the development of colds and eliminates their symptoms. Mead is also recommended to be taken if necessary to gain weight, since it is considered to be high in calories. But before taking it, it is imperative to make sure that the child has no allergic reaction to bee products.
How to make mead at home
Mead is not difficult to make at home. The quality of honey and yeast has a significant impact on the final result. It is advisable to give preference to light varieties of honey. It is also necessary to follow the phased action. To carry out the fermentation process, a water seal is used. When properly prepared, homemade mead turns out to be very tasty and healthy, no worse than the purchased version.
Classic recipe
Components:
- 500 ml of honey;
- 4 liters of water;
- 1 tbsp. l. flour;
- 100 g raisins;
- 3 lemons;
- 30 g dry yeast.
Cooking process:
- Place honey, lemon and raisins in a container and pour boiling water over it.
- Meanwhile, flour is mixed with yeast. Then the resulting mixture is added to the main components, after having cooled them.
- The mixture is kept in an open container for 24 hours.
- After a specified time, it is poured into a bottle and placed under a water seal.
- After a week, the drink is ready to drink.
Yeast-free
The method of making mead, excluding the addition of yeast, is distinguished by the duration of infusion. But this does not affect the quality of taste and properties of the drink.
Ingredients:
- 1 liter of water;
- 1 liter of honey;
- 4 kg of red berries.
Recipe:
- The berries are crushed until a gruel is obtained.
- Honey and water are added to it.
- The container is covered with gauze and left for 2 days.
- After a specified time, the liquid is poured into a bottle, closed and sent to a dark place for infusion. The cooking time is 4 months.
Spicy
Components:
- 15 g hops;
- 1 tsp chopped ginger;
- 2 tsp dry yeast;
- 4.5 liters of water;
- 10 allspice peas;
- zest of 1 lemon;
- a pinch of ground nutmeg.
Cooking steps:
- Honey is poured with water and put on fire. Cooking is carried out until the foam is released.
- The spices are placed in a canvas bag and immersed in water. After that, the drink is boiled for another 30 minutes.
- Water is poured to the original volume and brought to a boil again.
- After removing from heat, the liquid is cooled. Yeast is added to it, after which the drink is poured into a bottle. It is placed under a water seal for 4 weeks.
- The duration of infusion can be extended to six months. The cellar will be an ideal storage place.
How to drink mead properly
The traditions of using mead were formed in Ancient Russia. The drink was drunk only on major holidays, using appropriate snacks. Taking into account customs, mead should be drunk according to the rules:
- in summer they drink the drink chilled, and in winter they warm it up;
- the reception is carried out from small containers, in small sips;
- sometimes honey elixir is used as an aperitif.
Meat pies, pickled berries, oatmeal jelly and a variety of pickles are used as snacks. It is not recommended to eat mead with seafood and fish. It is equally important to observe the dosage in order to avoid the state of strong intoxication.
Why mead is harmful and contraindications
The beneficial properties of mead for the human body are neutralized if taken incorrectly. It is especially important to consider contraindications. These include:
- allergy to bee products;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- diabetes;
- the period of lactation and bearing of the child;
- pancreatitis and chronic gastritis.
The alcohol-containing type of drink is not recommended for people who are addicted to alcohol. When using mead to strengthen the body, you should consult your doctor. With excessive use, the following side effects may occur:
- dizziness;
- nausea;
- indigestion;
- headache.
Allergies to bee products are often accompanied by skin rashes and swelling of the mucous membranes. If suspicious symptoms appear, you should drink an antihistamine and consult a doctor.
How to store mead properly
The drink requires certain storage rules. Their observance will ensure the preservation of medicinal properties for a long time. Particular attention should be paid to the selection of storage capacity. It doesn't have to be metallic. Otherwise, the constituent components will enter into a chemical reaction with the metal and cause the release of harmful components. The most suitable container would be a dark glass bottle.
The storage of the drink is carried out in a place protected from direct sunlight and temperature extremes. It is permissible to keep it in the basement or refrigerator. The optimum storage temperature varies from + 5 to + 10 ° C.
If all conditions are met, the drink can be stored for years, increasing its effect over time.
Conclusion
It is advisable to study the benefits and harms of mead in advance. If you do not take into account the contraindications, you may encounter allergies or other unpleasant symptoms. When used correctly, the drink will become not only a remedy, but also an excellent decoration for a festive table.
