What Does Honeycomb Do If You Eat It?

A 2025 article in the Times of India points out that while everyone can enjoy raw honeycomb, eating too much can be harmful, and it is entirely made of edible beeswax. So, what does honeycomb do if you eat it, and what are the specific benefits and risks associated with consuming this natural, waxy treat?

Quick Summary

Eating honeycomb provides the health benefits of raw honey, including antioxidants and natural enzymes, while the edible beeswax adds beneficial fatty acids and fiber. It offers a natural sweetener and may support heart and liver health. However, potential risks include infant botulism and digestive issues from excessive consumption.

Key Points

• Rich in Antioxidants: Raw honey contains high levels of beneficial polyphenols that help protect the body's cells from free radical damage.

• Supports Heart and Liver Health: Beeswax contains long-chain fatty acids and alcohols that may help lower cholesterol and improve liver function.

• Aids Digestion: The edible beeswax provides a small amount of dietary fiber, while raw honey's enzymes promote a healthy gut microbiome.

• Fights Infections Naturally: Both raw honey and beeswax have natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties that can help combat certain bacteria and fungi.

• Avoid for Infants: Due to the risk of infant botulism, honey and honeycomb are unsafe for children under 12 months old.

• Consume in Moderation: Despite its benefits, honeycomb is very high in sugar and calories, requiring moderation, especially for people with diabetes.

• Consider Digestive Tolerance: The undigested wax can cause stomach discomfort or blockages if consumed in large quantities, so some people may prefer to chew and discard it.

Honeycomb is a natural product created by honeybees, consisting of hexagonal beeswax cells filled with raw honey. Unlike commercially processed honey, honeycomb comes directly from the hive, retaining trace amounts of bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly. This makes it a raw, nutrient-rich food with a distinctly different texture and nutritional profile than its filtered counterpart. When you eat honeycomb, you are consuming both the pure, unprocessed honey and the edible wax, offering a unique sensory experience along with a range of health implications, both positive and potentially negative.

Health Benefits of Eating Honeycomb

Eating honeycomb can contribute to your overall well-being in several ways, mainly due to the properties of its raw honey and beeswax components.

• Rich in Antioxidants: Raw honey is packed with beneficial plant compounds known as polyphenols, which act as powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants help protect the body's cells from damage caused by free radicals, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease, dementia, and certain cancers. Some research suggests raw honey contains significantly more antioxidants than processed honey.
• Supports Heart Health: The long-chain fatty acids and alcohols found in beeswax may help lower high blood cholesterol levels. Studies have shown that these components can help reduce "bad" LDL cholesterol while raising "good" HDL cholesterol. Additionally, honey's antioxidants may help improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
• Promotes Liver Function: Research suggests that beeswax alcohols may help improve liver function. A 24-week study on people with liver disease found that a mixture of beeswax alcohols helped reduce symptoms and normalize liver function in some participants.
• Aids Digestive Health: The beeswax in honeycomb contains a small amount of dietary fiber, which can help regulate bowel movements and support a healthy gut. The raw honey also contains enzymes that aid digestion and promote beneficial gut bacteria.
• Fights Infections: Both raw honey and beeswax have known antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. Test-tube studies indicate that beeswax extracts can help protect against disease-causing bacteria and fungi. Raw honey's enzymes also provide antimicrobial benefits that are lost during pasteurization.
• Soothes Coughs and Sore Throats: Raw honey has long been used as a natural cough suppressant. Studies have found honey to be more effective than some cough syrups at reducing coughing and improving sleep in children over one year of age.

Potential Risks and Precautions

While honeycomb offers numerous benefits, it's important to be aware of potential risks, especially for certain individuals.

• Infant Botulism: The most serious risk is for infants under 12 months old. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which can lead to infant botulism, a rare but serious form of food poisoning. The undeveloped digestive system of a baby cannot fight off these spores, so honey and honeycomb must be strictly avoided.
• High Sugar Content: Despite being a natural sweetener, honeycomb is still very high in sugar and calories. It is crucial to consume it in moderation, particularly for those with diabetes or other conditions requiring sugar restrictions.
• Digestive Issues: The beeswax is not fully digestible. Consuming large quantities, especially in the beginning, can cause bloating, stomach discomfort, or diarrhea in some people. In rare cases, eating excessive amounts could lead to intestinal blockages. To minimize this risk, some people chew the comb to release the honey and then discard the wax.
• Allergic Reactions: Individuals with allergies to bee venom or pollen should be cautious. Honeycomb contains trace amounts of pollen, which could trigger an allergic reaction ranging from mild itching to severe anaphylaxis.

Raw Honeycomb vs. Processed Honey

Understanding the differences between honeycomb and the honey found in a standard supermarket bottle is key to appreciating its nutritional value.

Feature	Raw Honeycomb	Processed Honey
Processing	Minimally processed; honey is strained from the comb to remove debris but is not heated or filtered.	Heated (pasteurized) and filtered, sometimes excessively, to remove impurities and delay crystallization.
Nutrient Content	Retains natural enzymes, antioxidants, trace minerals, vitamins, and bee products like pollen and propolis.	Higher heat can destroy natural enzymes and reduce the level of antioxidants. Filtering removes beneficial bee pollen.
Appearance	Often appears cloudy or opaque due to fine particles of pollen and wax.	Clear, smooth, and consistent in appearance, making it more aesthetically appealing for many consumers.
Flavor Profile	Complex and varied flavor, influenced by the flowers the bees pollinated. The beeswax adds a distinct, chewy texture.	Homogenized, standard flavor profile due to processing. The floral notes and depth are often lost.
Purity	Less likely to be contaminated with sweeteners like high-fructose corn syrup.	Some commercial brands may add sweeteners to reduce costs.

How to Eat and Enjoy Honeycomb

Honeycomb can be eaten in many delicious ways, making it a versatile ingredient for both sweet and savory applications. One simple way is to simply cut a small piece and chew it, enjoying the burst of honey followed by the chewy beeswax. Some prefer to spit the wax out, while others swallow it for the added fiber.

Here are some popular ways to enjoy honeycomb:

• On a Charcuterie Board: Paired with various cheeses (like goat cheese, brie, or sharp cheddar), crackers, and fruits for an elegant appetizer.
• With Breakfast Foods: Spread on warm toast, waffles, or pancakes, or mixed into yogurt or oatmeal for natural sweetness and texture.
• In Salads: Crumble small pieces over a salad to complement tangy vinaigrettes and add a sweet crunch.
• In Hot Drinks: Stir a piece into hot tea or coffee to sweeten it naturally. The honey will melt, leaving the wax behind.
• Paired with Meat: Melt and use it as a glaze for roasted ham, chicken, or salmon.

Conclusion

Eating honeycomb is a uniquely rewarding experience that offers a natural, unprocessed way to enjoy honey's flavor and potential health benefits. The inclusion of raw honey provides potent antioxidants, antimicrobial properties, and a rich source of vitamins, while the edible beeswax offers beneficial fatty acids and dietary fiber. However, responsible consumption is key, especially for those with diabetes, allergies, or concerns about digestive discomfort from the wax. By enjoying it in moderation and avoiding it for infants under one, most people can safely appreciate the rustic charm and wholesome goodness that eating raw honeycomb provides. When selecting honeycomb, choosing a reputable, local beekeeper is your best bet for a high-quality product, as it ensures you are getting it directly from the source. For a deeper dive into the health benefits of honey in general, consider exploring reputable health resources.

Sources

• Can You Eat Honeycomb? Benefits, Uses, and Dangers - Healthline.com
• Can you eat it? The Many Health Benefits of Eating Raw Honeycomb - Mydadshoney.com.au
• Raw Honey vs Regular: Is There a Difference? - Healthline.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the wax in honeycomb safe to eat?

Yes, the beeswax that forms the honeycomb is edible and generally considered safe to consume. While it isn't digestible, it can be chewed and swallowed or spit out, similar to chewing gum.

What are the health benefits of eating honeycomb?

Eating honeycomb offers several potential health benefits, including potent antioxidant and antimicrobial effects from raw honey, as well as beneficial fatty acids from the beeswax that support heart and liver health.

Can babies or infants eat honeycomb?

No, babies under 12 months old should never be given honey or honeycomb. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores, which a baby's undeveloped digestive system cannot safely process, leading to the risk of infant botulism.

Does honeycomb have more nutrients than regular honey?

Raw honeycomb is generally considered more nutrient-dense than regular, processed honey. The pasteurization and filtering of regular honey can remove beneficial components like pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants.

Can eating honeycomb help with allergies?

Some evidence suggests that consuming local, raw honey or honeycomb may help alleviate seasonal allergy symptoms due to the small amounts of local pollen it contains. However, individuals with severe pollen allergies should be cautious.

How should I eat honeycomb?

You can eat honeycomb in many ways, including on its own, spread on toast, paired with cheese on a charcuterie board, added to yogurt or oatmeal, or stirred into hot tea.

What does honeycomb taste like?

Honeycomb tastes like the raw honey it contains, with a rich, sweet flavor and floral notes that vary based on the bees' diet. The beeswax adds a pleasant, chewy, and waxy texture.