The word honey comes from ancient Hebrew and means "enchant." The principle constituents of honey are the simple sugars fructose and glucose. The other ingredients include water, pollen, organic acids, enzymes and various proteins.
The glucose and fructose in honey have been predigested by the bees that produced it. These simple sugars are quickly and easily absorbed in the human digestive tract, thereby providing a healthy pick-me-up. Take care, though, just 1 tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories as compared to 46 calories per tablespoon in granulated sugar.
Honey contains grains of pollen that, over time, may have a desensitizing effect, making it useful for the relief of allergies. Hay fever sufferers are advised to eat honey that has been harvested locally. I have begun using local honey in hopes of relief from my ragweed allergy. I use 1 teaspoon per coffee mug.
An interesting note - Bees filter out environmental toxins as they act like a biological filter: They die if they come in contact with toxins and thus do not bring pollutants into the hive.
