Honey has been a staple in households for thousands of years, known for its sweet taste and versatility in baking and cooking.
However, beyond its culinary uses, honey has been found to have numerous health benefits that make it a valuable addition to any diet and home.
In this article, we will explore the proven health benefits of honey and clear up some commonly asked questions about this sweet and golden elixir.
What is Honey?
Honey is a natural sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers. It is a thick, sticky substance rich in sugar, enzymes, vitamins, and minerals.
Many different types of honey are available, each with its unique color, flavor, and texture. Some of the most popular types of honey include orange, clover, blossom, and manuka honey.
The Vital Nutrients in honey
Raw Honey is a rich source of vitamins and minerals for humans, including vitamins B6, thiamin, niacin, and riboflavin, as well as minerals such as iron, calcium, and potassium.
Others include ascorbic acid, pantothenic acid, riboflavin, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and zinc. It is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help to protect the body from oxidative stress.
Here are the 15 Proven health benefits of honey
1. Weight Management.
Natural Honey can help regulate appetite and improve metabolism, making it a valuable tool for weight management. People tend to fall back on honey when trying to get the perfect body shape.
2. Natural Sleeping Aid.
Natural Honey contains small amounts of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin, making it a natural remedy for insomnia and other sleep problems.
3. Eases Sinus Issues.
Natural Honey has been shown by studies to have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective remedy for sinus problems and other respiratory issues.
4. Natural Remedy for Dandruff.
Natural Honey has been used as a natural remedy for dandruff for centuries due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Dandruff is caused by an overgrowth of yeast on the scalp, leading to itching and flaking. Honey’s natural antifungal properties help to control yeast growth and reduce symptoms of dandruff.
5. Natural Wound Treatment
The antibacterial properties of raw honey make it an ideal treatment for wounds, as it helps to prevent infections and promote healing.
The unique combination of sugar, acidity, and hydration in honey creates an environment that is hostile to bacteria, making it an effective antiseptic.
Raw honey also contains enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide, which further helps to kill bacteria and prevent infections.
Additionally, raw honey has been shown to promote wound healing by increasing the rate of tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation. This makes it an effective treatment for burns, cuts, and other wounds.
6. Promoting Food Digestion and Absorption.
Raw honey can help to soothe digestive problems and improve gut health, making it a useful remedy for digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and indigestion.
7. Treatment of Eye Disorders.
Raw honey has been found to be effective in treating eye disorders, including conjunctivitis and other eye infections.
According to research reported in the National Library of Medicine (NIH), there is evidence that honey may be helpful in treating dry eye disease, post-operative corneal edema, and bullous keratopathy. Furthermore, it can be used as an antibacterial agent to reduce the ocular flora.
8. may help lower blood pressure.
Raw honey has been found to positively impact blood pressure, making it a useful remedy for people with high blood pressure.
Studies indicate that components of honey, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolic acids, may reduce blood pressure by increasing blood levels of nitric oxide, which helps to relax blood vessels.
Additionally, honey has natural anti-inflammatory properties, which offer further protection to blood vessels and can contribute to reduced blood pressure.
9. may Improve digestive health.
Raw honey can help to regulate digestive processes, making it an effective remedy for digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and other digestive disorders.
For example, it contains prebiotics which help to promote the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. Also, honey has antimicrobial properties that help suppress harmful microorganisms in your system.
In addition, it is a great source of antioxidants and flavonoids, which are thought to combat inflammation and support the overall health of your digestive tract.
10. May Promote Oral Health.
Raw honey has been found to promote oral health in several ways. One of the main benefits of honey is its antibacterial properties, which can help fight harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevent plaque growth. This, in turn, can reduce the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Raw and Pure honey is also a natural source of antioxidant properties, which can help protect teeth and gums from damage caused by free radicals.
Additionally, honey has anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe sore or inflamed gums and reduce pain caused by gum disease or other oral conditions.
11. Supports Skin Recovery.
Raw and Pure honey has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, making it an effective remedy for skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and other skin problems.
12. May help as Brain/Memory Booster.
Studies has shown that the polyphenols in honey may positively impact cognitive function, including improving memory and concentration.
13. May Help with Weight Loss.
Honey has been found to positively impact metabolism, making it a useful tool for weight loss. It can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet due to its unique properties and health benefits. Here’s how:
Helps burn fat: Pure honey has been found to promote the breakdown of fat in the body, making it easier to burn and lose weight.
Low glycemic index: Honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar, which releases glucose into the bloodstream slower. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduces the risk of overeating or cravings.
Metabolism booster: Manuka honey contains small amounts of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help to boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
Suppresses appetite: Manuka honey is naturally sweet and can help to satisfy sugar cravings, reducing the likelihood of overeating and snacking on unhealthy foods.
14. May Help Prevent and Control Eczema.
Honey has been found to be an effective remedy for eczema, as it helps to soothe dry skin and reduce itching and inflammation.
15. May Help with Allergies and as a cough Suppressant.
One of honey’s most well-known health benefits is its ability to alleviate allergy symptoms. Honey contains small amounts of pollen, which can help build immunity over time.
Therefore, when consumed regularly, honey can help reduce the severity of allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching.
Several scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of honey as an effective cough suppressant. Also, it can be used as an effective natural remedy for relieving sore throat.
Combining honey with ginger or lemon is suggested for optimal benefits, both of which contain antibacterial and immune-boosting qualities.
Organic Honey versus Process Honey
It is important to note that not all honey is created equal, and the type of honey you consume can significantly impact its health benefits.
For instance, organic honey, produced from untreated and unprocessed nectar, contains higher antioxidant properties and other beneficial compounds than processed honey.
On the other hand, processed honey may have been heated, filtered, or treated with chemicals, reducing its health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Is honey a better alternative to sugar?
Honey is a healthier alternative to sugar as it contains more antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals than sugar. However, it is still high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Can people with diabetes consume honey?
Although honey has a lower glycemic index than sugar, it is still high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation by people with diabetes.
Is raw honey safe for infants?
No, giving raw honey to infants under one year old is not recommended as it can contain bacteria that can cause serious illness.
What is manuka honey?
Manuka honey is considered a mono-floral honey, made mostly from the nectar of one kind of flower. Traditional honey is typically poly-floral honey, where the nectar comes from a variety of different flowers.
It is traditionally believed that the antibacterial effects of manuka honey are a lot higher than other honey counterparts.
How do I store raw honey?
Honey is known for its longevity, but in rare cases, it can become tainted. To ensure the honey stays of the highest quality, tightly seal and store it away from light exposure and extreme temperatures.
If stored for an extended period of time, honey may look crystalized and sugary but it’s okay to warm it up to melt the crystals.
However, avoid heating it too much as temperatures higher than necessary can cook the honey, leaving behind its raw properties and potentially darkening in color.
Which type of honey is the best?
Raw honey is considered the least processed and probably has the most antioxidant properties, making it the best choice.
Why is some honey light and others dark?
It is believed that the light or dark color of honey depends on which kind of plant the honey bees who made it took the nectar.
There is a psychological/traditional belief in several countries that dark honey is better than light. Also, nutritionally, there’s evidence that darker honey has less water and more antioxidants than light-colored honey.
TWV’s Takeaway
Honey has been proven to have numerous health benefits, including alleviating allergy symptoms and containing higher antioxidants than processed sugar.
When selecting honey, it is essential to choose organic, raw, or unprocessed options for maximum health benefits. As with any sweetener, it should be consumed in moderation.
Disclaimer
It is important to note that the information provided in this article is only for educational and informational purposes.
Researchers have not thoroughly investigated many compounds in raw honey, and scientific evidence does not support some ancient and traditional medicine claims about honey’s healing qualities.
Therefore, consult a healthcare professional before adding more raw honey to your diet.
