Honey is one of the most popular natural delights, which we use in our kitchen, but do you know that honey is popular since ancient time and was also used as food and even for medical treatment on wounds by our ancestors. Honey possesses various nutrients as well as antioxidant properties which makes this sweat treat more health beneficial.
It can be used as a natural sugar alternative, as well as a home remedy and a beauty skin product, and with its multiple usage honey deserves a place in our daily routine. In this article, we will know the top 10 health benefits of honey, its daily uses, nutritional value, and will know more about why it’s considered a natural medicine in many traditions.
- Natural Sweetener with Added Health Benefits
One of the most popular usages of honey is as a natural sweetner in culinary, Honey is one of the healthy alternatives to regular white sugar, and it is packed with various vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Honey contains fructose and glucose which are natural energy boosters and food and beverage sweetness enhancers.
- Powerful antioxidant qualities
Honey possesses very powerful antioxidant qualities which benefits in neutralizing the free radical damages of our body and helps in reducing the threat of heart and other chronic diseases such as cancer. Buckwheat honey is the most powerful natural antioxidant.
- Immunity enhancer
Honey has natural antimicrobial and antibacterial properties which helps to boost our body immunity. Honey bees also produces hydrogen peroxide which is used to fight with harmful bacteria. Regular consumption of honey helps to enhance our body immunity system.
Eating 1 tablespoon of honey every month with lukewarm water and lemon helps to naturally boost our immunity system and detox our body.
- Natural remedy for cough and sore throat
Honey is also used as a natural remedy for soothing sore throats and reduces the cough symptoms. WHO have recommended honey as a natural remedy to reduce the throat irritation during cough and cold.
A popular remedy of drink made with mixing honey with ginger or lemon juice with warm water helps in soothing sore throat during cough and cold. Medical studies on honey usage shows that it is more safe and effective sore throat remedy for kids as well as adults.
5. Improve Digestive Health
Honey can support gut health and digestion. It acts as a prebiotic and by feeding the good bacteria in our digestive tract, it further helps to reduce the indigestion, gastritis and acid reflux.
Consuming honey for better digestion before meals or added with herbal teas can help to further improve the body digestive function and promote healthy gut.
- Wound healing and skin treatment
Hone has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties which helps to early healing of wounds and burs. Honey can also be used for treating skin infections and skin burns due to its moisturising and soothing properties. Medical grade Manuka honey is popularly used in various medical treatment of wounds and ulcers.
Upon applying honey can help to prevent skin infections, and heals skin rashes and enhance natural skin glow. Honey have antimicrobial properties which helps in reducing the acne issue.
7. Natural Energy Booster
Thanks to its natural sugar, glucose and fructose contain which helps in a quick energy boost. Honey offers natural energy and is healthy than the sugar spiking packed health drinks and sugary beverages. It is also an ideal healthy pre-workout snack and a hunger reliving mid-day bite.
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts widely use honey in smoothies, energy bars and also follows the routine honey consumption as their natural workout fuel.
8. Skin Care and Beauty Benefits
Honey is a main ingredient in many DIY honey face mask which is one of the popular skincare treatments. It acts as a natural humectant, keeps the required moisture trapped in our skin. it is widely used in face masks, as it better hydrates, detoxify and for glowing healthy skin. It also has antibacterial properties which is useful treating acne and blemishes.
For best results, apply raw honey directly to the skin or mix it with ingredients like yogurt, turmeric or Aloe Vera.
9. Heart Health and Cholesterol Management
Medical studies suggest that honey can help to reduce the LDL and improve healthy HDL Cholesterol in our body upon regular consumption. Honey also helps to oxidise bad LDL Cholesterol and improves blood circulation by reducing clotting issues this will be helpful to improve heart health.
Replacing refined which sugar with honey helps to reduce inflammation and improve vascular function.
10. Allergy Relief and Seasonal Immunity
Eating locally grown, raw honey may help to reduce the seasonal allergies. The idea behind is that the exposure to small amounts of pollen in the local honey can help to desensitize your body over time. Although scientific evidences are limited, but still many people report relief after using honey.
Nutritional Profile of Honey
A tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains:
- Calories: 64 kcal
- Sugar : 17 gram
- Vitamins: Vitamin B2. B3, B5 and B6
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, potassium, zinc, phosphorus.
Although Honey is high in sugar, but it is natural fructose and glucose base, which is healthier than regular refine sugar.
Tips for safely using Honey
- Always use raw honey for its nutritional and medicinal benefits
- Avoid giving honey to infants and children under the age of 12 months to avoid risk of botulism
- Store honey in cool and dry place to preserve its quality
- Mix honey in lukewarm water and avoid boiling it along with water to retain its nutrition.
- Why honey can be your daily life health companion?
As honey helps in improving our immunity, better skin health and benefits as superfood. Honey also has natural antioxidant and would healing properties that makes it best natural medicine for overall wellness.
Honey can improve the taste of our morning tea and makes it healthier. Our face mask with honey improves our skin tone and our salary plate become crunchier and sweat by adding a spoonful of honey in it.
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