Honey, one of the oldest sweeteners on earth, has in fact lots of amazing health benefits. Honey has a long medicinal history as the ancient Egyptians not only made offerings of honey to their gods, but they also used it as an embalming fluid and a dressing for wounds. On that last point, at least, they were on to something.
Here are the amazing honey health benefits you might consider on using one, aside from putting a drop or two on your milk.
1. Prevent cancer and heart disease
Honey contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
2. Reduce ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders
Recent research shows that honey treatment may help disorders such as ulcers and bacterial gastroenteritis. This may be related to the 3rd benefit.
5. Treats Sore Throat and Colds
Honey is a great natural treatment for sore throats. It not only soothes the pain of a sore throat, but also helps kill the harmful bacteria that causes the infection.
Studies show it is often better than over the counter remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats. Particularly for children, when taken before bedtime honey can help stop coughing and allow a good night’s sleep.
6. Helps You Sleep Better
If you’re deprived from sleep, then you should add honey on your daily diet. Honey makes you sleepy and it helps provide sleep relief. One teaspoon a day will keep the insomnia away.
7. Regulate Blood Sugar
Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is NOT the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar. (Watch this video Sweetener Comparison where I compare stevia, brown rice syrup, honey, molasses and agave, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each.)
8. Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Locally produced honey, which will contain pollen spores picked up by the bees from local plants, introduces a small amount of allergen into your system. Theoretically, this can activate your immune system and over time can build up your natural immunity against it.
9. Good for the skin
Its anti-bacterial qualities are particularly useful for a healthy glowing skin.
10. A remedy for Herpes
In a study, involving 16 adult subjects with a history of recurrent labial and genital herpes attacks used honey to treat one attack, and a commonly prescribed antiviral drug, Acyclovir cream, during another.
Interestingly, honey provides a significantly better treatment results. For labial herpes, the mean healing time was 43 percent better, and for genital herpes, 59 percent better than acyclovir. Pain and crusting was also significantly reduced with honey. Two cases of labial herpes and one case of genital herpes remitted completely with the honey treatment, whereas none remitted while using acyclovir.
Well folks, there are many other uses of honey, but there is no doubt that honey health benefits is truly one of nature’s wonder products.
Image Credits: bestbeekeeping, beeland, aidanceproducts
