For centuries, honey has been used as both a medicinal tool and a delicious cooking ingredient (it’s a healthy substitute to sugar). Let’s take a look at the many health benefits of honey, some of which you might not have known about!
1. Abundance Of Antioxidants
Organic Honey is loaded with antioxidants, which prevents cells from being damaged by free radicals. Due to its high volume of antioxidants, honey can slow down the aging process, lower blood pressure, and combat heart disease and certain types of cancers.
2. Anti-Fungal & Anti-Bacterial
Honey naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Say goodbye to fungus and unwanted bacteria.
3. Honey, Not Time, Heals All Wounds
According to a review in The Cochrane Library, honey might heal burns. Honey has been used to speed up the healing process of wounds and can even reduce the chance of infections. Basically, honey not only kills germs, but it also aids in tissue regeneration.
4. Smooth Digestion
Honey is a great prebiotic, which nourishes good bacteria in your intestines – this prevents diarrhea and aids with smooth digestion, overall. Furthermore, honey can help heal ulcers within the digestive system, too.
5. Combat Colds
Got a sore throat? Or, an irritating cough? Honey can soothe your throat and suppress coughs. Stir some into a piping hot cup of lemon tea and feel the difference! The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends it, and so does the American Academy of Pediatrics (just not for kids under the age of 12 months!). Now, isn’t that an amazing health benefits of honey!
6. Weight Management
According to nutritionist and author Mike McInnes, honey helps your body burn fat even when you’re asleep. Many doctors recommend having a spoon of honey before bedtime or having honey with warm water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach to boost metabolism.
7. Glowing Skin
There are many honey health benefits for your skin, too! Honey is recommended by many beauty experts because it moisturizes and nourishes your skin, irrespective of whether it is oily or dry, and can reduce pimples, as well as the severity of acne. Try making a face mask that combines honey with olive oil, aloe vera or lemon juice!
8. Memory Booster
Need to improve your concentration? Honey increases your brainpower, ability to remember things and level of focus. In fact, honey calms the brain and boosts its cholinergic system, which is very helpful for brain health in the long-run and memory loss prevention. Still not convinced? A 2011 study in Menopause indicated a spoon of honey daily can boost short-term memory of post-menopausal women. Honey helps the body absorb calcium, which helps the brain process thoughts and even make decisions.
9. Sleep Like A Baby
Honey consumption triggers the release of melatonin in your brain (it creates a small insulin level spike). Melatonin helps you sleep better and even assists with tissue rebuilding during rest periods.
10. Lush Hair
Keep your hair thick and shiny, with a bit of honey – it combats annoying dandruff. Dermatologist Dr. Harshna Bijlani reveals honey actually prevents hair from becoming brittle. Just mix some honey with vegetable oil and apply it as a hair mask for 15 minutes before you rinse it off with your favorite shampoo. Or, try a honey and coconut oil hair mask, honey and egg hair mask, or honey and yogurt hair mask. Plenty of options to pick from!
11. Smile Please!
Bleeding gums. Bad breath. Gingivitis. Plaque. Honey can treat all of these issues to an extent. Many professionals recommend mixing raw honey with water as a healthy mouthwash.
12. Energy Booster
Feeling a dip in energy levels? 1 tablespoon of honey has 17 grams of carbohydrates, offering a great source of all-natural energy!
With such a vast array of honey health benefits, it is certainly the sweetest ingredient out there! We hope you start using honey in your beauty regimen or as an integral element of meals and beverages you prepare, such as dressings, marinades, tea, coffee, pancakes, toasts, oatmeal and more.
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