Honey offers several health benefits thanks to the beneficial compounds it contains, such as antioxidants and propolis.
Honey is a syrupy liquid that bees produce from the nectar of plants. Appreciated worldwide for its sweetness and depth of flavor, it is used in many foods and recipes. The smell, color, and taste of honey vary depending on the type of flower from which it comes, so there are countless varieties.
Honey has a number of potential health benefits and plays a role in many home remedies and alternative medicine treatments.
Here are 7 unique health benefits of honey
1. Contains a Variety of Nutrients
One tablespoon (20 grams) of honey contains:
Calories: 61
Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Riboflavin: 1% Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 1% Daily Value
Honey is essentially pure sugar, with no fat and with only traces of protein and fiber. It contains small amounts of certain nutrients, but most people generally don’t consume enough honey for it to be a significant dietary source of vitamins and minerals.
It should be noted, however, that honey is rich in health-promoting plant compounds called polyphenols. Honey is mostly sugar, provides small amounts of several vitamins and minerals, and is rich in health-promoting plant compounds.
2. Rich in Antioxidants
High-quality honey, which is minimally processed, unheated and fresh, contains many important bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Darker varieties tend to offer more antioxidants than lighter varieties. Antioxidants help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in your body, which can build up in cells and cause damage.
This damage can contribute to conditions such as premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Thus, many of the health benefits of honey are attributed to its antioxidant content. Honey contains a number of antioxidants, including phenolic acids and flavonoids.
3. Better for blood sugar than regular sugar
When it comes to blood sugar management, honey may offer some slight advantages over regular sugar. Although honey raises blood sugar like other types of sugar, the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have found that honey may raise levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There is also some evidence that consuming honey daily may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, although honey is slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should be consumed in moderation. It is also important to know that some types of honey can be diluted with regular syrup.
Although honey adulteration is illegal in most countries, it remains a widespread problem. Honey may offer some protective effects related to blood sugar management, but it should still be consumed in moderation, especially by people with type 2 diabetes.
4. May Improve Heart Health
Honey can also help prevent heart disease. According to a study, honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate heart rhythm, and prevent the death of healthy cells, all of which may improve function and health. cardiac.
An observational study of more than 4,500 people over the age of 40 linked moderate honey consumption with a lower risk of high blood pressure in women. Additionally, a study in rats showed promise that honey helped protect the heart from oxidative stress.
Also, raw honey usually contains propolis, a type of resin that bees produce from sap-producing trees and similar plants. Propolis can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Overall, there are no long-term human studies on honey and heart health.
More research is needed to better understand the effects of honey on heart health. However, honey has been linked to beneficial effects on heart health, including reducing blood pressure and blood fat levels. However, additional human studies are needed on the subject.
5. Promotes the healing of burns and wounds
Topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds and burns since ancient Egypt. This practice is still common today.
An analysis of 26 studies on honey and the treatment of wounds showed that honey was most effective in healing partial-thickness burns and infected wounds after surgery.
Honey is also an effective treatment for diabetes-related foot ulcers, which are serious complications that can lead to amputation.
A study of people with diabetes-related foot ulcers found a 43.3% success rate with honey as a wound treatment. In another study, topical honey healed an impressive 97% of participants’ diabetes-related ulcers.
Researchers believe the healing powers of honey come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Plus, it can help treat other skin conditions, including psoriasis and herpes lesions. Manuka honey is considered particularly effective in treating burns.
However, if you suffer from a severe burn, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Applied to the skin, honey can be part of an effective treatment plan for burns, wounds, and many other skin conditions. It is particularly effective for foot ulcers related to diabetes.
6. May Help Suppress Coughs in Children
Cough is a common problem in children with upper respiratory tract infections. These infections can affect the sleep and quality of life of children and parents. However, common cough medicines are not always effective and can have side effects.
Interestingly, honey can be a good alternative, with evidence indicating that it is an effective treatment option.
A review of several studies on honey and coughs in children found that honey appears to be more effective than diphenhydramine for cough symptoms. It can also help reduce the duration of coughing.
Another review noted that it may also improve sleep quality in children who cough, as well as in their parents.
In addition, unlike some cough medicines, honey has no side effects. However, honey should never be given to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
For children over the age of one, honey can act as a natural and safe cough suppressant. Some studies show that it is even more effective than some cough medicines.
7. Easy to incorporate into your diet
Honey is easy to incorporate into your diet. To get a small dose of antioxidants from honey, you can use it as you would sugar. It is excellent for sweetening natural yogurt, coffee, or tea. You can also use it in cooking and baking.
As a home remedy, you can apply it directly to minor burns or wounds or take it orally when coughing. Remember that you should not give honey to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
Also, keep in mind that honey is a type of sugar and its consumption leads to an increase in blood sugar. Additionally, consuming large amounts of honey, especially consistently over a long period of time, can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of conditions like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
It is, therefore, necessary to stick to a low to moderate consumption.
You can use honey to sweeten yogurts or drinks, as an ingredient in many recipes, or as a home remedy for minor wounds and coughs. Since honey is a sugar, try to limit your consumption.
