Honey is known as one of nature’s greatest healer and since ancient times, honey has been used as both a food and a medicine. Even today, there are plenty of ways to take advantage of honey’s superpowers, from soothing a cough to embracing the natural sweetener’s antioxidant properties.
But If you still have questions about honey’s health benefits buzzing around your brain, read on.
We’re covering the benefits of eating honey, the conditions, concerns and health issues it can address and how it can act as a prime remedy when it comes to skin care.
Pure honey is packed with powerful antioxidants, which fights against cell damage, when harmful agents known as free radicals try to attack your cells, antioxidants forfeit an electron to keep your cells safe. Free radical damage is associated with aging, inflammatory disorders, and diseases, including cancer.
Luckily, honey can help combat these consequences and there’s science to back it up.
Known for its antibacterial properties, honey has an ability to combat many types of bacteria, including salmonella and E. coli. Across folk medicine traditions, it’s been used as a treatment for a variety of bacterial and fungal infections.
During pollen synthesis, bees deposit hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic, into the honey they’re creating. Factor in honey’s low water content and slight acidity, and the harmful microbes don’t stand a chance.
The healing property of honey for a sore throat is one of the top benefits of eating honey. Honey can be more effective cough suppressant for children with upper respiratory infections than some common cough medicines.
Honey is successful at suppressing coughs thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory powers. And, because of honey’s viscous consistency, it coats the throat providing a soothing effect.
Surprisingly, honey can fend off gingivitis and periodontal disease.
This might seem odd since sugary substances aren’t usually considered suitable for oral health. However, given honey’s natural antibacterial properties, the research suggests that it is more likely to fight off causes of tooth decay than cause cavities.
Honey is recognized as a prebiotic food, which means that it can nurture the good bacteria living in your gut.
It may also be a remedy for indigestion and ulcers, which is how it’s been used in folk medicine for years.
Even though it’s composed of glucose and fructose, honey has a relatively low glycemic index and as a result, when compared to refined sugar, honey can sweeten foods without causing a spike in blood sugar levels. For this reason, people with Type 2 diabetes may be able to enjoy it.
The phytonutrients found in honey, which contribute to its antioxidant and antibacterial powers, can also give your immune system a boost.
Moreover, since oxidative stress and inflammation can contribute to cardiovascular diseases and cancers, honey actively helps your body prevent heart disease and cancer.
Honey has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties play an important role in removing excess oil from the skin and clearing clogged pores, therefore, preventing the cause of breakouts like pimples, acne, blackheads and whiteheads.
Honey has skin brightening properties and also lends a healthy moisturized glow to the face after usage.