Health Benefits of Honey
Rarely can a food product boast as many health benefits as honey does. The list is extensive, and the specific health benefits at times surprise with their magnitude and efficiency. It sounds too good to be true. Or does it? Scepticism can only appear if one has forgotten how much nature can provide in its purest form.
The participants of the First International Symposium on Honey and Human Health, which was held in Sacramento (USA) in 2008, concluded that honey’s therapeutic effects probably derive from different types of friendly bacteria it contains, including bifidobacterial and lactobacilli, which are considered to have probiotic values.
Probiotics encourage the growth of body-friendly bacteria and inhibit the growth of potentially harmful organisms. The name probiotics derives from the word bios, meaning life in Greek and the word pro, whichmeans for in Latin, therefore probiotics and honey support life itself.
Honey works as an anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-parasitic remedy. Depending on the source of honey, different levels of antioxidants have been detected within it, offering significant protection against chronic diseases, such as stroke, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Having a spoon of honey a day can compare to few things when it comes to promoting a healthier and longer life.
A short selection of honey’s main health benefits follows. For further details please see other sections of this website.
RAWHONEY IS AN IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOSTER
Because of its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, honey can play an important role in building up our immune system and protecting against many diseases. This claim has been substantiated by clinical studies conducted across hospitals in Israel. They found that patients who used honey had significantly lower incidence of acute febrile neutropenia – a fever that develops in people with low white blood cell count, therefore lower immunity.
It seems that the best morning gift you can offer yourself is to have a drink made out of honey and lemon juice. Mix a spoon of honey, juice from half a lemon and warm water, and drink it before breakfast. The seasonal ailments will stay at bay!
RAWHONEY IS A ‘MAGIC’ COMPONENT IN BURNS AND ULCER DRESSINGS
Honey has now been recognized as the best therapeutic agent for dressing and healing wounds, ulcers and first, second- and third-degree burns. It is used across different hospital settings and research shows it compares favourably to conventional treatment.
Ulcers spreading all the way to the bones can be healed effectively, and honey’s antiseptic properties prevent further infections. Honey’s two sugars – fructose and glucose – both attract water, which helps to dry the wound, thus preventing the growth of microorganisms that thrive in moist environments.
HONEY IS THE ULTIMATE CURE FOR SORE THROAT
Your granny knew it a long time ago. Now the scientists too have proved that honey is a more effective cough suppressant and treatment for colds than over-the-counter drugs (e.g. dextromethorphan). Buckwheat honey especially has been praised for its effectiveness in treating children aged 2 to 18 suffering from colds and sleeping disorders. A spoon of honey at bedtime it is!
- RAWHONEY IS ABLE TO HELP CONTROL BLOOD SUGAR AND REDUCE CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
Due to the beneficial 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose, honey can aide blood sugar control. It is one of the best sweeteners for those with type 2 diabetes or those with high levels of cholesterol. Natural honey reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol.
- RAWHONEY IMPROVES ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE
The anecdotes of sportsmen and sportswomen eating honey before competitions have been shared since the times of the ancient Olympics. By consuming honey before exercise, athletes can improve their performance, as honey helps to maintain muscles’ glycogen stores, boosting energy recovery and enabling repeated exertion.
- THE DOUBLE BENEFIT: HONEY COMBINED WITH ANOTHER HEALING SUBSTANCE
Two is better than one. When honey is combined with other goodies of nature, the body rejoices. Be it the combination with cinnamon or lemon or vinegar, the health benefits will surpass your expectations. When combined with cinnamon, honey acts as a known heart attack preventer through reducing cholesterol levels and strengthening the heartbeat. Isn’t it perfect when healthy things taste good too!
