17 Impressive Health Benefits of Honey

Deemed as a top health food across the globe, Honey is a wonderful creation. Honey is among the most popular and widely used sweeteners with enormous health benefits. It is used by several cultures around the world serving as a base for many traditional medicines, especially in Ayurveda. The health benefits and advantages of honey have been valued for ages.

Honey isn’t just delicious and sweet in taste, but nature has packed it with countless health benefits. You won’t believe that a substance that works fine as a sweetener and can treat a number of health problems including, cold and cough, weight loss, and even cardiovascular health.

What is Honey?

Humans found honey about 8,000 years ago and haven’t stopped using it since then. It was widely utilized in Greece and Egypt. And later it became a mandatory component for Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine. This miraculous substance possesses healing properties that make it a natural healer. It is a secret ingredient for countless home remedies as well. You can consume or mix honey with other spices, herbs, and water to get the most of it.

Nutritional Value of Honey

• Sodium 6 mg
• Protein   15 mg
• Carbohydrates   17g
• Cholesterol    0
• Fat  0
• Pantothenic Acid      05 mg
• Riboflavin     06mg
• Vitamin C      1mg
• Zinc     03 mg
• Iron       05mg
• Potassium            0 mg
• Calcium         0 mg
• Phosphorous             0 mg
• Water         6 g
• Fructose           1 g
• Maltose             5g
• Glucose               5 g

17 Impressive Health Benefits of Honey

1. Honey controls Cholesterol

High cholesterol is a daunting health problem that should be dealt with adequately and on time. Many studies have proved that honey is a healthy source to control high cholesterol levels. A study has even mentioned that consuming 70g of honey regularly for 30 days can reduce these levels by 3%. Surprisingly, with the help of honey, you can increase good cholesterol levels.

2. Honey for Diabetics

Despite being sweet in taste, honey doesn’t increase the sugar in the bloodstream and it is safe for diabetics. It is also said to reduce fasting serum glucose maintain fasting C-peptide, a compound that stabilizes insulin. It could be a healthy alternative to artificial sweeteners. Diabetics can now enjoy their teas or oatmeal by incorporating honey in them. Since natural products usually don’t contain any adverse effects it is still advised to consult with your doctor before consuming anything.

3. It Treats Gastric Problems

Gastric problems are common in children and adults alike. Thanks to antimicrobial and antioxidant components found in the honey, you can treat your stomach complications organically, once and for all. You consume it raw or diluted in warm water for better effects. It is a safe and quick way to deal with gastric issues due to an additional antibacterial quality in it – which is methylglyoxal. It fights germs and bad bacteria in your digestive tract.

4. Honey for Infections

Bacteria are the main cause of various kinds of infections. You can prevent your body from these infections just by incorporating them into your daily diet. Being enriched with antibacterial properties, it works as a shield against various kinds of infection preventing your body from further damage.

5. It Prevents Nausea

Nausea and consistent morning sickness will impede you from sticking to your diet on a daily basis, making you weaker and weaker. However, adding a bit of honey to your diet can change all this drastically. You can treat this condition by adding lemon juice to raw honey. It not just relieves nausea but prevents vomiting as well. If lemon juice is too sour for you, you can try this remedy with apple cider vinegar before going to bed.

6. Honey for Weight Loss

Did you know you can use Honey for Weight management? According to the famous author and nutritionist Mike McInnes, honey burns body fat even while when you are sleeping. It is one of the best foods for losing weight. Doctors recommend having a spoonful of honey before going to bed. You can also consume a little honey with warm water on an empty stomach early in the morning. Having it first thing in the morning helps increase the metabolism, which in turn helps reduce weight faster. Honey is also good for improving your overall health.

You can even replace regular sugar intake with it for quick results. Moreover, consuming a spoonful of honey with warm water can reduce your sugar cravings, which will help you a lot during your weight loss journey. A recent study noted the fact that natural sugars found in honey act differently than white sugar inside your body.

7. It Promotes Sleep

Having trouble falling asleep? You should try drinking this beverage made of warm milk and honey just before you sleep. For centuries, people have used this drink to help them sleep. This beverage is fairly easy to make. All you need to do is add a teaspoon of Dabur Honey into a glass of hot milk, or add 1 or 2 teaspoons of Dabur Honey to a cup of chamomile tea and sip to induce sleep.

Sleeping 8 hours without any disruption is extremely important for your well-being. This is why; experts and dietitians suggest getting plenty of sleep and rest to combat health problems. However, not getting enough sleep can put your health at various risks.  It is where consumption comes into action. Eating a tablespoon of it before bedtime is recommended to insomniacs. This way, their liver glycogen stays up because if they get empty, your liver stops glucose formation, which is essential for producing energy. This process is said to prevent you from falling asleep as you should.

8. Honey for Asthma and Sinus

Isn’t it surprising to learn that it can relieve asthma as well, which is a daunting health problem? It not just treats troubling coughs but helps relieve the respiratory system by keeping all that wheezing and troubled breathing at bay. Moreover, honey is known to soothe mucus membranes found in the airways. Consuming a decent quantity of honey can also impede mucus buildup in the bronchial tubes, which is known as a major asthma symptom.

With increasing pollution and dust many people these days suffer from sinus-related issues. Sinuses are small cavities in the skull that produce mucus to guard the respiratory system from allergies and infections. When we suffer from infections the viruses block the sinus, traps the air and mucus which causes distress. Honey on the other hand is a natural anti-bacterium and anti-septic that helps to clear the infections and reduce inflammations. Honey also soothes the throat and reduces coughs and strengthens the immune system thereby causing fewer sinus attacks.

9. It Removes Dandruff

Do you know how beneficial honey for hair can be? Honey is one of the best natural home remedies for dandruff. It not only provides nourishment to dry hair but it also gives you smooth and soft hair. You can also use honey and lavender with green tea to prevent hair fall. All you need to do is mix 2 tablespoons of Dabur Honey with an equal amount of vegetable oil and apply it to your hair. Keep this hair mask on for 15 minutes, and then rinse it off before you shampoo.

Dandruff and an itchy scalp are quite annoying problems. Not to mention they are embarrassing. But thanks to the antibacterial properties found in honey, you can get rid of the problems once and for all. Using honey on hair is as safe as eating it. To treat dandruff and an unhealthy scalp, all you need is to mix equal portions of raw honey and water. Massage your scalp with it and apply it on the locks as well. Leave it for an hour and then rinse it off. You will notice a difference in fewer weeks.

10. Honey for Skin

Using Honey for skin is very useful because of its moisturizing and nourishing properties. Honey is the best natural moisturizer, especially for your dry skin and it is also very easy to apply. Raw honey not only unclogs pores but also helps moisturize parched skin. It also helps to cure cracked lips during winters. Many people also use honey masks for skin tone correction. Also being a natural antiseptic, it is useful for the treatment of wounds, bruises, cuts, burns, and other infections. Learn more about how honey can be used as one of the effective home remedies for glowing skin

Honey helps your skin get shiny, spotless, and even skin. Regular application of raw honey on the face can treat various skin problems including acne – thanks to its antibacterial and antiseptic properties once again. This sweet substance not just removes acne scars, but stops their reoccurrence as well. If you are stressing over the appearance of premature wrinkles and fine lines, start using it today to get plenty of nutrients that your skin needs. Moreover, you don’t really need to spend an extra amount on the whitening products once you have brought a honey jar. It is known to enhance your complexion keeping it radiant and clear.

11. Strengthens Immune system

Honey has countless medicinal properties that naturally help in curing a sore throat. Its antioxidants and bacteria-fighting assets also help against fighting infections that are caused by viruses, bacteria, and fungi. According to doctors and scientists, buckwheat honey has the highest number of antioxidants and when consumed daily can be beneficial for boosting immunity in the long run and this is why honey has known to be one of the best immunity boosting foods. It is always advisable to consume honey every morning before breakfast or even work out to get an extra kick of energy for the whole day. It also works as a cleansing toner that improves immunity in children.

Since the sweet-tasting honey is loaded with the methylglyoxal compound, it is known to boost energy levels. This compound also contributes to enhancing your immune system stimulating the growth of cytokines, which are found to organize immune responses. Combined with antioxidants, these properties keep your body active and super energized.

12. Boosts your memory

We are what we eat and hence it is very important to consume foods that help make our mental health strong to sustain in old age. Honey, the eternal sweetener has numerous health benefits, one of which includes boosting memory and concentration. Honey not only increases brain power and memory but also makes you a healthier person altogether. Consumption of honey prevents metabolic stress and helps calm and soothe the brain, which helps in augmenting memory in the long run. The natural antioxidants and therapeutic properties in honey help in boosting the brains’ cholinergic system and circulation and receding cells that cause memory loss.

13. Home Remedy for Cough

Honey is known to be one of the best home remedies for dry cough as well as wet cough. Research has also shown that drinking a tablespoon of honey can reduce irritation in the throat. Honey is the preferred natural remedy for cough, especially for kids, as it helps to relieve nocturnal cough, allowing proper sleep.

14. Used for Healing Wounds

Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties, which is why honey is used for healing wounds. After any skin injury, bacteria that live on your skin can infect and penetrate the wound site. Honey, has been found to destroy these bacteria.

15. Helps with gum diseases

Honey’s anti-bacterial and infection healing properties help in treating and healing wounds. Teeth and gum diseases like gingivitis, bleeding, and plaque can be treated to a great extent with the regular use of honey. Honey is known to release antiseptic hydrogen peroxide which acts as an anti-microbial agent that prevents the growth of bacteria. Experts advise the use of raw honey mixed with water to be used as a mouthwash. Also rubbing honey directly on affected gums gives instant relief from pain and inflammation and other periodontal diseases.

16. Prevents and helps control Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes red, itchy, flaky skin that causes discomfort. Usually, young children and teenagers suffer from eczema that can be treated with eczema. Those suffering can make a mixture of raw honey and cold-pressed olive oil and apply it to the skin to get rid of the problem. Honey acts as a natural cleanser by removing dirt and making the skin smooth and soft. It can also be used for exfoliation of the skin by mixing it with oats, in order to remove dead cells. Regular use of honey prevents eczema from occurring or coming back again.

17. Natural Energy Drink

Honey is known as an excellent source of natural energy as the natural unprocessed sugar present in it enters the bloodstream directly and this, in turn, can give a quick boost of energy. This quick boost works like a wonder for your workout, especially in longer endurance exercises.

Conclusion

The health benefits of honey are endless. You can rarely find any health problem that honey can’t treat. It is a safe source to get plenty of energy and can become a healthy alternative to chemical-filled energy beverages. So, don’t wait and make it part of your daily life.