Honey does not only satisfy our palate with its myriad floral tastes, but also offers enormous health benefits due to its great nutritional value and amazing healing attributes. Honey has been used as a natural cure or alternative medicine thousands of years ago. Even up to the World War II, honey was being used to treat wounds. Its antiseptic properties inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. Honey can also help indigestion, relieve sore throats, enhance physical stamina, overcome sleep disorder, beauty treatments, improve immune system function, and other medicinal purposes. For further information you can see the list below.
1) Relieve sore throat and an effective cough suppressant
Honey has the ability to soothe the throat, relieve cough, and prevents infections caused by bacteria. Thanks to its antibiotic properties. For the remedy, you can mix 10 tablespoons of honey with the juice of 1 lemon. Use as required to soothe your throat.
2) Improve the immune system
Honey can be a powerful immune system booster. Fresh, unprocessed honey has been shown to stimulate antibody production. Research conducted in several hospitals in Israel found honey effective in decreasing the incidence of acute febrile neutropenia (when high fever reduces white blood cell count) in 64% of patients. Honey also reduced the need for Colony Stimulating Factor (a compound produced in the cells lining the blood vessels that stimulate bone marrow to produce more white blood cells) in 60% of patients with acute febrile neutropenia; increased neutrophil count (another type of white blood cell), decreased thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), and stabilized hemoglobin levels at >11 gm/dl (a bit low but way better than full blown anemic). (Source: www.whfoods.com)
3) Energy booster
Honey’s nutritional profile shows that it is a great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our bodies. It can effectively boost the performance, endurance and reduce muscle fatigue of athletes. Honey’s natural sugars are important to prevent fatigue during exercise. Our body can absorb the glucose quickly, so that we can have an immediate energy boost. While the fructose provides sustained energy since it is absorbed more slowly. If you are feeling low and lethargic, you can consume honey to replenish your energy
4) Sugar replacement for diabetics
Honey may improve blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity compared to other sweeteners. Compared with table sugar, honey has more benefits including slower uptake into the bloodstream, a pharmacological action of reducing blood glucose levels and a high level of bioavailable antioxidants. It means that honey could be less harmful to health than sucrose in the diet. Individuals with greater glucose intolerance (e.g., those with mild diabetes and Type 1 diabetes) showed significantly better tolerance to honey than sucrose.
5) Improve digestion and treats gastrointestinal disorder
Honey is easily digested and absorbed even if you have sensitive stomach. It increases the activity of the intestines and does not irritate the digestive channel walls. It also
stimulates the metabolism in the tissues and eases defecation. Honey can be useful in the treatments of digestive disorders, such as peptic ulcers, gastritis, and gastroenteritis. Due to its antibacterial properties, honey can be very effective in fighting the bacteria that cause the disorders. A combination of mint, ginger juice and honey is one of the best home remedies for common digestive disorders causing diarrhea. Adding honey to dairy products such as sour milk and yoghurts can improve your digestion.
6) Overcome hangover
Honey remedy can overcome the effects of hangover after drinking too much alcohol. The fructose in honey is an essential compound that helps the breakdown of alcohol in your body. You can try this recipe: 15ml of liquid honey with 80ml of orange juice and 70ml of natural yogurt. Blend them together until smooth. Or you can mix 2 teaspoons of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it to feel much fresher.
7) Overcome sleeping disorders
Honey is said to contain amino acid tryptophan that is useful for overcoming insomnia. To calm the soul and induce sleep, you can try to take a glass of hot milk with a teaspoon of honey. Or, add 1 or 2 teaspoons of honey into a cup of chamomile tea.
8) Anti-aging skin care
Free radicals contribute to the aging processes and many diseases. Honey helps slowing down this aging process by providing antioxidant properties that are important in protecting our body from those damaging compounds. Honey is also a great natural moisturizer for dry and parched skin, and helps in rejuvenating the skin as well as reducing the wrinkles. During the winter, honey helps replenish necessary skin moisture.
9) Anti-cancer agent
There are different opinions about the role of honey as an anti-cancer. Some health practitioners promote honey’s potential as a supplement for cancer therapy. Honey may have anti-cancer properties and can be useful for cancer patients who suffer issues with radiation therapy. In the other hand, the others say that it’s still unclear whether honey has anti-cancer effects in people. It may have amazing healing properties, but it doesn’t cure cancer.
10) Energy source for the liver and brain
The liver needs proper fueling to optimize glucose metabolism during sleep and exercise. Honey is ideal for this liver fueling because it contains a nearly 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose. The fructose “unlocks” the enzyme from the hepatocyte nucleus that is necessary for the incorporation of glucose into glycogen in the liver. An adequate glycogen store in the liver is essential for brain fuel during the night fast and during prolonged exercise.
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