6 Health Benefits Of Honey

You have probably been living under a rock if you are not familiar with the delectable, natural sweetness of honey. This “nectar of the Gods” has been around since time immemorial, going as far back as the ancient Egyptians, and has been used for its rich taste and potent therapeutic value all through the ages.

In fact, such are the wondrous merits of honey that it has even been used as currency by a number of ancient civilizations. Thus, history is proof enough that honey is well worth its weight in gold.

The historical acclaim and multifarious uses of this viscous tonic continue still, with honey often figuring among the top-rated health foods available today. With the world churning out approximately 1.20 million tons of honey annually, one can get some semblance of its mammoth popularity at the global stage.

While humans can’t get enough of this natural sweetener, the credit for it lies somewhere else. Honey is often touted as nature’s gift to mankind, but it’s the honeybees that put in all the grunt work to produce and deliver that gift to us.

# Boosts Energy

Honey can spike up your energy levels in a jiffy, all thanks to its inherent natural sugar content comprising fructose and glucose, which directly enter the bloodstream.

Unlike refined sugars and artificial sweeteners, honey offers just the right number of calories for sustained energy with additional nutritional benefits, making it a widely preferred sweetening substitute for health-conscious people the world over.

This natural sweetener works as a healthy and consistent source of energy for the body, which helps maintain optimal glycogen level and satisfy the body’s innate craving for something sweet. Moreover, it’s the ideal pick-me-up snack before you dive into your daily workout routine.

# Reduces Muscle Fatigue

Athletes often suffer from muscle fatigue, which can impact their performance level. This problem can be solved easily with honey.

Honey may boost athletes’ performance and endurance levels and reduce muscle fatigue and soreness. This is due to the perfect combination of glucose and fructose in honey. Glucose is absorbed instantly by the body and provides immediate energy, whereas fructose is absorbed more slowly, providing sustained energy to the body.

# Provides Antioxidants

Premium-quality honey is well endowed with a number of important antioxidants, including organic acids and phenolic compounds such as flavonoids.

This is further corroborated by a published study that found that people who consumed honey had higher levels of antioxidants in their blood. This is especially true when compared with those who consumed other sweeteners, such as corn syrup, which provide no nutritional value.

These antioxidants yield the power to combat cellular damage caused by harmful free radicals, which lies at the base of a number of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer as well as premature aging.

Moreover, the antioxidants in honey have also shown some success in moderately reducing elevated blood pressure levels in both animal and human subjects.

In order to maximize this benefit of honey, choose darker-colored varieties, such as buckwheat honey, as they have been found to contain a higher number of antioxidants than the lighter-colored ones.

# Treats Coughs

Several studies have found honey to be more effective in treating or suppressing cough symptoms than some conventional over-the-counter cough medicines.

Honey has antibacterial properties that help soothe a sore throat and kill the bacteria that cause the infection.What makes it even more appealing as a cough suppressant is that it comes without the added side effects of traditional drugs used to treat upper respiratory infections.

- To get quick relief from coughing, mix 1 tablespoon of honey with some freshly squeezed lemon juice and drink this solution at regular intervals.
- You can also mix honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and use this solution to gargle.
- For cough treatment, it is recommended to use buckwheat honey over other types of honey.

# Heals Wounds and Cuts

The natural antiseptic, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties of honey have made it a trusted healing agent, with its use dating back to the ancient Egyptians.

Wounds, sores, and cuts are often susceptible to infection by various strains of bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile, MRSA, and Ureaplasma urealyticum, some of which are even resistant to conventional antibiotics.

Certain varieties of honey, such as manuka honey, have been found to inhibit these pathogens and nourish the surrounding tissue. Thus, honey is a prized natural antiseptic that can keep wounds and cuts clean and free from infection, reduce odor and pus, lessen the pain, and promote speedy healing.

# Heals Minor Burns

You can also use honey to treat minor burns effectively. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties can prevent bacterial growth and subsequent infection.

- If you have a minor burn, simply apply raw honey to the affected area.
- Within some time, you may feel relief from the burning and itching sensation and pain.
- You must continually apply honey on the burn site several times a day for a number of days in order to promote fast healing.