Since ages, honey has been used both as a medicine and a food. Honey is valued as one of the oldest and natural sweeteners long before sugar became widely popular. Honey is very high in beneficial plant compounds and offers several health benefits.
Raw honey contains minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and enzymes, which are not present in refined honey. You can pack a punch of antioxidants by consuming more than a teaspoon or two of honey.
Honey contains disease-preventing and disease-fighting flavonoids and also both propolis and bee pollen, so that you get the benefits of those two natural powerhouses as well.
Honey also has a low GI value than sugar, which promotes the healthy levels of blood sugar. It is particularly healthy when used instead of refined sugar.
Read on to know more about the top 12 health benefits of raw honey.
- It Contains Nutrients
Honey is a thick, sweet liquid made by honeybees. 1 tablespoon of 21 grams of honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. Honey contains iron and other plant compounds that are effective for your health.
- Rich In Antioxidants
Honey contains important antioxidants, which includes phenols, enzymes and compounds like flavonoids and organic acids. The antioxidants in honey have been linked to reduce the risk of heart attacks, stroke and some types of cancer.
- Treats Cough
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), honey is regarded as a demulcent, which is a substance that relieves irritation in your mouth or throat. Raw honey works as an excellent cough medicine that helps to soothe your throat and prevents cough.
- Can Treat Wounds
Raw honey can fight certain skin infections caused by bacteria. It contains antibacterial, anti-fungal properties and is full of antioxidants that makes honey ideal for treating wounds. Honey releases hydrogen peroxide, which explains its general antiseptic qualities.
Boosts Your Energy
If you are feeling low in energy, consume a tablespoon of honey to charge you up instantly. Honey is a quick energy-boosting food that will provide you with boundless amount of energy. It will give fuel to the body if you consume honey after a workout.Balances 5 Elements
Honey is considered to affect all three of the body's primitive material imbalances positively. Raw honey improves eyesight, weight loss, cures impotence, treats urinary tract disorders, bronchial asthma, diarrhoea, and nausea. Honey has the quality of penetrating into the deeper tissues of the body.
- Regulates Blood Sugar
Honey contains simple natural sugars, which is better for your health than other refined sugars. The combination of fructose and glucose in honey helps the body to regulate the blood sugar levels. Honey will keep your blood sugar levels stable.
- Boosts Memory
Honey has innumerable health benefits, one of which includes boosting memory and concentration. It also boosts your brain power and memory, making you a healthier person altogether. Consumption of raw honey prevents metabolic stress and helps to calm and soothe the brain.
- Acts As A Sleeping Aid
If you are having trouble in falling asleep, drink warm milk mixed with honey just before going to bed. For centuries, people are drinking this concoction that will help them to get a sound sleep. You can also consume raw honey in limited amounts before going to sleep.
- Prevents Gum Disease
Honey's antiseptic and antibacterial properties help in treating and healing wounds. Teeth and gum diseases like bleeding and plaque can be treated to a great extent with the regular consumption of honey. Raw honey mixed with water can also be used as a mouthwash after a meal.
- Controls Eczema
Eczema is a skin condition that causes red itchy skin and discomfort. Those suffering from eczema can make a mixture of honey and olive oil and apply it on the skin to get rid of the skin problem. Honey acts as a natural cleanser and regular usage will prevent eczema from occurring again.
- Useful In Weight Management
Did you know that honey can help in shedding off those extra pounds? Honey burns body fat even while you are sleeping. It is considered as one of the best foods for losing weight. You can either consume a little honey with warm water on an empty stomach or have a spoonful of honey before going to bed.