Honey has been valued by different cultures all over the world for thousands of years because of its health benefits. Honey is a natural sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers. There are basically two kinds of honey: raw and commercial. As you may have already guessed, raw honey is unfiltered and unpasteurized which means it is purer and healthier than commercial honey.
Healthier Option To White Sugar
Honey is a natural sweetener that contains 69% fructose and glucose. It can be added to many drinks and foods as a healthier substitute for regular white sugar. In fact, raw honey has been known to aid medications used for treating diabetes. It also contains vitamin C, iron, and calcium which regular white sugar doesn't contain. However, you should still consume it in moderation because it is still high in sugar and calories. One last thing, refrain from buying the cheap and low-quality brands because they may be diluted with syrup.
Energy Booster
Honey is an effective source of extra energy because a tablespoon of honey contains approximately 64 calories. I know what you're thinking. Yikes, calories! Don't worry. It's not actually bad for you. The body needs calories for energy. However, eating too much and not being active enough to burn enough of them can result in weight gain. So if you are an athlete who needs the extra boost of energy, why not try honey?
Weight Loss
Usually, more calories don't equate with weight loss but honey is an exception. It's true that it has more calories than regular sugar but it is known to help digest the fats stored in the body when mixed with warm water. You can also add lemon juice or cinnamon to honey to help facilitate faster weight loss.
Good For The Heart
Free radicals have been associated with the development of various diseases namely cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and heart diseases. Our bodies produce antioxidants to help fight these free radicals. However, sometimes the amount produced by the body is not enough. Fortunately, there are foods that are rich in powerful antioxidants such as raw honey.
Blood Sugar Management
According to some studies, honey helps fight the common health risk factors of diabetics such as LDL cholesterol, inflammation, and triglycerides while increasing HDL, also known as the good cholesterol. However, you should take note that while honey does not contain as much sugar as regular white sugar, it still contains some. So, make sure to consume it in moderation.