Honey is a raw sweetener that comes from plant nectars. It is produced by bees and gathered by humans for consumption.
Honey has been used as a traditional healing treatment in many cultures throughout history for both general health and healing.
Today, scientific research explains why honey has been used to treat various ailments naturally without negative side effects from using it therapeutically. The use of honey therapeutically can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Native Americans who used it to treat varied conditions such as wounds, coughs, and digestive problems.
The following are the health benefits of honey:
Improves throat health: Honey coats the throat with a soothing moisture that loosens coughs and relieves sore throats.
Energy booster:
Honey is a high source of carbohydrates, and its energy levels are higher than those present in other sugars such as sucrose and fructose. Since it takes time to digest, honey makes an excellent energy supplement for children and athletes. It also helps the body to produce heat and stay warm during the winter months.
Soothes skin:
Honey is a raw humectant; it attracts and retains moisture. As a result, honey can provide long-lasting hydration and soothe irritation when applied topically to the skin.
Boosts immunity:
Honey contains enzymes that help to boost immunity and ward off bacteria from the body. The antioxidants present prevent cell damage caused by free radicals, leading to many diseases like cancer, hypertension, etc. The antioxidants also protect liver cells from damage due to alcohol consumption. In addition, honey is one of the richest sources of iron, calcium, magnesium, and vitamin C & E, preventing anemia. Vitamin C enhances white blood cell production, fighting infection, while magnesium helps absorb Vitamin C.
Prevents infection:
Honey has anti-microbial properties that can help to prevent infection. Additionally, honey’s high sugar content creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria, making it difficult for them to grow and spread.
Reduces heart disease risk:
Honey has been found to reduce the risk of heart disease because it helps keep bad cholesterol levels low and prevents plaque formation on artery walls. Honey also contains polyphenols that act as antioxidants and help protect the heart from damage.
Aids in weight loss:
A tablespoon of honey includes 64 calories, but it is an “empty” calorie because it does not contain any essential nutrients. For this reason, honey can be a helpful addition to a weight loss diet as it provides sweetness without any added fat and carbohydrates.
Improves digestion:
Honey stimulates the production of bile, which is an important lipid that helps digest fats and absorbs nutrients from food. Additionally, honey contains prebiotics, beneficial bacteria that support gut health.
Anti-inflammatory agent
Honey has anti-inflammatory properties which relieve pain and inflammation associated with conditions such as arthritis and asthma. In addition, the anti-inflammatory agents work by reducing swelling and irritation in the body.
Conclusion
As you can see, honey has many health benefits that can improve your overall well-being. However, if you are looking for a natural way to improve your health, consider using honey therapeutically. Thanks for reading!
