6 Health Benefits of Raw Honey
Honey is a sweet treat that’s loved all around the world. Made by bees from the nectars of flowering plants, it is a thick, viscous liquid in various shades of yellow and orange. Honey can be incorporated into food in all sorts of ways—it can be used to sweeten tea or coffee, added to baked goods as an alternative to sugar, used to marinate meats, or even eaten as-is with honeycomb and all!
The composition of raw honey can vary depending on what region and what flowers it came from. However, the following is what you should generally expect from a tablespoon of raw honey, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA):
- Calories: 64 calories
- Carbohydrates: 17.3 g (all sugar, no fiber)
- Protein: 0 g
- Fats: 0 g
The same tablespoon of raw honey also contains small amounts of essential vitamins and minerals, though they’re usually less than 1% of the daily recommended intake. These include calcium, magnesium, manganese, niacin, pantothenic acid, phosphorous, potassium, riboflavin, and zinc.
Now, while its nutritional value does not look impressive, did you know that honey has well-known health benefits? As experts in bee removal in Orange County, we love what honey can do for our bodies and are always eager to share our love for bees and honey with the public. Continue reading to know more about honey’s health benefits!
Honey is Rich in Antioxidants
Because raw honey is made from the nectars of plants, it contains many antioxidants that are good for the body. Antioxidants are crucial in the fight against destructive cells called free radicals.
Free radicals are natural, unstable molecules in the body. They try and stabilize themselves by stealing electrons from nearby molecules, which are usually proteins or lipids. These cells then become unstable themselves and start stealing from other molecules, creating a destructive chain reaction that contributes to premature aging and serious health conditions like cardiovascular diseases and cancer.
Honey helps prevent this free radical damage by donating the electron themselves. It ensures your cells stay healthy for as long as possible, protecting you from disease and giving you a radiant glow!
Honey is Better for Blood Sugar
Honey is as sweet, or perhaps even sweeter, than regular sugar. It is often marketed as the healthier alternative to sugar, and we agree! Like we said earlier, honey is rich in antioxidants that give it a huge edge over refined and processed sugar.
Additionally, research has shown that while honey does raise blood sugar levels, it does not rise as much compared to refined sugar. Many of honey’s antioxidants are great for the blood as it helps fight against insulin resistance, inflammation, and diabetes.
Keep in mind, however, that people with blood sugar level problems should still consume honey in moderation as it is primarily composed of sugar.
Honey is Good for the Heart
Studies have shown that honey can be good for your heart health as well, though this needs more detailed research.
Scientists have discovered that honey decreases both triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein (LDL cholesterol) that contribute to strokes and heart attacks. It also increases high-density lipoprotein (HDL cholesterol) that absorbs bad cholesterol and excretes it from the body. This is important if you want to maintain a normal and stable blood pressure!
Honey Has Healing Properties
Did you know honey has antibacterial and antiviral properties too? In fact, it’s a common ingredient in both traditional and modern medicine and dates back to the time of the ancient Egyptians!
Honey is pretty effective at healing burns. If you have first-degree or second-degree burns, you can apply a bit of topical honey into a gauze and wrap it around. In a study conducted by Jull, et al., they found that it was much more effective than other treatments like sterile linen and paraffin gauze.
Honey is also great for diabetic foot ulcers. Numerous studies have shown that it promoted healing properties within a few months, with one study having achieved a 97% success rate among their respondents!
Honey is a Tried and Tested Home Remedy
Honey is an excellent home remedy for upper respiratory tract infections. It can bring instant relief to someone experiencing a sore throat and cough, which is particularly useful for those who don’t want to go to the doctor for something as simple as that just yet.
To do this, simply mix in two tablespoons of honey with a glass of warm water or tea. Drink it as often as necessary. If symptoms persist after a week, then you should consider visiting your doctor.
Honey is Good for the Skin
Because of honey’s physical healing properties, it can be applied to various skin conditions like acne and eczema to clear them out. It is antibacterial, which means it prevents the growth of more blemishes on your skin. Honey’s antioxidants then help to speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation.
Honey is also a natural exfoliator! It removes dead cells on the surface of your skin and brings out a new layer. Try it out by mixing a tablespoon of honey and sugar, applying it to your face, and leaving it on for 30 minutes. This perfect blend will exfoliate, moisturize, and clear your skin in no time.
Conclusion
In summary, honey is good for the skin, blood, and heart. It also has powerful antiviral, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that fight off infection and prevent you from getting harmful diseases. Luckily, honey is very easy to incorporate into your diet, though you should remember to only use raw honey and consume it in moderation.
