Five Benefits of Honey

When we spread honey on our morning toast, how many of us actually stop to think of what has gone in to its creation. After collecting nectar in their mouths, the enzymes in bees’ saliva convert it into honey, which is then deposited in to the cell walls of their hives. Even the constant fluttering of tiny wings assists in the process, reducing the moisture content to make the honey ready for eating. It takes millions of trips for these industrious insects to produce just a few pounds of honey.

For the past 2,500 years, honey has been highly regarded by many cultures for its health benefits as well as its sweet taste. Here are just some of the amazing benefits of honey.

1.Anti-microbial and anti-oxidant properties

Honey (in particular propolis-containing raw honey) is renowned for its anti-septic properties. It is simultaneously anti-bacterial, anti-microbial and anti-fungal, providing all-round protection from micro-organisms.

Honey is also an anti-oxidant, protecting the body from the carcinogenic effects of free radicals and boosting the immune system.

2.Wound care

Honey is often used in the first aid treatment of cuts and burns and is now used in modern medicine to aid with the healing of wounds. Applying honey to a wound stimulates the damaged tissues and promotes healing. It also minimizes scarring, reduces swelling and helps in deodorizing foul-smelling wounds. Honey promotes a process known as “autolytic debridement”, the painless self-digestion of dead skin.

3.Weight loss and skin care

Honey is one of nature’s own sweeteners; typically consisting of over two-thirds glucose and fructose, it can be added to anything you would normally add sugar to. It may seem a contradiction, but despite containing over four times the calories of sugar (over 60 calories per tablespoon), honey can actually help with weight loss. This is due, in part, to its fat-digesting properties.

Honey is also effective in improving the endurance and all-round performance of athletes. Not only is it rich in energy (both quick-release glucose and slow-release fructose), it also maintains healthy blood sugar levels. Honey efficiently restores glycogen levels (the way the body stores sugar) and aids with muscle recuperation, leading to less muscle fatigue. Of course, you don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from these advantages: anyone can take honey, or give it to their children, to boost flagging energy levels.

Honey has also been lauded for its skin-care properties. Used in various health spas, honey and milk in equal combination both cleanses and protects the skin, leaving it looking radiant.

4.Gentle on the digestive system

Honey is a well-known tonic for the digestive system, helpful in controlling a host of digestive complaints, from diarrhea and indigestion to gastroenteritis and stomach ulcers.

5.Vitamins and minerals

The actual vitamin and mineral content in honey depends on which flowers have been visited and how the honey has been processed. Excess processing strips nutrients, especially phytochemicals, so raw honey is always a better choice. Organic honey also claims to be free of pesticides and antibiotics, although the extent to which bees can really be protected from contaminated flowers is a subject for debate. The main nutrients to be found in honey are vitamin C, Calcium and Iron.

With so many valuable properties, it is no wonder that the list of ailments that honey has been used to treat is so extensive. Athlete’s foot, halitosis, sleep disorder, acne, conjunctivitis, alopecia, arthritis and yeast infections are just some of the complaints that honey is claimed to alleviate. Christie Hospital, near Manchester, UK, is even trialling the use of honey in assisting the recovery of cancer patients.

So the next time you stir a spoonful of honey in your cup of tea, remember that you are experiencing one of nature’s miracle foods. Why don’t you just pour yourself a cup of honey sweetened tea right now!

Go ahead, enjoy!