10 Surprising Health Benefits Of Honey

Raw honey contains flavonoids and phenolic acids such as bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants vital to the diet. These antioxidants may decrease the effects of oxidative stress upon cells, reduce the impact of free radicals and, eventually, prevent chronic illnesses like heart disease and cancer.

The beneficial compounds also help the body enhance its ability to fight diseases hence enhancing immunity. Moreover, the body uses honey compounds in the management of inflammation in the body.

Honey, in general, increases blood glucose levels but, due to components like fructose, the rate of this increase is comparatively lower. There is some evidence linking the use of honey in managing fasting blood sugar for type 2 diabetes and improving glycemic management.

Honey has been found to raise levels of adiponectin, a hormone that addresses levels of glucose as well as fatty acid avenues. High levels of adiponectin are correlated with better insulin response and lower inflammation, making honey potentially beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.

The presence of amino acids and vitamins in honey helps in feeding and making your hair much fuller. Also, you can be able to repair your damaged hair, reduce cases of split ends, and avoid breakages by using this product.

It has also been claimed that incorporating honey into your hair routine daily helps to restore the hair’s shine to its natural hue, indicating improved health. Because honey can work as a natural conditioner, it can make hair softer and silkier when applied in hair masks or used as components of hair products. 

Honey comprises antioxidants connected to beneficial effects on heart health, including improved blood flow to your heart and a decreased risk of blood clot formation. Consuming this sweet food may result in a remarkable decline in blood pressure, an important risk factor for heart disease.

It also improves fat levels, prevents the extinction of healthy cells, and regulates your heartbeat. Propolis, a resin found in raw honey contributes to improving cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which ultimately helps stimulate heart function. 

Honey assists in reducing total LDL cholesterol and significantly increases HDL cholesterol, thus improving cholesterol status. For instance, a meta-analysis showed that the replacement of other sweeteners in a diet with honey helps reduce the LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol levels. Honey has also been found to reduce triglyceride levels, which is also a contributing factor to heart disease. 

Honey like clover or Robinia honey is said to possess the best impact on cholesterol as well as glycemic index than industrial types of honey.

Since honey comprises low water content, high sugar content, and hydrogen peroxide, it has been found to contain antibacterial capabilities. These factors help to reduce the chances of infection in the cases of wounds, burns and cuts by preventing the growth of bad bacteria.

In addition, honey referred to as an anti-inflammatory product assists in decreasing inflammation within the body and swelling of the affected regions of the wound. Also, honey functions as a protective layer and does not allow wounds to dry, which is believed to promote healing in moist conditions for the wound.

It has also been established that honey can promote the formation of new tissue in the wound which is very vital in the healing process and formation of ideal scar tissue.

Some brain foods like honey are very effective for the body in more ways than we can imagine. The antioxidants present in honey protect the nerve cells and the brain from perilous oxidative stress. Not only does it enhance your brain performance but it also participates in creating neuroprotective responses in your brain.

Honey and its compounds also support the stabilization of the central nervous system. In addition, honey contains natural glucose that improves brain performance throughout the day due to a continuous supply of energy.

Some other benefits of honey for your brain include:

• Treat insomnia
• Advanced mind well-being and capacity
• Develop memory function
• Lower tension and mitigating pressure

Besides tasting great, honey also helps keep your digestive tract in the best of conditions. The natural sugar found in honey makes it a general laxative that helps promote bowel movement and ease the discomfort resulting from constipation. Also, many enzymes found in honey assist in the digestion of food and absorb other nutrients within the body.

Honey does have other positive effects on the gut which include boosting the growth of bacterial flora in the gastrointestinal system.

Its great qualities make honey one of the most embraced components throughout the world when it comes to the preparation of skin care products.

Honey can help ameliorate skin health by encouraging the synthesis of amazingly beneficial collagen, reducing inflammation and providing a dose of antioxidants. Also, it can be used as a gentle scrub to remove dead skin cells as well as to promote healthy skin.

It might also be useful in eradicating bacteria that cause acne in cases where it has to be applied on the face or when used as a spot treatment.

Honey has a soothing and coating effect on the throat hence minimizing the irritation that causes coughing. This product helps form a protective layer to the throat to lessen sore or scratchy throat feel.

A summary of several different research on honey and cough for children indicated that honey is possibly more effective than some medicines for coughs. It may also reduce the coughing time. Another review added that honey could also enhance the quality of sleep, especially among children who have coughing problems or their parents. Also, unlike some cough medicines, honey has no side effects.

Adding honey to beneficial ginger tea helps to give optimum results.

According to USDA, a serving of one tablespoon (21 grams) of honey contains:

• Water: 3.59 g
• Calories: 63.8 kcal
• Carbs: 17.3 g
• Fiber: 0.042 g
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0.063 g
• Total Sugars: 17.2 g
• Calcium: 1.26 mg
• Iron: 0.088 mg
• Magnesium: 0.42 mg
• Phosphorus: 0.84 mg
• Sodium: 0.84 mg
• Potassium: 10.9 mg