Honey is a nutritional power with an impressive array of nutrients, antioxidants and antibacterial properties. As part of a balanced diet, honey can play an important role in diabetes management, providing alternatives to natural sweeteners. But its benefits go far beyond that.
Honey is a sticky gold liquid produced by bees with plant nectar. It is a common ingredient in many foods, available in many forms and is valued for its unique properties and uses.
The potential health benefits of honey are documented numerous. It plays a vital role in many home remedies and alternative medical therapies, earning a reputation as a natural miracle. Here are 7 unique health benefits of honey:
The health benefits of honey for children
1. Contains nutrition
One tablespoon or 20 grams (g) of honey consists of the following nutrient decomposition (1):
- Calories: 64
- Fat: 0 g
- Protein: Negligible amount
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Riboflavin: 1% of daily value (DV)
- Copper: 1% DV
Honey is essentially pure sugar, has no fat, and contains only trace amounts of protein and fiber. Although it does have a small amount of various nutrients, the average consumption of honey is not enough to make it a large dietary source of vitamins and minerals.
Also read: 6 nutrition tips for the best women’s health
But it is worth highlighting that honey is filled with health-promoting plant compounds called polyphenols. These bioactive compounds have been extensively studied for their potential therapeutic properties and overall health benefits.
2. Antioxidants
The minimally processed honey is a rich source of bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. It is worth noting that darker varieties of honey tend to have higher antioxidant levels than lighter honey.
Antioxidants present in honey play a crucial role in neutralizing reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body. When examined without restrictions, ROS accumulates in cells and causes oxidative damage, resulting in various health conditions. These diseases include premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Given its high antioxidant content, many of Honey’s health benefits are attributed to the ability to reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. By incorporating high-quality, minimally processed honey into your diet, you may be able to capitalize on its antioxidant potential and promote overall well-being.
3. What’s better is blood sugar levels
When managing blood sugar levels, honey may have a slight advantage over regular sugars. Although honey raises blood sugar levels like other types of sugar, its antioxidant content may help prevent metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Studies have shown that honey may increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. In addition, daily honey consumption may help improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
For people with diabetes, honey may be a little better than refined sugar, but it is crucial to consume it in moderation. Overconsumption can still have a negative impact on blood sugar control.
It is also important to realize that some honey manufacturers dilute their products with regular syrup, a practice called adulteration of honey. Although this is illegal in most countries, it remains a common problem, and it is crucial to choose high-quality pure honey from famous sources.
4. Improve heart health
The potential benefits of honey extend to heart health, which suggests that it may play a role in preventing heart disease. A comprehensive review shows that honey may help alleviate several cardiovascular risk factors, including:
- Lower blood pressure
- Improve blood lipid levels
- Adjust the heartbeat
- Prevent cell death
Together, these factors help improve cardiac function and overall cardiovascular health.
Observational studies have produced encouraging results. For example, a study involving 4,500 people over the age of 40 found that moderate honey consumption was associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure in women. In addition, animal studies have shown that honey’s protective effect on oxidative stress may harm heart health.
Also read: How to build your own aquaculture farm
Especially raw honey, which contains honeycomb-like, is a resin mixture produced by bees with plant juice. Propolis has been shown to have a positive impact on cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may lead to a reduced risk of heart disease.
Although these findings are encouraging, it is important to note that long-term human studies on the effects of honey on heart health are lacking. Further research is needed to fully understand the relationship between honey consumption and cardiovascular well-being.
5. Burns and wound healing
The use of topical honey treatment in wound and burn healing has rich historical precedents, dating back centuries. Today, this traditional practice is still very popular, and many studies support its efficacy.
A comprehensive review of 26 studies on honey and wound care found that honey is particularly effective in rehabilitation:
- Partial thickness combustion
- Infected postoperative wound
Manuka honey in particular has shown hope in burn treatment. However, it must be noted that in the case of severe burns, home remedies are irreplaceable for emergency medical services. If you or someone you know suffers a severe burn, get medical care immediately.
The researchers attribute the significant healing properties of honey to its effective antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. These properties work together to promote wound healing, reduce the risk of infection and minimize scarring.
6. Suppress children’s cough
Cough is a persistent problem for children with upper respiratory tract infections, which can have a significant impact on the quality of sleep and overall well-being of children and parents.
Fortunately, honey is found to be a natural and effective treatment for children’s cough symptoms. Studies have shown that honey is more effective than benzene hydroxyamine in relieving cough symptoms and may also help reduce cough duration.
In addition, honey has been found to improve the quality of sleep in children with cough and their parents. Unlike some cough medicines, honey has no side effects, making it a safer option.
But be careful when giving babies. Because of the risk of Botox, honey should never be provided to children under one year old.
7. Easy to eat
Infusing honey into your diet can be effortless, which is a great way to increase sweetness while gaining some antioxidant benefits. You can use honey like sugar to make it:
- Simple and satisfying snacks
- Coffee or tea for warmth and flavor
- Cooking and baking recipes for natural sweeteners
But, it must be remembered that honey is indeed a sugar. Consumption of it can cause your blood sugar levels to rise. While occasional spoons are unlikely to cause harm, excessive and prolonged consumption of honey can lead to:
- Weight gain
- Increased risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Enjoy the sweetness of honey, moderation is the key.
Also read: What are the best hibernation activities to try?
