5+ Amazing Benefits Of Honey: A Powerful Antidepressant And More
Ah, honey. This amazing, sweet, golden syrup is made by hardworking honey bees. While the bees make the honey for themselves, we humans also enjoy it greatly. Winnie the Pooh’s favorite snack has been around for thousands of years and comes in around three hundred different varieties. Depending on the region it comes from and the flowers it’s made from, it has a different smell, flavor, color, and thickness. However, not only is it delicious, there are many benefits of honey. For years, it’s been used in natural home remedies and traditional medicines such as Ayurveda. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and more. It’s been used to treat coughs and burns, but new research shows there are plenty more benefits of consuming honey. Today we will take a dive into some amazing health benefits of honey.
Winnie the Pooh’s favorite snack has been around for thousands of years
Benefits Of Honey
Honey contains a variety of good nutrients. Of course, every honey has different contains depending on its origin. But generally honey contains sugar, no fat and no fiber. It does have some carbs, vitamins, and minerals. This includes magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, zinc, potassium and more.
Honey contains sugar, no fat and no fiber
Good For Blood Sugar Levels
We all know sugar isn’t great for us, and while honey is high in sugar content, it’s a better choice than refined sugar. Just like normal sugar, honey also raises the blood sugar levels, however thanks to the antioxidants it can help protect the body against type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. It also manages to reduce inflammation which helps regulate blood sugar. Keep in mind this is only true if it’s consumed in moderation.
Honey also raises the blood sugar levels
Heal Wounds
It’s been a common practice, since ancient Egyptian times, to use honey to treat burns and wounds. Honey is very effective at treating wounds that may have become infected after surgery, partial-thickness burns and foot ulcers. This is all thanks to its antimicrobial properties. However, keep in mind all studies that have been done in a medical setting and everything is sterile. Do not apply store bought honey to wounds. Ask your doctor beforehand when it comes to using honey for such purposes.
Improves Heart Health
While more research is needed, some studies have shown that a moderate honey intake can improve heart health greatly. It helps regulate the heartbeat, prevents the death of healthy cells, regulates blood pressure and improves blood fat levels. All these factors can improve the function of the heart. Honey is also effective when it comes to treating heartburn as it prevents any stomach acid from rising.
Moderate honey intake can improve heart health greatly
Improves The Immune System
Honey can help strengthen the immune system. It’s antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties make it one of the greatest immunity boosting foods. Not only that but the phytonutrients found in plants that help protect them from harm are responsible for all of these good properties. However, all of these benefits are found mostly in raw honey.
Digestive Help
If you struggle from digestive issues such as diarrhea, honey may help you out. It’s full of prebiotics which help out the good bacteria which lives in the intestines. These good bacteria are crucial for having good gut health. Good gut health helps to maintain a healthy weight, strong immune system and energy levels.
The good bacteria in honey are crucial for having good gut health
Antioxidants
Raw honey contains a lot of plant antioxidants. Antioxidants are crucial for the body as they get rid of free radicals in the body. These free radicals also called neutralize oxygen species, build up within our body cells and cause damage. This can lead to premature aging, diabetes, and other chronic issues. Eating foods with plenty of antioxidants is crucial. Darker honey usually contains more antioxidants than lighter honey.
Fights Off Coughs
Honey is an ancient remedy for a sore throat and coughs. Especially when mixed in with some lemon and hot tea. It’s a sure way to fight off any cold or infection. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties make it a great suppressant for upper respiratory infections.
Honey is an ancient remedy for a sore throat and coughs
Improves Brain Function
Honey increases the brain’s function and can help boost memory. Eating honey in moderation can help prevent metabolic stress and keep the brain calm, which consequently will help out your memory. The polyphenols in honey help counter off the inflammation that creates memory loss. Not only that but the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect are overall good for healthy brain function.
Natural Antidepressant
Some studies suggest that honey can act as a natural antidepressant. Not only that but it can also help against anxiety. Consuming honey on the regular has many benefits for the brain, that is why it’s great at battling such issues.
Some studies suggest that honey can act as a natural antidepressant
Types of Honey
As we mentioned, honey comes in many varieties. Such as a pure/raw or adulterated/pasteurized form. Pure form means that the honey comes straight from the hive without any manipulations. Adulterated honey means something has been added, such as corn syrup, or it’s been through a thermal process. While there are more benefits in its raw form, both of these forms have benefits.
Pure form means that the honey comes straight from the hive
Raw Honey
Pure, raw honey means it has come straight from the hive. Nothing has been added and nothing has been removed. If you are interested in buying honey in such form, it’s best to shop from local, trusted producers. This is the surest way to ensure the honey you are buying is pure. Keep in mind raw honey is very potent and should be avoided by children who are younger than a year old.
Shop from local, trusted producer
Pasteurized Honey
Pasteurized honey doesn’t mean the honey is less healthy or bad for you. What this means is that is has gone through a heat process in which any unwanted yeast is removed. This improves the color and changes the texture, making it less sticky and easier to manipulate. It also removes any crystallization and extends it shelf life. While there are still plenty of benefits, some do get lost in the process.
Pasteurized honey has a longer shelf life
Side Effects Of Honey
While honey is generally safe for consumption, there are some side effects that may occur, just like with any superfood. Here is what you should take into consideration before adding honey to your everyday diet.
There are some side effects that may occur
Allergic Reaction
If you have an allergy to bee pollen or honey, it’s best to avoid eating honey at all costs. This can trigger a series of allergic reactions including asthmatic symptoms, nausea, dizziness, fainting, irregular heart beats and more.
If you have an allergy to bee pollen or honey, it’s best to avoid eating honey
Dangerous For Babies
Honey may carry some harmful bacteria, including clostridium botulinum which is very dangerous for babies. Do not give any honey to infants younger than a year old. If the baby has poisoning from these bacteria they will have the following symptoms: slow breathing, constipation, paralysis, weakness, lethargy and more. Adults can also get botulism poisoning, but the symptoms are different: vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.
Honey may carry harmful bacteria dangerous for babies
How Much Honey Should I Eat A Day?
In order to not overwhelm your body and keep your sugar intake in the normal levels there are some recommendations. Men should consume a maximum of nine teaspoons of honey or 36 grams per day. For women and children the recommended daily amount is a maximum of six teaspoons a day or 2r grams.
There are different recommended daily amounts
These were all the benefits of honey that we have for you today. We hope you found this article helpful. Taking honey in moderation can bring health benefits. Mix it in with other superfood in your diet, such as apple cider vinegar, and you are on your way to a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
There are many benefits to honey
