In addition to its natural sweetener, honey is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, it also contains antibacterial properties and plays a vital role in diabetes management as part of a balanced diet.
People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing. According to research, honey can fight against infections, help wounds heal, and ease nighttime coughs.
Honey is very beneficial to the health and should consumed by all, especially the elderly. Here are 5 health benefits raw honey has to offer:
1. Help for digestive issues
Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, research has shown that it works is limited. It may have potential as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, though, a common cause of stomach ulcers.
It also contains beneficial prebiotics, meaning it nourishes the good bacteria that live in the intestines, which are not only important for digestion but the overall wellbeing and health of an individual.
2. Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Research has shown that the propolis in raw honey has antifungal and antibacterial properties.
Propolis is a resin that bees produce from sap-producing trees and similar plants. Propolis may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
The potential for both internal and topical treatments using raw honey is significant. The effectiveness of honey as an antibacterial or antifungal varies depending on the honey.
3. A good source of antioxidants
Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.
Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Research shows that antioxidant compounds in raw honey called polyphenols have anti-inflammatory effects that could be beneficial in protecting against a number of conditions associated with oxidative stress.
4. May improve heart health
Honey may also help prevent heart disease. Research also has it that honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate your heartbeat, and prevent the death of healthy cells all factors that can improve your heart function and health.
5. Helps in blood sugar levels than regular sugar
Although honey raises your blood sugar level just like other types of sugar do, the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have found that honey may increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There’s also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, regardless of the health benefits of honey, it is advisable to moderate the intake.
In addition to the health benefits of honey, it contains harmful bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum. This is particularly dangerous for babies. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that honey should never be given to infants (younger than a year old).
Symptoms of botulism poisoning in infants may include:
- slow breathing
- sagging eyelids
- constipation
- poor feeding
- paralysis that spreads downward
- weak cry
- loss of head control
- lethargy
- absence of gagging
In adults, symptoms can include an initial short period of diarrhea and vomiting, followed by constipation and more severe symptoms, such as blurred vision and muscle weakness. If you experience any of these symptoms after eating raw honey, kindly see a physician.
Choosing the right honey
When purchasing honey, mainstream and shop in organic grocery stores, health food stores, and farmer’s markets are all places to look for raw honey that can verify that it hasn’t been pasteurized.
Honey comes in many varieties with labels like “natural,” “organic,” and “pure,” but none of those indicate that it’s raw. Look for a label that says “raw” specifically and look out for any added ingredients like artificial sweeteners.
Store honey in a tightly sealed container away from light and extreme temperatures. If you notice a change of colour in your honey or an awful smell, please do away with it.
