Health benefits of honey

Rose May Pimentel in Health

Sep 06, 2020 • 2 min Read

Honey has been used by humans since ancient times for nearly 8000 years. It’s been used for food and medicine all over the world. It’s a natural product made from bees, one of our planet’s most important animals. Honey is delicious, yes, but honey has more to offer than just sweet flavor for tea or on top of yogurt.

Honey packs plenty of powerful nutritional perks — it has antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Here are some of the many surprising health benefits of honey, from Healthline:

1. Honey Contains Some Nutrients

Honey is a thick, sweet liquid made by honeybees. It is low in vitamins and minerals but may be high in some plant compounds.

2. High-Quality Honey Is Rich in Antioxidants

Honey contains some antioxidants, including phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes, and some types of cancer. They may also promote eye health.

3. Honey Is “Less Bad” Than Sugar for Diabetics

Some studies show that honey improves heart disease risk factors in people with diabetes. However, it also raises blood sugar levels so it cannot be considered healthy for people with diabetes.

4. The Antioxidants in It Can Help Lower Blood Pressure

Eating honey may lead to modest reductions in blood pressure, an important risk factor for heart disease.

5. Honey Also Helps Improve Cholesterol

Honey seems to have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. It leads to modest reductions in total and “bad” LDL cholesterol while raising “good” HDL cholesterol.

6. Honey Can Lower Triglycerides

Elevated triglycerides are a risk factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Several studies show that honey can lower triglyceride levels, especially when used as a sugar substitute.

7. The Antioxidants in It Are Linked to Other Beneficial Effects on Heart Health

The antioxidants in honey have been linked to beneficial effects on heart health, including increased blood flow to your heart and a reduced risk of blood clot formation.

8. Honey Promotes Burn and Wound Healing

The topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds and burns since ancient Egypt and is still common today. When applied to the skin, honey can be part of an effective treatment plan for burns, wounds, and many other skin conditions. It is particularly effective for diabetic foot ulcers.

9. Honey Can Help Suppress Coughs in Children

For children over one year of age, honey can act as a natural and safe cough suppressant. Some studies show that it is even more effective than cough medicine.

Honey is a healthier alternative to sugar. But, keep in mind that honey should only be consumed in moderation, as it is still high in calories and sugar. For remedies, always keep a bottle of honey at home. Grab your honey bottle now. Stay healthy and safe!