Health Benefits of Raw Honey

Honey…not just for bears anymore

One of nature’s most invaluable contributions. Having been around for centuries this golden Godsend has been used in all aspects of life from being a natural sweetener, an antibacterial agent, to even helping you drop a few pounds! Honey and its benefits are endless and its effects are immeasurable.

Honey in your hair?

Yes, while it may sound messy, applying honey to your hair a few times a month can prevent dry brittle hair from breaking. Honey applies a coat of moisture and gives a silky shiny appearance to hair that is damaged by the sun, coloring agents or dehydration. Besides it’s benefits in hair, honey has also been proven beneficial on your face. When applying it to the skin topically it helps to moisturize the skin, antibacterial agents help to fight the bacteria that cause acne and breakouts and it infuses the skin with B vitamins, potassium, zinc, iron, antioxidants and amino acids.

Weight loss and metabolism

Replacing your daily sugar intake with honey has been proven beneficial in losing weight and increasing your metabolism. A 2011 research study conducted by Nutrition Researched showed that it regulates blood sugar levels and is metabolized faster than regular sugar.

Drinking warm water, honey and lemon every morning also helps to cleanse the liver of toxins, and breaks down stored fat in your body.

Natures antiseptic

Honey has been used as an antibacterial and antiseptic agent for more than eight centuries. Specific enzymes contribute to the rapid effect of on wound cleansing and disease prevention. Along with its acidic nature, the essential vitamins and trace elements also have a direct effect on regenerating tissue. It also decreases inflammation and increases your body’s natural immune system.

Antioxidant effects

On a daily basis we are exposed to free radicals through air pollution, chlorination, sunlight, chemical sources and pollution. Free radicals cause gene mutation, molecular transformations in both humans and animals. Having a balanced diet with essential antioxidants is vital for a healthy life style.

Natural honey is packed with flavonoids, phenolic acids, ascorbic acids, glutathione and many other enzymes. These compounds work together to provide a synergistic antioxidant effect. It exhibits anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, immune modulating and analgesic activities.

Much research reveals that the darker the honey the higher its antioxidant properties.

Heart health

Regular intake of this special goo reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It has also been proven to lower your LDL levels (bad cholesterol) and increase your HDL (good cholesterol). Flavenoids found in honey prohibit blood clotting, which can help in preventing stroke and clotting disorders. According to the Journal of Medicinal Food, it has proven to decrease blood pressure in patients with high blood pressure by decreasing the fluid load in the venous system.

Digestive Health

For patients that suffer from gastritis, crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease honey is a lifesaver! Compounds in it block the attachment of bacteria to the lining of the intestines to prevent infection and flare ups. It helps to rebuild intestinal mucosa by stimulating rapid growth of new tissues and prevents further inflammation.

Adverse effects

There are none! Just remember: everything in moderation. Honey is nature’s cure and our body’s best friend to live a healthy, clean and balanced life.

I will end with some wise words that we should all live by:

“We need honey…”

~Winnie the Pooh

For more information read this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3758027/