Top 10 Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is a sweet liquid produced by honeybees from the nectar they gather from flowers via the complicated process of regurgitation and evaporation. Honey is made up of glucose, fructose, and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium. It is also fairly rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6.

Due to the presence of powerful antiseptic, antibacterial and healing properties, honey is used as medicine to treat many common health problems.

Here are the top 10 health benefits of honey.

1. Boosts Energy

Honey can instantly boost your energy level. Due to the natural sugars in honey, it provides a healthy source of calories and energy whenever the body needs them most.

It easily fights fatigue and solves the problem of low energy. At the same time, honey satisfies the body’s innate craving for something sweet. This means you can have honey without worrying about putting on extra weight. Next time you feel the urge to eat something sweet, simply have a tablespoon of raw, organic honey.

2. Reduces Muscle Fatigue

Athletes often suffer from muscle fatigue, which can impact their performance level. But the problem can be solved easily with honey.

Honey can boost athletes’ performance and endurance levels and reduce muscle fatigue. This is due to the perfect combination of glucose and fructose in honey. Glucose is absorbed instantly by the body and provides immediate energy, while fructose is absorbed more slowly, providing sustained energy to the body.

3. Regulates Blood Sugar

Honey is sweet, but those who suffer from diabetes can enjoy it without a problem. In fact, honey can help regulate blood sugar levels due to the combination of fructose and glucose. Some types of honeys have a low hypoglycemic index. This means when such honey is consumed, it will not spike your blood sugar level fast.

Those suffering from Type 1 diabetes should eat one tablespoon of honey daily. At the same time, the minerals,vitamins and antioxidant properties in honey are highly beneficial.  Plus, as it is sweeter, you are likely to use a lesser amount of honey than sugar.

4. Treats Coughs

Several studies have found that honey is a far more effective remedy for coughs compared to many over-the-counter cough medicines. Honey has strong antibacterial properties that help soothe sore throats and kill the bacteria that cause the infection.

To get quick relief from coughing, mix one tablespoon of honey with some fresh-squeezed lemon juice and drink this solution at regular intervals. You can also mix honey, lemon juice and a pinch of salt in a glass of lukewarm water and use it to gargle. For cough treatment, it is recommended to use buckwheat honey over other types of honey.

5. Heals Wounds and Cuts

Honey has natural antiseptic, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. These properties help clean wounds and cuts. Also, honey can keep wounds and cuts free from infection, reduce odor and pus, lessen pain and promote speedy healing.

After gently cleaning the wound or cut with lukewarm water and mild soap, apply a layer of honey on the affected area and cover the area fully with a bandage. Change the bandage every 24 hours. Honey is an excellent option for those who are allergic to topical antibiotics.

6. Heals Minor Burns

You can also use honey to treat minor burns effectively. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties can prevent bacterial growth and the antimicrobial properties prevent infection.

If you have a minor burn, simply apply raw honey to the affected area. Within sometime, you will feel relief from the burning and itching sensation and pain. You must apply honey on the minor burn several times a day for several days in order to promote fast healing.