For centuries, honey has been used for many things, from food that goes into your mouth to its application on your skin. Even though there is little or no evidence for many common claims about honey, research supports the following health benefits:
Promotes Healthy Skin
Honey is a natural moisturizer as well as a natural antiseptic. This not only keeps your skin soft and healthy but also makes sure less of a scar is left behind. It can be used to exfoliate, gently removing dead skin cells. This in turn also leaves your face with a brighter complexion. The enzymes present in honey enable it to easily seep into the skin while conditioning it and softening it from deep within. It can help the skin stay young. add a natural glow, hydrate the skin, and hydrate the skin.
Healing Wounds
Topical use of medical-grade honey has been shown to promote wound healing, particularly in burns. However, it’s important to note that this is not a miracle cure and while it’s not going to do any harm, honey is not going to dramatically speed up your healing time. Seek out medical care if the burn came from a chemical or electrical source. These burns need to be treated by a medical professional.
Sore Throat and Cough
Honey has a long history of being used as a natural remedy. And one remedy is to soothe sore throats and help alleviate cough, especially for children. Honey can be used alongside other cough remedies or on its own to treat a cough. It doesn’t pose any drug interaction, However, be careful and ensure you are not allergic to it. It should never be given to babies younger than 12 months because of the risk of botulism. Using honey for a cough or sore throat won’t suppress it entirely, but it can be effective in providing relief.
Natural Energy Booster
It provides quick energy and is a source of carbohydrates. It is composed of a unique carbohydrate composition of natural sugars and trace amounts of antioxidants, enzymes, minerals, vitamins and amino acids, making it a smart, natural, and energy-filled. Some research suggests the glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly, giving an immediate energy boost, while fructose provides sustained energy since it is absorbed more slowly. Honey has also been found to keep levels of blood sugar fairly constant in comparison to other types of sugar.
Improves Sleep
It might help you sleep better by providing the energy required for normal bodily functions during sleep. Honey stimulates the production of tryptophan, which helps the body regulate the sleep-wake cycle. A small amount of honey just before bed stabilizes blood sugar and prevents this reaction that can lead to increased wakefulness. Milk and honey have been proven to help a person fall asleep quickly.
Prevents Heart Diseases
Consumption of natural honey increases polyphonic antioxidants in the blood which helps prevent heart diseases. Honey decreases venous blood pressure, which is the blood pressure from the right ventricle. When venous blood pressure reduces, it lowers the congestion in the venous system. To maximize the benefits for cardiovascular health, opt for the raw or natural kind, and not the processed variety. If possible, buy from local bee farmers to get it freshly removed from the hive.
Potential Risks
It is a safe food for most people, but not for all. However, here are some potential risks of using honey:
- when honey is produced from the nectar of rhododendrons, it is likely unsafe. This type of honey contains a toxin that may cause heart problems, low blood pressure and chest pain.
- As stated earlier, do not use honey in infants under 12 months old. Botulism poisoning is a risk at this age.
- Honey contains sugar and should be used in moderation. Using large amounts of honey might increase blood sugar levels n people with type 2 diabetes.
- Pollen may trigger reactions in people allergic to pollen.
Summary
Honey has so many benefits, way more than we have mentioned. Some people apply it for foots sores, dry eyes, and even in their noses. Try to be careful before using honey if you don’t have enough reliable information on whether it can be helpful and if it’s safe to use.
