Honey- 7 Ways It Can Make You Healthy!
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Honey is as natural as a substance can possibly get. Made by honey bees, honey is labeled as 'liquid gold' and as one of the healthiest foods across the globe. Honey is the by-product of flower nectar and the upper aerodigestive tract of the honeybee which is concentrated through a dehydration process inside the beehive. Since ancient times, honey has been used as an ingredient in various food items as it contains high levels of fructose, glucose, and monosaccharides. It contains about 70-80 sugar and hence, it is used as a replacement for sugar.
That being said, back in your childhood days, you must have wondered why Winnie The Pooh always had his hands dipped inside his jar of honey? That is because apart from being super sweet, super tasty and super healthy, honey has its own set of medicinal benefits. According to the Stone Age paintings, the use of honey can be traced back to approximately 8000 years. Since the early Egyptian days, honey has been known to have antibacterial and antifungal properties. Apart from that, honey has other health benefits and has rightly earned itself a place in modern medicine.
Listed below are the ways in which honey can help you lead a healthier life.
Helps strengthen the immune system: As honey has antifungal and antibacterial properties, it helps fight infections caused by bacteria, fungi and other viruses. Buckwheat honey has the highest number of antioxidants which restrict the production of free radicals which are known to cause damage to the cells. According to the National Honey Board, one tablespoon of honey is fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free and contains only 64 calories. That being said, adding honey to your breakfast or pre-workout meal is a great way to improve your immunity and get kick a kickstart on your day. Honey is also known to minimize sinus-related issues.
Helps prevent cough and dandruff: According to research, having a tablespoon of honey helps in soothing the throat from irritation. Therefore, in most Indian families, honey is considered as one of the best home remedies for dry cough and wet cough, especially for small kids. In addition that, honey is also considered as one of the most effective home remedies for dandruff. According to Felix Fischer, celebrity hair artist, “Honey is naturally a perfect conditioner because it's a humectant and retains and attracts moisture, keeping your hair feeling smooth and healthy.”
Helps boost memory and concentration: As honey is rich in antioxidants, it helps boosts the brain’s cholinergic system which in turn boost concentration and memory. Honey also helps in preventing metabolic stress which keeps the mind calm and at peace. Consumption of honey also reduces the risk of receding brain cells and dementia. Raw honey works as an anticonvulsant, antinociceptive and antidepressant which increases the brain’s resistance to oxidation.
Helps moisturize the skin: Honey has various moisturizing properties; in fact, it is known to be one of the best natural moisturizers, especially for dry skin. Applying honey on your skin will help unclog clogged pores and retain moisture in the skin. Honey masks are also used to correct uneven skin tone and heal dry lips during the winter season. As honey has antibacterial properties, it is helpful in preventing pimples and the high antioxidant content also helps in slowing down the process of aging.
Helps heal wounds: Honey has the properties of a natural antiseptic and is therefore useful in the treatment of wounds, burns and other forms of infections. After an injury, bacteria tend to reside and infect the wound site even further and applying honey to the wound site helps destroy these bacteria.
Helps in weight management: Consuming honey first thing in the morning helps increase the rate of metabolism which accelerates weight loss. According to author and Nutritionist Mike McInness, “Honey burns fat even while sleeping.” It is considered as one of the best foods for weight loss
Helps in sleeping well: Consuming honey first thing in the morning helps speed up the body’s metabolic rate which aids in rapid weight loss. According to author and nutritionist Mike McInnes, honey burns fat even while sleeping. Honey, if used as a sweetener, provides the body with numerous minerals and vitamins instead of empty calories. Consistency in consuming honey will definitely help you manage your weight and lead a healthy life.
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