Used for thousands of years, honey is known for its sweet taste and medicinal properties. You may recognize it as an ingredient in some of your beauty products or first aid ointments.

With its antimicrobial qualities, it’s great for healing wounds and skin ailments when used topically. Some of you might even be hip to using it as an occasional hangover remedy. But when eating it, you’re doing more that adding a natural sweetener to your food or drink.

Honey’s marvelous powers are also unleashed when you ingest it. Making honey a part of your daily diet can work wonders for your body. Check out the benefits you can reap when you decide to indulge in the golden elixir every day!

1. Energy Booster

   Honey is the perfect fuel following a workout or first thing in the morning. Its sugar content can raise glucose levels without giving the body a sugar shock. Try mixing 2 cups of water with 1 or 2 tablespoons of raw honey for a DIY sports drink.

2. Relieves Gastric Complaints

   Combat nausea or morning sickness by swallowing some honey. Treat ulcers, gas, indigestion, acid reflux, or tummy aches by downing some when you’re experiencing discomfort. The enzymes in honey support gut health and when mixed with lemon or cinnamon, it can reduce inflammation and abdominal pain.

3. Sleep Aid

   Take a tablespoon of honey before bed to stimulate the production of melatonin. The tiny spike in insulin kickstarts the brain into making tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. It will lull you into a slumber.

4. Memory Enhancer

   A study in Malaysia examined the effects of Tualang honey on the brain in menopausal women and found that it reduced oxidative stress on the brain. A separate study by researchers in New Zealand found that brain deterioration was reduced with the consumption of honey.

   Memory and concentration were improved in both, and scientists continue to study its protective properties for the brain.

5. Weight Reducer

   Dropping white sugar in favor of a spoonful honey can reduce cravings and help to cut calories. Some studies show that triglyceride levels are reduced by replacing sugar with honey. The sweet treat also jumpstarts metabolic activity in the body.

   Yes, honey does contain sugar, but it also contains vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids – sugar does not. Mix some into your tea or a cup of warm water for a flavorful drink and lose some pounds.

6. Builds Up Immune System

   Honey contains antioxidants and antibacterial compounds that help prevent conditions like cancer, liver disease, or heart disease. It also helps to fortify the system against bacterial or viral infections.

7. Lower Cholesterol

   Studies examining the effects of honey consumption on cholesterol have shown a decrease in bad cholesterol (LDL) and an increase in in good cholesterol (HDL). Combine it with cinnamon to boost its cholesterol-fighting abilities.

8. Calm Asthma

   Honey has been used for generations to treat sore throats and acute respiratory conditions. With asthma, it’s been shown to prevent attacks as well as reduce inflammation caused by a flare-up.

9. Regulate Blood Sugar

   Though it’s recommended to talk to your doctor before consuming honey if you’re a diabetic, it’s been found to help reduce blood sugar in patients with diabetes 1 or 2. It has a lower glycemic index, impacts metabolism, and works in concert with diabetes meds to boost their effectiveness.

When buying honey, you may want to consider which type is best for your needs or if you have allergies. In some cases, raw or Manuka honey is better suited for particular ailments, and with others, any yummy kind will do. If you are unsure about how it will impact your personal health, check with your physician.

Are you a honey lover? Were you aware of all its health benefits? How do you use it for health?

Sources:

NIH
NIH
NIH