Honey: it’s sweet, it’s sticky, it’s nutritious, and whether or not you like the taste of it, it is one of the most versatile ingredients that’s sitting in your pantry right now. As it turns out, it’s not just good for your tea, it’s also great for your bod, especially if you eat a little bit every day!

Take it from us, honey should be an integral part of your morning routine. Take a peep at these 7 sweet reasons and you’ll quickly understand why…

1. It may provide relief from seasonal allergies

   Whether it’s pollen, mold, ragweed – or all of the above! – that cause you to sneeze in alarmingly high intervals, honey may be the answer to your worst seasonal allergies.

   Although the studies on this have yielded conflicting results, plenty of anecdotal evidence suggests that allergy sufferers who consume local honey (i.e. honey that is produced in the region in which they live) can see a major improvement in their seasonal allergies.

   The idea here is that bees pollinate flowers and other plants that people may be sensitive to and make it into honey. When those allergy sufferers consume this special honey, they are exposing themselves to small doses of the allergen, which can, over time, give the user immunity to the offending substance. It’s a therapy that has been used for generations and one that we think deserves a try!

2. The number on your scale could go down

   It’s no secret that honey is a health food, but did you know that it’s a nutritious ingredient that can be used to replace standard white sugar? Now, it can be a bit confusing if you compare the products’ labels, considering sugar has 16 calories per serving and honey has 22, but honey’s health benefits vastly outweigh those extra calories.

   For one, the ooey-gooey stuff is chock-full of sweetness, which means you’ll be adding a whole lot less of it if you do, in fact, decide to use it as a sugar substitute. In addition, several studies have suggested that honey has less of an effect on blood sugar than simple white sugar, so it can keep you feeling fuller for longer. Talk about a sweet win-win!

3. It may relieve painful chronic heartburn

   If you find that you’re constantly popping antacids, it’s definitely time to talk to your doc— and when you’re at her office, ask for her opinion on honey for treating painful chronic heartburn. Chances are, your provider will happily recommend the natural sweetener for preventing the disorder.

   In a study published in the BMJ, research showed that honey is about 125.9 times more viscous than water, which means that if it’s consumed on the regular, it can help protect the vulnerable esophagus from coming into direct contact with gastric contents. In other words, honey acts as a thick barrier between acid and your tummy. Try it for yourself— about 1 teaspoon a day should do the trick!

4. It will make your lips kissably smooth

   Winter might be a romantic time of year, but the dry, cold weather sure doesn’t do much to help cracked lips. To get rid of the flake, simply smear a bit of honey onto your pout along with a sprinkle of coffee grounds or sugar. Gently rub the DIY edible lip balm into the skin for about 20-30 seconds.

   When you’re done, just eat— or, lick, rather— the concoction off your now-smooth smacker. Yum!

5. It could help you fight off deadly infections

   Researchers have found that a special honey produced in New Zealand called Manuka honey may prevent scary antibiotic-resistant superbugs, such as MRSA, from wreaking havoc on the body.

   In the past several years, major players in medicine, including the good folks at the World Health Organization, have invested their time and money in studying Manuka honey’s natural antibacterial properties. Though it’s not yet officially part of a medicinal routine that is widely prescribed, experts agree that the honey does work to prevent superbugs— they just don’t know how yet. Powerful stuff!

6. It can help boost your energy levels

   As we mentioned, honey is a knockout substitute for white sugar because it is jam-packed with antioxidants, proteins, enzymes, and minerals. Because of this, it can help you lose weight, but it can also help boost your energy levels.

   This can be attributed to the unique fructose and glucose contents which make it a carb-rich treat for active exercisers and athletes. Mix a teaspoon in with some peanut butter and spread it on to a banana post-workout— trust us, you’ll feel like a king!

7. It promotes beautiful skin, hair, and nails

   Antioxidants don’t just help promote energy and wellness, eating foods high in them– hint, hint, honey–can also make you more beautiful. You see, diets rich in antioxidants make for gorgeous hair, skin, and nails, three things that can ALWAYS use a little TLC.

Who knew honey could be so good for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the sweet miracle food. Do you eat honey every day? If so, have you experienced any of these benefits? Do you know of any others that you would like to share?