Honey isn’t called the golden liquid for nothing. It has been touted vastly for its array of health and beauty benefits. According to the National Honey Board, one tablespoon of raw honey is loaded with carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. It is also free of fats, cholesterol and sodium. Its super powers will thrill you, as it did ancient Egyptians and Greeks who were just few of the many cultures that used honey to treat many types of skin and health problems.
There’s no denying that honey has been an incredible medicinal remedy since the ancient times, thanks to its plethora of antibacterial, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties. And the following benefits below are some of those that we should definitely take advantage of.
Benefit #01 – Cough remedy
Cough is one of the most common ailments. It is usually caused by allergies or colds. A study conducted at the Penn State College of Medicine revealed that honey is a more effective cough suppressant than dextromethorphan and such remedies are backed by epicraze.com. In fact, it can relieve nighttime coughs among kids, and help put them into good night’s sleep. All of the 139 kids who participated in the study were given two teaspoons of honey half an hour before sleeping. Their symptoms were alleviated in a shorter time than when they were given medication.
Benefit #02 – Memory boost
Worried about memory loss? About 20 grams of honey a day may make some difference. This is according to a study reported by the Reuters that involved over a hundred menopausal women. Some took hormone replacement therapy, some consumed honey, and some did nothing. Those that consumed honey scored higher in the short-term memory test. Although it still needs to be backed by more scientific evidence, it can be safe to say that honey does have a positive effect on people’s memory.
Benefit #03 – Wound treatment
Honey has been the subject of various scientific studies. Many of these probed honey’s healing properties on wounds. A Norwegian study discovered that honey can effectively kill many strains of bacteria that cause infection in wounds. Another study, meanwhile, found that people who suffer from leg ulcers and wounds healed more quickly with topical application of raw honey than with the use of conventional treatment.
Benefit #04 – Allergy relief
Whenever it’s pollen season, people look for all sorts of ways to alleviate their allergy symptoms. Many have found great relief in the use of honey. Honey has been known to be effective in soothing coughs and although there’s not a lot of scientific proof to confirm its efficacy as an allergy remedy, many believe (and can attest) that it can combat reactions as it contains pollen traces.
Benefit #05 – Anti-bacterial
Many clinic studies have pointed out honey’s potent effects on food-borne illness bacteria including salmonella and E. coli. It can also kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.
Benefit #06 – Energy boost
Feeling low on energy? Pump up your energy levels with honey. As you know, athletes use sports drinks to fuel their bodies for sports and other physical activities. These are loaded with sugar and carbs. But honey is the safer and healthier solution. It contains only 17 grams of carbs for every tablespoon. It also loads you up on nutrients that you need to stay in tiptop shape. Adding a tablespoon of honey to your water drink is a smart and effective way to boost your energy during physical activities. It’s also a great idea to snack on honey sticks in between events.
Benefit #07 – Beauty remedy
Cleopatra is just one of the many legendary beauties who used honey as a beauty regimen during the ancient times. Honey has been proved to do wonders in cleansing the face, clearing acne, moisturizing the skin, and slowing down the process of aging by removing wrinkles, fine lines and crow’s feet. All these can be attributed to the antiseptic and antioxidant powers of this natural sweetener.
Benefit #08 – Dandruff treatment
Annoyed by those little flakes falling from your scalp? Why don’t you try using honey? There’s this one study that involved patients suffering from dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. They were asked to spread honey diluted in warm water on their scalp for three hours each day for one week. The results were astonishing. Both the scaling and itching disappeared. The skin lesions, meanwhile, healed after two weeks.
Benefit # 9 – Sleep inducer
Can’t seem to get an eye shut these days? Combat insomnia with honey. Sleep troubles may be caused by an imbalance in hormones like cortisol, adrenaline and melatonin. Honey can help get them back on track and put you to slumber land in no time. You just need one teaspoon a few hours before bedtime.
Benefit #10 – Nutrient source
Overloaded with nutrients, that’s what many will tell you about honey. And it’s true. It has a diverse array of vitamins and minerals like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc and many others. It is also a great way to load up on antioxidants that can help neutralize cellular damage in your body caused by free radicals.
Honey is indeed beneficial to people’s health. Instead of using sugar in your daily diet, switch to the healthier and safer honey. You’ll thank yourself for it.
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