The Surprising Nutritional Benefits Of Honey

By Marissa Velazquez


You may have thought that it was only good for sweetening your tea, but the nutritional benefits of honey are many. Produced by regurgitation and evaporation, the honey bee make this wonderful product for us to benefit from. From as far back as thousands of years ago the Greeks, Romans, and Vedic texts have mentioned their use of it. Scientists and philosophers have written about it's healing properties since 300 BC.

It contains high levels of glucose, fructose, and monosaccharides. With nearly 70-80 percent sugar it is no wonder it tastes so sweet, the rest of it's composition is made up of water and minerals. It possesses antibacterial and antiseptic properties and has been used in wound management. But many of the health claims made about it have yet to be scientifically proven.

With a higher pH level, 3.2 to 4.5, it prevents the growth of bacteria as well as possessing antioxidant properties. Ayurvedics have used it as a medicine for over 4 thousand years for balancing the body. Ancient Greeks ate it in the hopes of prolonging their lives. Egyptians made healing compounds with it over 5 thousand years ago. And pre-Ancient Egyptians treated wounds with it by applying it topically. It will take on the flavor of the flora where the bee collected the nectar, so there can be a lot of variety in the end product.

Medically there are many reported cases of success such as minimizing the duration of diarrhea in children and infants. It has been used as a substitute for glucose in oral rehydration. It has also been used to shorten the duration of acute diarrhea. Children and infants with gastroenteritis have had great success with rehydration, and it has been shown to be helpful in the prevention of GERD.

People have reported the use of honey in treating wounds. Applied topically it can work like an antibiotic. It may be used to help heal burns, but this has not been proven. There is some research that shows it can minimize seasonal allergies, it is great for soothing a cough. Manuka honey was found to be effective in killing bacteria by destroying bacterial proteins. Some studies have shown it to be effective in treating MRSA infections.

Full of mineral, enzymes, and vitamins in it's raw and organic state it can boost system immunity and protect one from bacteria. Coughs, cold and flu symptoms, congestion, and sore throats are all kept under control when adding 1 to 2 teaspoons to warm water. Add a little lemon juice and a bit of cinnamon for extra benefits.

It can be found in many organic skincare lines. It soothes inflammation, relieves dryness, and is great in treating skin conditions that include eczema, ring worm, and psoriasis. Apply a little to blemishes in the evening and let set overnight. In the morning wash it off for a clearer complexion.

As a beverage first thing in the morning, a little warm water, lemon, and honey can flush out toxins, cleanse the liver, and flush out fat. Mix in a little cinnamon to reduce cholesterol by 10 percent and revitalize the arteries and veins in the heart. A great reliever of indigestion, it reduces stomach acidity and neutralizes gas before a big meal. There are so many nutritional benefits of honey, it offers a source of sugar and calories, an energy boost, and tastes great.




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