For centuries, honey has not only been a great source of nutrition but has also been used as a medicine due to its excellent healing properties.
Today, due to scientific advancements, we know that the acidic pH of raw honey promotes the release of oxygen, which is crucial in wound healing, and the natural sugar content of honey minimizes the swelling and stimulates the flow of lymph in the damaged tissues.
And guess what! Raw honey is even more powerful and wholesome as it retains all vitamins, antioxidants & minerals that are lost during the refining process. Although the benefits of raw honey are numerous, here we’ve collated some of the proven health benefits of raw honey and why we suggest, you should make it a part of your diet.
It is filled with Nutrients
On average, one tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, sucrose, glucose, and maltose. Honey is essentially pure sugar, with no fat and only trace amounts of protein and fiber.
Has Antioxidants
In medical science, the addition of oxygen to a substance to increase the proportion of oxygen in its molecule is known as Oxidation. Antioxidants are compounds that slow down the process of oxidizing.
For instance, our skins develop wrinkles, fine lines, and dryness as it oxidizes. Hence, we use a good cosmetic that contains anti-oxidant properties as it lowers its visibility.
Likewise, in the context of health, honey slows down the aging process of several organs due to its antioxidant properties and helps us live healthier lives.
Has Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
Raw honey is ‘anti everything’ that’s nasty. Hence it is used as a treatment against various skin conditions like dandruff, eczema, and acne, as it is rich in antibacterial and antifungal properties. (Simply place a few drops of raw honey on a cotton pad and dab it on the acne spots. Let it sit for 10 minutes and rinse the face with warm water)
Encourages Sleep
The sugar present in honey spikes our insulin levels, releasing tryptophan, which becomes serotonin, and this serotonin in turn becomes melatonin.
The human body uses melatonin, also known as the sleep hormone, to restore itself during sleep and regulate the sleep-wake cycle. (Simply add 1-2 drops of honey to your cup of milk or tea before hitting the bed. You will notice your sleep cycle slowly change.)
Lowers Blood Pressure
As per Ayurveda, honey and water could do wonders to bring down blood pressure levels. According to a review quoted by healthline.com, honey can also help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate your heartbeat, and prevent the death of healthy cells.
The antioxidant properties of honey have also been linked to lowering blood pressure as some studies reveal that regular consumption of honey lowers the blood pressure and even helps keep it steady.
Improves Digestive System
According to research published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research(Tag -https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3978955/), honey might be beneficial to use against acid reflux for a few reasons. For one, it’s loaded with antioxidants that fight damaging free radicals as cell damage in the digestive system could be one of the reasons for acid reflux.
Additionally, honey coats the mucous membrane of the esophagus and also fights inflammation in the esophagus, making acid reflux less likely.
Good for people with type 2 Diabetes
The Glycemic Index (GI) of raw honey is between 54 and 59, which is much lower than the GI of sugar which can go as high as 105 and so its healthier to replace regular sugar with raw honey in tea and milk, as there’s a lower risk of putting on extra weight.
Now you know why we keep reminding and recommending you to choose the bee’s knees, Honey All Day’s truly raw honey.
