Health Benefits of Honey

Health Benefits of Honey: 6 Reasons to Add Honey in Your Daily Diet

Honey contains a number of minerals and vitamins. Discover the health benefits of honey, one of the best natural sweeteners.

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for many years. The sweet and viscous product is one of nature's finest works. There are different kinds of honey that have different flavonoids, distinct taste and unique properties, depending on the floral source of the nectar. Dark honey tends to have higher antioxidant levels. The natural sweetener containing glucose and fructose is mostly used in baking, making desserts, and as sweetener in beverages.

Helps in weight loss

Vitamin-rich honey is an amazing fat-reducing ingredient. It mobilizes unused fat, and unlike refined sugar honey does not have empty calories, it is rich in beneficial vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C helps in lowering bad cholesterol in the body. Mix one tablespoon of honey, one tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a cup of warm water and drink it on an empty stomach every morning for weight loss.

Improves sleep

If you have a hard time going to sleep, you can try having honey before your bedtime as it helps release glycogen in the liver and melatonin, the hormone required for recovery and rebuilding of body tissues during rest. To improve your sleep quality consume honey before your bedtime. Take one or two teaspoon of raw honey before sleep to sleep better.

Boosts immunity

Probiotic bacteria-rich honey also helps boost your immune system. It provides instant energy and helps improve a person's immunity. The antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties of honey can help improve the digestive system. Include honey in your daily diet by simply consuming a spoonful with lemon juice from half a lemon mixed with a cup of warm water before breakfast every morning.

Treats burns and injuries

Honey when topically applied can help treat wounds and injuries as it absorbs water and acts as a natural antibiotic on wounds and burns. Also, the anti-inflammatory property works well to stimulate healing. Apply honey topically on wounds and burns to heal them. This however needs to be done with caution, depending on the degree of burns. Therefore, it is best to seek a doctor's advice before you apply it on your wound.

Cough remedy

Honey can be used as a natural cough remedy instead of over-the-counter cough suppressant. Honey draws water out of the inflamed tissues and helps relieve cough and sore throat. Simply add two to three teaspoon of honey to a cup of hot water or herbal tea to get some relief. Honey alone can also be used as an effective cough suppressant if you do not want to have it with your tea.

Reduces risk of heart disease and cancer

Including honey in your diet in adequate amount can reduce risk of some cancers and heart disease. Honey contains flavonoids, and according to research these antioxidants help reduce the risk of some cancers. It also contains about the same amount of antioxidants which help prevent narrowing arteries as spinach, thereby preventing the risk of heart disease.