Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is one of the most precious gifts of nature to mankind, which is cherished by all, for its unmatched taste and sweetness. However, honey is not only a treat to the senses, but also has several health benefits. The use of honey dates back almost 2,500 years, while apiculture or the practice of keeping honey bees for producing honey, goes back to 700 BC. Later, its medicinal properties were also recognized, which made honey an integral part of traditional medicine in India, China and other Asian countries.

Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is a rich source of simple carbohydrates that can be easily digested by the body. There are mainly two types of sugar found in honey, glucose and fructose, out of which, glucose is easily absorbed by the body and hence provides instant energy. On the other hand, absorption of fructose is slower in comparison to glucose and so provides sustained energy. Honey provides more calories than sugar and is more easily digested than sugar. So, it can provide more energy than sugar and at a faster rate. Therefore, it is widely used by athletes, as a source of instant energy and to reduce muscle fatigue.

Honey contains several important minerals and vitamins like vitamin B2, B6, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese and many other trace elements. However, the vitamin and mineral content of honey depends on the variety of flowers, from where the nectar is collected by the bees. Therefore, the nutritional value of honey may differ significantly on the basis of the type of flower nectar. Besides this, the texture and the flavor of honey, also depend on the sources of nectar. Processing can result in the loss of some important phytonutrients, like flavonoids, found in honey. Flavonoids have antioxidant properties and therefore, help in eliminating the free radicals from the body, which are responsible for a number of ailments including aging. Phytonutrients are also believed to be capable of preventing the growth of tumors and several forms of cancer.

Honey is a immune booster, i.e. it stimulates the immune system to fight against disease causing agents. Besides this, it is also known for it antibacterial, antifungal and antimicrobial properties due to which it has been used for healing wounds, minor cuts and burns. Honey helps in accelerating the healing process and reduces the inflammation and pain. It is a common home remedy for a sore throat, yeast infection, athlete's foot and cough. Due to its antimicrobial properties, it soothes sore throats and reduces bacterial infections. Many studies have revealed that honey may reduce the level of cholesterol, especially the harmful LDL cholesterol, which is responsible for clogged arteries, and thereby increasing the risk of coronary heart diseases. On the other hand, it may raise the level of HDL cholesterol, which is known for lowering the risk of heart diseases.

Honey is beneficial for the digestive system and can alleviate digestive problems like indigestion, flatulence and abdominal pain. It ensures the proper utilization of calcium and hence, may be effective in preventing osteoporosis. A spoonful of honey mixed in a warm glass of water and lime juice helps in losing weight and ensuring regular bowel movement. For sleeplessness, you can take honey with a glass of hot milk, which acts as a mild sedative and induces sleep.

So this golden-colored delicious liquid is an ideal and rare sweetener, that helps you not only keep diseases at bay, but also helps lose those extra kilos. However, to derive the maximum health benefits from honey, use the most natural form available, as honey may lose some of its important medicinal properties due to heating and processing.