Honey is one of the sweetest liquid that is prepared by bees using nectars from flowers. Bees convert the flower nectar into honey by a process of regurgitation and evaporation. Honey is stored in the wax honeycombs inside the beehive which can then be harvested from the hives.
The quality of honey is determined by its color. The honey which is available in clear, golden amber color is better than darker varieties. The flavor of honey varies based on the different type of flowers from which the nectar was harvested.
Honey is available in both raw and pasteurized forms. Raw honey is removed from the hives and bottled directly thus, it will contain traces of yeast, wax and pollen. Thus raw honey is recommended to cure seasonal allergies.
Health Benefits of Honey
The common health benefits of honey include the following:
- Prevents cancer
Honey is known for its carcinogenic properties and thus helps in fighting with cancer. Honey is rich in flavanoids and phenolic compounds that make it a super food to deal with cancer. The phenolic compounds like Gallic acid, chrysin, elegiac acid, p-coumaric acid, syringic acid and ferulic acid are present in honey.
These phenolic compounds help in speeding up the healing process of certain diseased conditions like cancer.
- Reduce ulcers and gastrointestinal disorder
Consuming honey on a daily basis can help in curing ulcers and gastrointestinal disorders. Honey helps in treating gastric problems to a greater extent.
- Anti-microbial agents
Honey is known for its anti-microbial properties. Honey is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal in nature and can cure a wide variety of infections.
- Regulate blood sugar levels
Honey contains simple sugars but do not have any side effects like white sugar and artificial sweeteners. Honey is an exact combination of glucose and fructose and thus helps in regulating blood sugar levels in your body.
- Strengthen Immune System
Honey consumption can stimulate the production of immune cells. Consuming honey can boost your immune system and can help your body in fighting against different infections.
- Energy booster
The glucose and fructose content present in the honey helps in boosting your energy. Honey is a good source of unprocessed sugar energy. You can take honey early in the morning with breakfast to charge up your body with carbohydrate source. You can also add a spoonful of honey to hot tea instead of sugar.
Make ice tea and add honey for taste to boost your energy. You can also take two tablespoon of honey directly every day to fulfill your carbohydrate requirement.
- Improves memory
Honey helps in improving your memory. The antioxidants present in honey are beneficial for feeding your brain cells. One teaspoon of honey a day can helps in improving your memory to a great extent.
- Cough suppressant
Honey is beneficial in winter season to cure common cold and cough. Honey is an ancient home remedy used to cure cough. Honey generally coats your throat and keeps it calm and sooth the nerve endings that protect your throat. According to World Health Organization, honey helps in relieving inflammation and irritation that alleviate cough.
- Reduce dandruff
Honey plays an important role in reducing dandruff. Dilute honey in water and apply this solution on scalp and leave it for few hours. Leave this solution on your hair for few hours and wash your hairs with lukewarm water. It is considered as a natural cure for dandruff.
- Moisturizer
Honey is an essential ingredient used in retaining moisture. You can add honey to your shampoos, conditioners for moisturizing your hair and scalp. You can also use honey to prepare a body moisturizer. Take 5 tablespoon of honey and two tablespoon of rose oil and mix it with two cups of almond oil and use this mixture as a moisturizer for your skin.
- Soothe acid reflux
Honey mainly helps in preventing gastro esophageal reflux and heartburn. You can use either raw or processed honey to cure acid reflux and heal your esophagus. Honey lines the esophageal lining and helps in reducing the inflammation or damage. There are certain enzymes present in honey which helps in boosting the digestion process.
- Cures acne
Acne is a common problem seen mostly in women that can be cured with honey. You can either include honey in your daily diet or apply honey directly on the affected area for curing acne.
Apply raw processed honey on the affected area and leave it for about 30 minutes and rinse with lukewarm water. You can also mix cinnamon powder with honey and apply on the affected area to completely cure acne.
- Cures sinus infection
Sinus infection generally creates an uncomfortable situation for most of the patients. Honey helps in dealing with sinus infection. Take half to one teaspoon of honey every day to reduce the symptoms associated with inflamed sinuses.
Honey can be used as a natural home remedy to cure a wide variety of diseased conditions. Include honey in your daily diet to improve your overall health.
Atefa Noorain
Connect with Atefa NoorainAtefa Noorain, (Microbiologist) former Head of the Department of Life Sciences, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at Sujatha Degree College for Women. She worked as an Associate Research Analyst at Thomson Reuters and an Associate Editor of two research journals. She has presented her research work in 3 International Conferences. She has written articles for national journals and international journals. She had been felicitated as a Young Speaker in the last conference. She has worked on Nanoparticles as a part of her research project and won the Best Scientist of the Day award.
