One of the wonderful creations of nature is Honey! It is the “sweet” result of the hard work of some hundreds of honey bees, who painstakingly collect it from many flowers. Raw Honey is a natural sweetener, used for both, culinary and medicinal purposes. It’s the role in the ancient Ayurveda in indispensable. Honey is used in many natural medicines to enhance the benefits of other ingredients with its nutrition-rich profile. In this article, we shall learn the health benefits of Honey along with nutrition and side effects in detail!
What Is Honey?
Honey is a thick, golden colour liquid made by the honey bees. The bees collect nectar from different flowers and store it in specially created wax constructions called the Honeycombs. The purpose behind this laborious task is to consume the stored nectar in times of crisis. However, it often ends up in the hands of humans or animals like bears.
Different Types Of Honey:
It is surprising to know that natural honey is not restricted to a single type, but is available in many different varieties. Here are some of the popular ones available to us:
- Clover Honey: Popular honey from white blossoms, which is white or light amber in colour.
- Manuka Honey: This is the best honey for medical use and is believed to treat many health problems.
- Sourwood Honey: Has a spicy scent with a caramel flavour.
- Buckwheat Honey: Dark Honey with a strong flavour.
- Rosemary Honey: Light yellow honey with a strong, sweet flavour.
- Dandelion Honey: Vivid yellow colour honey produced from the Dandelion flowers.
Is Honey Good For Health?
Honey is considered to be one of the healthiest foods on the planet. It is the best natural sweetener known to us. Besides, its delicious taste, Honey is also packed with nutrition, which can do plenty of good to the body. The antioxidant-rich properties of Honey can prevent oxidative damage of your cells, along with preventing Cancers. It’s the role in giving you a glowing, radiant skin needs no special mention.
How Much Honey Can I Take Per Day?
Honey is the best way to start your day. Consuming it with warm water and lemon can cleanse your body and restart it. The recommended dosage of honey per day is 1-2 tbsp per day. Eating honey in excess can lead to overheating of the body and other health complications.
Honey Nutrition Facts:
Listed below is the nutritional profile of Honey per 100 gms of serving:
- Total Calories: 304
- Total Carbohydrates: 82 gm
- Dietary Fiber: 0.2 gm
- Sugars: 82 gm
- Protein: 0.83 gm
- Potassium: 52 mg
- Iron: 2 %
Top Health Benefits Of Honey:
Here we enlisted some of the best uses of honey for health, hair and skin. Let’s have a look into them.
1. Treats Dry Cough and Cold:
If you are experiencing cough due to dryness of throat, Honey can provide instant relief. The hydrating properties of Honey can reduce the irritation caused due to sore throat, along with killing the bacterial growth. It can also reduce severe cough during the middle of sleep, making it a safe, natural remedy for kids. This is one of the best benefits of drinking honey with warm water.
2. Fights Acne:
Raw Honey benefits to skin are numerous. Honey is loaded with antibacterial properties which can reduce the eruptions on your face and body. By penetrating deep into the skin, Honey can remove the abscess in your pores, which is one of the important uses of honey for the skin. It can also reduce excess oil production and sebum from your skin.
3. Nourishes Hair:
Honey is a key ingredient in many hair masks. It is known to enhance the benefits of other ingredients like yoghurt, lemon or olive oil to give you silky smooth hair. Honey works by repairing the damage of your strands and make them strong and shiny. It also treats dryness and split-ends.
4. Treats Dandruff:
Honey is known for its anti-fungal properties, which can help in treating dandruff. By applying honey on the scalp, you can experience instant relief from dryness and itching. Honey also treats minor scrapes and cuts on your scalp caused due to excessive scratching. It also cleanses your scalp from grease, oil and dirt. Mixing it with lemon or yoghurt can multiply the effectiveness.
5. Treats Anaemia:
Being an iron-rich food, honey proves beneficial for chronic anaemic patients. Anaemia is a condition where the level of haemoglobin falls below the required amounts, due to iron deficiency. Taking honey in the morning each day, along with an iron-rich, balanced diet, you can overcome this condition.
See More: Honey and Cinnamon Benefits
6. Treats Wounds and Burns:
If you have a minor cut or a burn on your skin, applying honey on the affected area can give you good relief. Honey is filled with anti-inflammatory agents, which can reduce the inflammation on your skin and restore normalcy. The antibacterial properties can prevent infections in those areas.
7. Controls Cholesterol Levels:
Studies show that a mixture of Honey and Cinnamon can reduce the bad cholesterol levels in the body. This helps in prevention of choked arteries due to cholesterol deposits. Just have one spoon of this mixture every day to shield yourself from heart disorders like blood pressure, sudden strokes etc., This is one of the important uses of honey for health.
8. Probiotic Properties:
Honey works as a natural prebiotic, which can improve the bacterial growth in your intestines. This bacterium helps in maintaining the health of your digestive tract to impart better digestion and absorption of nutrients. It also helps in strengthening the immune system by increasing the count of “good” bacteria and eliminating the “bad” microbes in the body.
9. Prevents Cancers:
Honey is loaded with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agents, which can ward off Cancers. These agents work by fighting the free radicals in the body, which lead to oxidative damage at the cellular level. By reducing the internal tissue inflammation, Honey can also decrease the chances of tumour cell growth. This is one of the best benefits of eating honey regularly.
10. Improves Nail Health:
Honey is a natural humectant, a property to retain moisture. If you are suffering from dry, chipped or brittle nails, applying a little honey on them can do wonders. Honey can moisture your nails and strengthen them. You can also soak your nails in honey water for a while to experience visible results in just a few attempts.
11. Honey for Asthma:
Along with treating cough and cold, Honey is also wonderful for treating respiratory disorders like Asthma. The natural anti-inflammatory properties of Honey can reduce the inflammation in your tract to allow better flow of air. Honey also protects your lung health, which can prove to be beneficial for Asthma patients. Have 1tbsp of Honey with warm water every day for a noticeable difference.
12. Cures Toothache:
Honey is one of the best home remedies for toothache. If you are suffering from swollen gums due to bacterial infections, Honey can instantly come to your aid. Just apply a drop of honey on the affected area and leave it on for a while. Honey can control bacteria growth and reduce inflammation in the surrounding area. This is one of the best advantages of honey to your body.
See More: Benefits Of Green Tea With Honey
13. Treats Tonsillitis:
Tonsillitis is a painful condition which affects mostly children, which can be treated through the medicinal uses of honey. Honey is the best natural remedy to alleviate the discomfort associated with this symptom. Just mix honey in one glass of warm water or milk to bring down the severity and feel better again. Milk and honey can also induce good sleep, which is important for a speedy recovery.
14. Delays Signs Of Aging:
The benefits of honey on the skin are numerous. Honey is considered to be one of the best anti-ageing foods ever. The antioxidants present in honey can reduce the damage to cells while encouraging new cell growth. Honey is also a natural skin lightener, which can reduce the blemishes, dark spots, along with making your skin young and firm.
15. Aids In Weight Loss:
The benefits of honey with warm water need no special mention. Lemon Honey Water benefits in cutting down your fat cells. Starting your day with a glass of warm water mixed with honey and lemon can cleanse the internal system and eliminate unwanted toxins, including fat. Honey can also improve metabolic rate to promote faster digestion, which can also help you lose a few pounds.
16. Treats Dry Skin and Lips:
Honey is excellent natural moisture for your skin and lips. For those who have dry, flaky skin or chapped lips, honey is an elixir. It works by sealing in the moisture of the skin to make it smooth and radiant. This is one of the benefits of honey on the face, which is why Honey is widely used in many moisturizers and creams.
17. Cures Oral Ulcers:
If you are suffering from canker sores or mouth ulcers, apply a little honey with some turmeric powder. Honey can reduce the inflammation on your skin and give you relief from the burning sensation. Combining it with turmeric can reduce the microbial growth in the mouth, which leads to ulcers in the first place.
18. Natural Sweetener and Energy Booster:
Honey is the best replacement for artificial sweeteners and sugars. Being a natural sweetener, honey doesn’t increase your blood sugar levels, which makes it suitable for diabetic patients also. Honey also boosts your energy levels to help your body recover from fatigue and lethargy. You can use honey in desserts, tea, coffee and juices to enjoy great health.
See More: Benefits Of Amla and Honey
Side Effects Of Honey:
Honey has a “bitter” side too! Taking honey in excess quantities can lead to many side effects, such as:
- Digestive Problems.
- Burning Sensation In Stomach.
- High Blood Sugar Levels.
- Allergic Reactions like rashes, hives.
- Low Blood Pressure.
- Nervous Damage.
- Weight Gain.
- Internal Bleeding.
- Tooth Problems.
- Toxic reactions.
Those are some of the important benefits of Honey for your body! Always go for premium quality, organic honey to enjoy its natural goodness. Most of the products we get in the market are a mix of honey and sugar syrup which can be extremely dangerous for your body. They are also mixed with chemicals to increase shelf life. is hard to get, but is worth your money and effort! So, when you are joining this “sweet” revolution?
