Honey is a common household product. It won’t be surprising to say that it is a magic remedy. Honey is known for its medicinal properties. At the time of COVID-19, it became evident that it can help strengthen your immune system. Culturing of bees for the commercial production of honey is called apiculture. The variety and nutrient profile depend heavily on the type of bee cultured. The medicinal properties and the variety of honey are interlinked. This article covers the potential benefits of honey as a dietary supplement. The precautions that need to be address are:
- Do not give honey to children under the age of 1 year.
- People suffering from hypertension should consult a medical professional before making honey an integral part of their diet.
1.Sweetening Agent
Honey is a healthier alternative to sugar. Factually speaking, honey is better than sugar because:
- Easier to digest
- Lower glycaemic index
- No sudden spike in blood sugar
- 25% sweeter than sugar
- Better flavour
- It is required in lesser amounts as it is sweeter than sugar.
- More nutrition
2.Growth And Nutrition
The Nutritional profile of honey is as follows:
- It contains vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6
- The other nutrients are Ca, Zn, and K.
- Honey helps hair growth and stimulates the growth of the cells of hair follicles and ducts.
3.Immunomodulator
At the beginning of the article, we mentioned its use in COVID. We all are aware of its ability to strengthen our immune system. Raw honey helps to improve our immunity. Immunity is the body’s ability to fight the disease-causing microbes.
4.Diabetes Management
Honey can prove to be a blessing in disguise for diabetic patients. You require less amount of honey because of its sweetness. The target is to reduce oxidative stress. Honey can contribute to the management of diabetes.
5.Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory disorder. It affects airways. Honey does not provide any sort of treatment for asthma. Relief from symptoms is experienced. Honey has potential for symptomatic treatment. It can help with the inflammation.
6.Pharyngeal Demulcent
In dry cough, pharyngeal demulcent provides a soothing effect. Honey is a pharyngeal demulcent. It helps to suppress cough. You can combine honey with tulsi and ginger. Consuming this juice will help you to get some relief from the cough.
7.Quality Sleep
Do you have trouble sleeping? Look no further. Honey is the solution. It stimulates the pineal gland to release melatonin. Melatonin is responsible for maintain our circadian rhythm. Circadian rhythm refers to the body’s 24-hour biological clock. Honey and melatonin have a direct link with the sleep cycle. So, having honey before bed gives one quality sleep.
8.Weight Loss
Are you concerned about your weight? Honey can assist you in your weight loss journey. Adding honey to lukewarm water with some lime can help you get rid of the excess fat around your belly. Drinking lukewarm water with honey on empty stomach give results.
9.Digestion And Absorption
Honey can help with the breakdown of complex-carbohydrates. It contains various enzymes that will help in the same. It is absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Thus, it helps with digestion and absorption.
10.Oral Health
Honey can help relieve dry mouth caused by atropine-containing medicines. The other benefits include:
- You will not experience bad breath.
- It helps in tooth decay and other oral problems.
- Manuka honey is advisable for this purpose.
11.Cancer
Studies reveal honey has apoptotic properties. Cancer is an autoimmune disorder. Honey can help with the cell death. It has potential to become an anticancer drug. However, there is insufficient data backing up this claim. The exact mechanism of action is unknown but it has potential to be an anticancer agent.
12.Antimicrobial
Honey is a potent antimicrobial agent. The Antioxidant property is also associated with the antimicrobial action. The potency of honey as an antimicrobial depends on the variety of honey. There are various varieties of honey available in the market. Culturing of different varieties of bees results in multiple types of honey.
13.Cardiovascular Effects
Many Cardiovascular diseases owe to oxidative stress and inflammation. Honey has antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties. Honey help keep the heart healthy. It reduces oxidative stress and shows positive effects on the cardiovascular system.
14.Performance Enhancement
Are you an athlete looking for a safe energy drink? Look no further. Honey shows rapid absorption into the bloodstream and provides instant energy. You can add honey to lukewarm water. You can also use raw honey.
15.Neurological Benefits
Studies reveal that honey is an anxiolytic. It helps with anxiety. Additionally, honey can be beneficial in depression as it promotes the production of serotonin. Serotonin is the happiness hormone. Raw honey has neurological benefits.
16.Skin
Honey is the missing puzzle piece for the glow you lack. It can help people with dry skin as it is an emollient, providing moisture. Honey can help with wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation. It also promotes the production of collagen. People with sensitive skin should use honey with caution.
17.Anemia
Anemia is a disease affecting red blood cells. Honey can be used in prophylactic approach. Manuka honey is the variant with the effective results. Honey combined with munnaka gives noticeable results.
18.Probiotic
Probiotics are a source of microorganisms. Honey has various enzymes and microbes. Regular intake of honey helps keep the gut healthy. It stimulates the growth of flora. Honey is a potent probiotic that helps with gastrointestinal problems.
19.Anticonvulsant
Honey has potential for epilepsy treatment. Epilepsy is a condition that is the result of abnormal neuronal firing. Honey can help with the seizures. The exact mechanism of action is under study.
20.Bone Health
Honey can help you make bones stronger. This is the result of its high nutritional profile. These nutrients help the skeletal framework become stronger. Honey helps bone gain more density and generally strengthens the human skeletal system. They also contain antioxidants and reduce inflammation.
