Health Benefits of Honey: Expert Insights

The traditional use of honey stretches back to antiquity. The ancient scriptures are painted with praises of this sweet nectar. It is a natural sweetener and preservative in Ayurvedic preparations. But it’s more than that! So, in this blog, I bring you some amazing benefits of honey that are lesser-known!

Did you know?

Honey is an all-purpose medicine for all types of diseases.

You might already know, that honey is very effective in treating cough, phlegm, and asthma. And that honey is a boon for people with weak digestion. But that’s not it! 

Honey is also helpful in curbing thirst and hiccups. Ayurveda suggests the use of honey for treating vomiting and worm infestation. It is a great natural alternative to sugar. It helps in fighting obesity. Honey’s anti-microbial properties help in healing wounds.

Well, the benefits of honey abound. And we are going to have a close look at that!

Amazing Benefits of Honey

Honey offers some pretty amazing benefits to the body. Honey is effective in topical and internal use. And the amazing benefits of honey are a result of its super-effective nutrition quotient. 

It is a well of anti-oxidants, a treasure house of amino acids, and an ocean of carbohydrates. These nutrients make you active, heal your body, and help you stay young. Check out the detailed nutrition profile of honey!

Nutritive Profile of Honey

According to the latest research, pollen in honey contains all 22 amino acids, 28 minerals, 11 enzymes, 14 fatty acids, and 11 carbohydrates.  It is rich in proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and amino acids.

Honey contains glucose, fructose, and sucrose. Glucose restores oxygen. Fructose builds up tissues. Sucrose is a combination of glucose and fructose. Trace amounts of dextrin found in honey make it easily digestible.

Amazing Benefits of Honey

1. Honey as a Yogavahi

Ayurveda highlights the rare specialty of honey as a Yogavahi. You can call it a catalyst or a carrier of herbs. Honey has the ability to penetrate into the deepest tissues. When this sweet nectar is blended in herbal preparations enhances its medicinal qualities. It acts as a vehicle carrying herbal medicines to the deepest tissues. 

2. Honey boosts your immunity

Did you know?

Honey acts as a natural vaccine.

Honey contains small amounts of pollen. When the body is exposed to these pollens in small amounts, it triggers the immune system which produces antibodies to the pollen. Thus, it boosts immunity against allergies. 

Its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties help fight infections. It is an amazing wound healer. A great remedy for cold and cough. By strengthening the body’s natural defense, it also helps fight cancer!

3. Honey in Cancer Prevention

The research revealed the efficacy of honey in the prevention and treatment of cancer. This is because of its rich antioxidant profile. Its anticancer, antimutagenic, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory actions make it a potent tool to fight cancer. 

Studies revealed honey’s apoptotic activities which means it can kill the cancer cells through depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. Further, honey can inhibit the growth of several forms of a tumor. 

Further studies are required to understand the wholesome role of honey in cancer prevention.

4. Heal with honey

Research quotes that honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that prevent infection of wounds. It has a unique pH balance that promotes oxygen supply which is important in wound healing. 

Another Research established the clinical efficacy of honey as an Anti-bacterial, Anti-inflammatory Anti-oxidant, and Anti-viral Agent. Its anti-inflammatory effects soothe swelling and reduce seasonal allergies.

The sugar in honey reduces swelling, removes damage in tissues, and promotes tissue regeneration. Honey contains hydrogen peroxide, a natural antiseptic. It can effectively reduce healing time and chances of infection. 

5. Honey and irritating coughs

Doctors are now recommending honey, not antibiotics as the first line of treatment for coughs. Evidence shows that honey is very effective in reducing symptoms of acute cough. 

Honey is the best possible home remedy to treat dry and wet coughs. It is highly beneficial in relieving the irritating cough. Honey is a demulcent that produces a soothing effect on the inflamed mucous membrane. 

Research shows that a tablespoon of honey eases irritation in the throat. It is a natural remedy for cough, especially for kids above the age of one. Honey diminishes nocturnal cough thus allowing better sleep. Honey gargles are also useful in irritant cough.

6. Digest everything with a spoonful of honey

Ancient scripts say that honey not only supports good digestion, it also helps in warding off stomach diseases. It curbs nausea, vomiting, and heartburn due to indigestion by preventing the overproduction of hydrochloric acid.

Honey is easily digested and assimilated. It does not cause flatulence but rather prevents it to a certain extent. It also promotes bowel activities and takes out fecal matter and undigested foods.

The enzymes in honey act as a catalyst in promoting the process of digestion. It is effective in curing some diarrhea. Honey contains good bacteria that are useful for the gut flora.

Also Read: The Miracles of Ginger and Honey

7. Give your beating heart some honey

Honey is rich in phenolic compounds, which act as natural antioxidants. Studies revealed that regular intake of phenolic compounds can reduce the risk of heart disease. 

The phenolic compounds are super effective in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease. Honey neutralizes inflammation-causing free radicals. It prevents plaque build-up in your arteries and protects against a heart attack or stroke.

8. Dip your skin and hair in a pot of honey

Honey is an elixir for youthful and radiant skin. It fights off allergies and wards off infections. Its rich anti-oxidants curb free radicals and delay the process of aging. Honey is also a great ingredient for healthy hair. It nourishes the scalp, prevents dandruff, and ensures healthy hair.

Honey is very effective in the treatment of wounds and sores. It heals burns and cuts and is effective in reducing scars. Honey is also effective in clearing dust, dirt, and dry cells stuck in the skin.

Also Read: Does honey turn your black hair white?

9. Sleep peacefully with a spoon of honey

Honey has a hypnotic effect that helps in bringing sound sleep. It lowers your stress and improves your mood by regulating the release of serotonin. Studies also revealed that honey has a great impact on nocturnal cough, thus promoting better sleep. 

Try two teaspoons of honey with a cup of warm water or almond milk before bed. It’s an excellent remedy for children with sleep troubles.

10. Honey in oral care

Honey is a valuable component in oral care. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory actions help in maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Its antiseptic properties prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms. Ayurveda says that honey can prevent the deposit of tartar at the base of the teeth.

Daily application of honey over teeth and gums cleanses the teeth. It prevents tartar, decay, and premature tooth loss. Ayurveda reveals that honey is the real secret of sparkling teeth.

Gargling with honey water is an effective way of preventing gingivitis.

11. Honey is the tank of instant energy 

Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates that provides strength and energy. It gets easily digested thus acting as a quick source of energy. The dextrin in honey further helps it enter directly into the blood and provides energy instantaneously.

Honey is known for its effectiveness in boosting performance and endurance in athletes. It also helps in reducing muscle fatigue. Thus, it is a great source of energy for the gym-goers.

12. Honey in gastric ulcers

Honey has anti-ulcer and antimicrobial properties effective in preventing gastric ulcers. Studies concur with the Ayurvedic claim that honey can be used in treating stomach ulcers.

The anti-ulcer properties of honey are due to its high antioxidant properties. It contains 200 active elements including polyphenols and other antioxidants. This helps in preventing stomach health.

13. Honey as a prebiotic

Honey is a potent prebiotic. It stimulates the growth of good gut bacteria in the intestines which is crucial for maintaining overall health. Good bacteria promote digestion, boost elimination, cleanse the colon, and reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. 

Precautions you must know!!

• Never heat your honey
• Do not mix it with hot foods. Let the food cool and then pour some honey on it.
• Avoid honey if you are working in a hot environment. 
• Never mix honey with spicy foods, fermented beverages, or mustard.
• Never dip a wet spoon in the honey jar.
• Use high-quality raw honey from a trusted source. As some honey can also be poisonous.

Should you cook your honey? 

Improper intake of honey can cause ama which is the root cause of ill health. Incompatible food combinations can produce ama, but heated honey is the most dangerous. Heating honey destroys the enzymes that support the digestive process. So, you should never ever cook or heat honey before consumption. It should not be ingested with hot items.

Raw Honey vs Processed honey 

Raw honey contains an abundance of nutrients, enzymes, and pollens. This boosts immunity and imparts medicinal value to the honey. Processed honey is obtained through filtration and pasteurization of raw honey. 

During pasteurization, honey is heated at high temperatures. This kills bacteria, and yeast and prevents fermentation. It also enhances the consistency and color of honey. But this process also kills many natural enzymes and vitamins. 

Thus, processed honey loses many natural healing properties that come from raw honey! 

However raw honey is unfiltered and comes with a greater risk of infections or poisons. So, it is very crucial that you get it from a trusted source!

How do you detect adulteration in honey?

Adulteration is a major concern as it exposes you to severe health issues. Hence, checking for authenticity is a must!

The trick is to check for adulteration in honey!

Take a transparent glass of water and pour a drop of honey into it.

Pure honey will not disperse. But the sugar solution will! 

Another way to check for adulterated honey is:

Take a glass of water. 

Dissolve 10 grams of the sample in water. 

The adulterant will settle down at the bottom and you will know!