RAW HONEY BENEFITS

1. Healthy Weight Management

Research studies have linked honey consumption

with weight loss. that replacing sugar with honey can actually help prevent

packing on extra pounds and also lower blood sugar. The results also suggest

that in comparison to sugar, it may lower serum triglycerides.

Another study found that raw honey can activate

hormones that suppress the appetite. In the double-blind, randomly assigned

study, appetite hormones and glycemic responses were measured in 14 healthy

non-obese women after consuming a breakfast containing either honey or sugar.

Overall, researchers concluded that honey consumption offers potential obesity

protective effects.

2. Counters Pollen Allergies

Raw honey contains bee pollen, which is known

to ward off infections, provide natural allergy relief and boost overall immunity.

Honey’s ability to prevent allergies is based

on a concept called immunotherapy. How so? The bees in your neighbourhood go

from flower to flower collecting pollen that causes you to suffer, but when a

you consume local raw honey, you also consume that same offending local pollen.

After some time, an allergy sufferer may

become less sensitive to this pollen that previously caused problems and

experience fewer seasonal allergy symptoms.

A study discovered that eating honey at a high dose (one gram per kilogram of body

weight of honey daily) can improve allergy symptoms over a period of eight

weeks. Researchers observed that the honey consumption improved overall and

individual symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

Some people say that a daily tablespoon can

actually act like an allergy shot. The type is key though since pasteurized

honey does not contain any pollen. For possible seasonal allergy relief, you

need to consume raw honey with pollen in it.

3. Natural Energy Source

Raw honey contains natural sugars (80

percent), water (18 percent), and minerals, vitamins, pollen and protein

(2 percent). Often called “the perfect running fuel,” it provides an easily

absorbed supply of energy in the form of liver glycogen, making it ideal for

energetic morning starts and as a pre-workout food and post-exercise energy

source. So-called honey water is one such natural DIY sports drink.

Studies have shown honey to be one of the best

choices of carbohydrate to consume right before exercising. Additionally,

studies have revealed that as a sporting fuel, it performs on a par with

glucose, which is the sugar used in most commercial energy gels.

1. Antioxidant Powerhouse

Studies have indicated that a daily dose of

raw honey raises levels of health-promoting antioxidants in the body.

Antioxidants help block free radicals in the body that cause disease. Honey

contains polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants that have been shown to

reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.

Studies have shown that it contains the

disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin.

5. Wound Healer

Honey-infused bandages are known to aid

healing. Studies at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, have found that it

is a natural antibacterial with wound-healing effects.

Honey reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen

peroxide, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria. In addition,

“Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide generated are very low in comparison to

those typically applied to a wound, thus, cytotoxic damage by hydrogen peroxide is very low.”

A review of studies on the antimicrobial and

anti-inflammatory properties of honey called out its potential for keloid

therapy. The researchers believe that its impact on keloids is likely due to

its anti-inflammatory properties, which may calm the skin. It may be most

useful when applied during the initial healing process, however.

For the treatment of burns and wounds, honey

is typically applied directly to the problem area or in a dressing that’s

changed every 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes the dressing is left in place for up to

25 days. A combination of honey and ghee has also been

advocated and used as dressing for infected wounds since 1991 in four Mumbai hospitals.

6. Diabetes Aid

Consumption of raw honey can reduce the risk

of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. The

combination of raw honey and cinnamon can be especially beneficial to healthy

blood sugar management, as well as many other health concerns like gingivitis and acne.

According to a study out of Dubai, honey has

been observed to cause a lower elevation of plasma glucose levels in diabetics

compared to dextrose and sucrose. Some suggest that the insulin-boosting power

of cinnamon can counteract this glucose elevation in honey, which would make

your honey and cinnamon mixture a low glycemic index food combination.

Raw honey can increase insulin and decrease

hyperglycemia. For diabetics, consult with your health care professional about

adding both raw honey and cinnamon to a diabetic diet plan.

7. Natural Cough Syrup

Raw honey has been shown to be as

effective in treating coughs as over-the-counter commercial cough syrups.

Increasing scientific evidence shows that a single dose of honey can reduce

mucus secretion and coughs. In one study, it was just as effective as

diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, common ingredients found in over-the counter cough medicines.

For a cough, a half teaspoon to two teaspoons

at bedtime is a studied and recommended dosage for anyone over the age of one.

Common Uses

If you’re ready to incorporate raw honey into

your diet, then check out these honey uses.

Improve digestion — Animal studies indicate that honey can help gut

health. Ingest one to 2 tablespoons to counteract indigestion since it

doesn’t ferment in the stomach.

Relieve nausea — Mix honey with ginger and lemon juice to help counteract nausea.

Acne remedy — Studies show that honey can be used as an affordable

face cleanser to fight off acne, and it’s gentle on all skin types. Take

half a teaspoon, warm it between your hands and spread it on your face

gently. Leave it on for 10 minutes, and then rinse with warm water and pat dry.

Exfoliator — Use it on dry winter skin by adding two cups of honey

to a bath, soak for 15 minutes, then add one cup of baking soda for the final 15 minutes.

Improve diabetes — Studies indicate that consumption of raw honey

can reduce your risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes.

Lower cholesterol — Studies show that honey can help reduce

cholesterol and, therefore, decrease your risk for coronary artery disease.

Improve circulation — Raw honey makes your brain function optimally

by strengthening the heart and improving blood circulation.

Antioxidant support — Studies reveal that consumption of raw honey

increases plaque-fighting antioxidants.

Restore sleep — One study showed that milk and honey may promote

restorative sleep. Add a tablespoon to warm milk to help increase melatonin and help you sleep.

Prebiotic support — An animal study demonstrated that raw honey is

full of natural prebiotics that promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestine.

Improve allergies — If sourced locally, studies reveal that raw

honey can help reduce seasonal allergies. Add one to 2 tablespoons to your diet daily.

Help weight loss efforts — As indicated in one study, substituting

raw honey for white sugar can help in weight management.

Moisturize — A spoonful of raw honey mixed with olive oil and a

squeeze of lemon can be used as a hydrating lotion.

Hair mask — A raw honey hair mask can help boost shine by hydrating

your hair, according to studies. Simply mix 1 teaspoon of raw honey with 5

cups of warm water, apply the mixture to your hair and let it sit, then

rinse thoroughly, allow your hair to air dry and style as usual.

Eczema relief — Use honey as a topical mixture along with equal

parts cinnamon to relieve mild eczema.

Reduce inflammation — Raw honey has anti-inflammatory agents that

can treat respiratory conditions, such as asthma.

Heal wounds — Raw honey used topically can help quicken healing

time for mild burns, wounds, rashes and abrasions.

UTI remedy — Honey can help improve urinary tract infections due to its antibacterial properties.

Shampoo — Raw honey can cleanse and restore the health of your hair and scalp.

Relieve sore throat and cough — Using it for sore throat and cough

is another common remedy. Studies indicate that this is especially useful

or children with a cough. Simply swallow one teaspoon of honey, or add it

to tea with lemon.