10 Health Benefits of Honey
Article Sources
- 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12358452
- 2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12617614
- 3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-honey#section7
- 4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25226738
- 5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18454257
- 6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3005390/
- 7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21673929
- 8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/
- 9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056558
- 10. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21636188
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For centuries, honey has been used for medicinal and food purposes. This sweet and savory food that is produced by bees and some insects has been around for ages. Bees produce honey by the nectar of flowering plants, then saved inside a beehive for eating during times when it is scarce. Bees regurgitate liquid to one another and this process is repeated until the nectar is placed into the honeycomb.
There are many types of honey and there are many health benefits honey can offer. This golden liquid is usually placed in a cup of hot tea to soothe colds and sore throats. This is one of the most popular known health benefits that is actually scientifically proven.
Health Benefit Of Honey #1: Rich In Antioxidants
Antioxidants provide protection against damages to cells caused by free radicals. The sources of antioxidants are best found naturally in foods. Certain plant-based foods are rich in antioxidants providing the body the protection it needs.
Honey has important antioxidants that can be beneficial to human health. Honey’s contents have a wide range of compounds that include a high source of phenolics, peptides, enzymes, and other antioxidant components that are essential to good health 1https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12358452. Studies have shown that substituting other traditional sweeteners with honey will result in a great defense system in adults 2https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12617614. The reason for this is the number of antioxidants associated with the sweetener in honey.
Health Benefit Of Honey #2: A Natural Sweetener
Honey has been the latest trend in replacing sugar. It can be added to a cup of tea or coffee giving it a sweet flavor and providing additional nutrients. Some artificial sweeteners have been shown to have negative effects on the body. So substituting these sugars with honey may benefit a person’s health.
As we talked about antioxidants associated with honey, it provides a great defense system with these benefits. Honey is also plant-based and those who are choosing nutritious foods will find that honey is a great sugar substitute. It is a sweet and satisfying alternative.
Health Benefit Of Honey #3: Heart Health
As the leading cause of death in the world, heart disease is increasing more than ever. From eating a well-balanced diet, participating in regular exercise, and reducing stress, heart health is affected by everything we pretty much do. Honey may be beneficial to heart health.
As honey is a rich source of antioxidants and phenols, many of these properties have been linked to reducing the risk of heart disease. One study has shown in rats that honey protects the heart from oxidative stress 3https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-benefits-of-honey#section7. Although there are studies on animals about the antioxidant compounds contained in honey, more long-term human studies should be made between the honey and heart health benefits.
Health Benefit Of Honey #4: Improves Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an important factor in heart disease. Having high low-density lipoprotein levels is a major risk factor. These lead to a fatty buildup in the arteries which lead to strokes and heart attacks. There have been studies that honey has an effect on lipid profiles.
In one study, seventy grams of honey was given to a group of healthy subjects for four weeks while controlling their diet. It was shown that levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triglyceride levels were decreased 4https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25226738. Another study done with subjects with elevated risk factors had also shown that consumption of natural honey reduced total cholesterol and triglyceride levels 5https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18454257.
Health Benefit Of Honey #5: Lowers Blood Pressure
As we have talked about honey’s benefits in heart health and cholesterol levels, it also helps lower blood pressure. As blood pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease, honey has shown to help lower blood pressure.
Antioxidant compounds have been shown to lower blood pressure. Honey contains vitamin C, flavonoids, and polyphenolics. A study has shown that regular intake of flavonoids is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases 6https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3005390/. A study regarding the consumption of honey and its effect on blood pressure was also conducted. Although more studies should be conducted, it resulted that moderate changes in blood pressure responded to honey 7https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21673929.
Health Benefit Of Honey #6: Cough Suppressant And Soothes A Sore Throat
There are many over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms of a sore throat and cough. With the emerging number of people who would like to take the natural route, honey provides similar benefits for alleviating upper respiratory infections.
As cough medications may not give the relief children and adults need, perhaps adding honey in their diet will. Studies have been shown that honey actually works as a treatment for a cough and reduces mucus secretion 8https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4264806/. In one study, the consumption of honey gave more symptomatic relief of their child’s cough and sleep difficulty due to infection. Honey can be a preferable treatment for a cough and sleep difficulty in children 9https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18056558.
Health Benefit Of Honey #7: Helps With Digestive Issues
As honey is a popular remedy for colds and coughs, it can also help with all kinds of digestive problems such as constipation and ulcers. Many medications can help to alleviate symptoms. Honey is a food filled with nutrients that can naturally help alleviate symptoms.
A type of honey, Manuka, has shown to help with digestive problems. As Manuka honey is made in Australia and New Zealand by the Manuka bush, this type of honey has shown to have digestive health benefits. In a study with thirty-one patients, it resulted in reducing the inflammation and ulceration in mucous membranes from the esophagus to the digestive tract 10https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21636188.
Health Benefit Of Honey #8: Heals Wounds
Honey has antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidants which make this substance good for treating wounds. Strong evidence in many research studies has shown that honey has helped wound healing.
In one study, fifty-nine patients with ulcers and wounds had failed to heal with conventional treatment. Fifty-eight cases were treated with raw honey and showed significant improvement after the application of the honey 11https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2011/526901/abs/. The wounds that were infected became sterile after one week of the topically applied honey.
In the United Kingdom, the Royal Surrey County Hospital has been using Manuka honey-impregnated dressings in their wound care clinic for over a year 12https://www.bjoms.com/article/S0266-4356(06)00186-0/abstract. Manuka honey is made with pollen gathered from the flowers of the Manuka bush. Clinical trials were seen to help treat bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus.
Health Benefit Of Honey #9: Contains Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are compounds that are contained in plants that provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. Honey is made from plants so they are a rich source of phytonutrients, which is valuable to human health. Honey should be consumed raw since processing can destroy these nutrients.
Phytonutrients are needed in the body because they fight inflammation in the body which is linked to diseases such as heart disease, arthritis, cancer, and more. It can help reduce symptoms and risk factors for obtaining such diseases. Phytonutrients in honey can also shield the body from free radicals that damage our cells and can cause harm to the body.
Health Benefit Of Honey #10: Reduce Allergy Symptoms
Seasonal allergies consist of symptoms of coughing, sore throat, watery eyes, and more. Allergies happen when the body responds to foreign particles such as pollen. There are studies on both sides of the fence which support the use of honey and alleviations of symptoms.
In one study, pasteurized honey was compared to local honey on people with allergy symptoms. It showed that the group who were given honey did not experience relief from their seasonal allergies [^13]. However, in another study, it resulted in positive treatment for those with allergic rhinitis with a consumption of a high dose of honey [^14]. Conflicting studies show that studies that are more particular in the type of honey and type of symptoms should be assessed.
