The Surprising Nutritional Benefits Of Honey

By Marissa Velazquez


Honey is produced by honey bees who use the nectar from flowers which they regurgitate and evaporation occurs. The nutritional benefits of honey have been written about in Vedic, Greek, and Roman texts. It's healing properties were referred to by scientists and philosophers since ancient times.

It contains high levels of glucose, fructose, and monosaccharides. With nearly 70-80 percent sugar it is no wonder it tastes so sweet, the rest of it's composition is made up of water and minerals. It possesses antibacterial and antiseptic properties and has been used in wound management. But many of the health claims made about it have yet to be scientifically proven.

With a higher pH level, 3.2 to 4.5, it prevents the growth of bacteria as well as possessing antioxidant properties. Ayurvedics have used it as a medicine for over 4 thousand years for balancing the body. Ancient Greeks ate it in the hopes of prolonging their lives. Egyptians made healing compounds with it over 5 thousand years ago. And pre-Ancient Egyptians treated wounds with it by applying it topically. It will take on the flavor of the flora where the bee collected the nectar, so there can be a lot of variety in the end product.

Medically there are many reported cases of success such as minimizing the duration of diarrhea in children and infants. It has been used as a substitute for glucose in oral rehydration. It has also been used to shorten the duration of acute diarrhea. Children and infants with gastroenteritis have had great success with rehydration, and it has been shown to be helpful in the prevention of GERD.

People have reported the use of honey in treating wounds. Applied topically it can work like an antibiotic. It may be used to help heal burns, but this has not been proven. There is some research that shows it can minimize seasonal allergies, it is great for soothing a cough. Manuka honey was found to be effective in killing bacteria by destroying bacterial proteins. Some studies have shown it to be effective in treating MRSA infections.

Taken in it's organic and raw form, it is chock full of minerals, enzymes, and vitamins to protect the body from bacteria and give a boost to the immune system. Sore throats, congestion, coughs, flu and cold symptoms can be alleviated. Make a warm drink to improve the immune system with 1 to 2 teaspoons in a cup of warm water, infuse with a little cinnamon and lemon juice for extra healthy benefits.

It can be found in many organic skincare lines. It soothes inflammation, relieves dryness, and is great in treating skin conditions that include eczema, ring worm, and psoriasis. Apply a little to blemishes in the evening and let set overnight. In the morning wash it off for a clearer complexion.

As a beverage first thing in the morning, a little warm water, lemon, and honey can flush out toxins, cleanse the liver, and flush out fat. Mix in a little cinnamon to reduce cholesterol by 10 percent and revitalize the arteries and veins in the heart. A great reliever of indigestion, it reduces stomach acidity and neutralizes gas before a big meal. There are so many nutritional benefits of honey, it offers a source of sugar and calories, an energy boost, and tastes great.




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