Honey has been known as a natural sweetener for centuries before sugar got popular. The sweet nectar has been widely acknowledged for its nutritional as well as medicinal benefits. The health benefits of honey can be equated to the vast therapeutic powers a pot of liquid gold can hold.
Over 60,000 honeybees are needed to make one pound of organic raw honey. The nutritional benefits depend on the types of honey. One tbsp of raw honey contains 64 calories. It is cholesterol free, fat free and sodium free. It is made of 80% carbohydrates, 18% water, vitamins and minerals. Raw honey is the unpasteurized version of the final product which differs only in its filtration that helps in improving its shelf life.
1) Treats wounds
Honey was used in treatment of wounds and infections until penicillin was used. The benefits of raw honey is coming back in fashion for fighting skin infections due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
2) Excellent for treating cough
A spoonful of honey can help you soothe those pesky colds and cough. In fact, the World Health Organization has identified honey as an effective demulcent - a substance which relieves mouth and throat irritation by forming a film over the surface.
A tablespoonful of honey gives 17 gm. of carbohydrates — all in the form of fructose and glucose which are the simplest form of sugars. They directly enter the bloodstream giving a quick energy boost. Perfect for a short sugar boost in your workout routines to help you go that extra mile.
4) Reduces allergy symptoms
It is believed that the anti inflammatory properties of locally produced honey can help in reducing symptoms of allergy. One theory is that the pollen found in honey, can trigger a response to produce antibodies to it, which over a period of time can reduce the levels of histamine. But remember — locally produced honey. Honey from a different country may not be of any use at all as you may not be allergic to those pollens in the first place.
5) Improves sleep
Honey is commonly given for insomnia. Honey releases a hormone called serotonin that gets converted to melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep/awake cycle. Honey also contains tryptophan, a type of protein that enters the brain to manufacture serotonin. Raw honey can even be used for anxiety treatment for this same reason.
6) Memory booster
This pot of nectar is packed with antioxidants that fight cellular damage in the brain. Honey also helps the body absorb calcium which keeps the brain healthy. A spoonful of honey can help people reduce the risk of dementia and other memory related disorders in old people.