You may have heard that honey has a lot of health benefits but how do you know if it’s worth adding to your diet? Well, it turns out that honey has been to treat a number of health issues for years and recent studies have shown that you might be missing out if you’re not having a little honey.
10 Great Health Benefits Of Honey
1. It Can Be Great For Your Heart
Honey is a great source of antioxidants and these are known for reducing inflammation in the body. One organ that benefits from this is your heart. Generally, if you have a diet that’s high in antioxidants, you’re less likely to develop heart disease.
2. It Can Soothe Your Stomach
Studies suggest that honey can help to ease gastrointestinal issues like an upset stomach and diarrhea. If you’re already having diarrhea, honey can sometimes help to rehydrate you.
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3. It Can Ease Your Cough
This one might not be surprising but honey has been known to help with coughs. Not only does it soothe an irritated throat, but it can also reduce coughing overall.
4. It Can Help With Depression
According to recent studies, honey can have some anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. That means just a tablespoon of honey can greatly improve your mood.
5. It Might Boost Your Immune System
The combination of its antimicrobial properties and antioxidant content suggests that honey can boost your immune system. Experts recommend having honey daily to help.
6. It Can Help With Weight Management
Though more research needs to be done, there’s some evidence that honey can help with maintaining a healthy weight. It might increase your overall metabolism and if you have a little honey with warm water, it might help you to feel full.
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7. It Can Help You Sleep Well
If you need a good night’s sleep, having a tablespoon of honey before bed might be the way to go. You can have it by yourself or in a cup of tea.
8. It Might Improve Your Memory
As mentioned previously, honey can be good for the brain. That includes your cognitive function and memory.
9. It Can Ease Sinus Problems
This benefit is related to honey’s antimicrobial properties. If your sinuses are clogged because of an infection, it’s possible that honey can help to relieve the pressure.
10. It Can Help Maintain Healthy Gums
Once again, honey’s antimicrobial properties come to the rescue. A few studies suggest that having honey regularly can reduce your likelihood of developing gum disease.
Should You Get Raw Or Pasteurized Honey?
There are usually two types of honey on the market - raw and pasteurized. Most of the honey that’s on the shelf is pasteurized, which means it’s been heat treated to remove harmful microorganisms. However, it also means that some of the nutrients have been reduced. That reduction is why some people opt for raw honey, instead. If you’re interested in that route, it’s a good idea to buy directly from a trusted source.
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Potential Risks Of Using Honey
While honey is generally considered safe, there are a couple of possible risks. Honey should never be given to children under the age of one as it can cause infant botulism. Some people can also have an allergic reaction to honey, which is related to bee pollen. If you’re allergic, a few of the symptoms to expect are wheezing, vomiting, stinging, weakness, and fainting. To be on the safe side, you should try a small amount and assess any changes. Finally, those who have diabetes should treat honey in the same way as they would sugar as it will affect the blood sugar level.
There’s no doubt that honey has some health benefits that you should take advantage of. If you’re living with diabetes or have concerns about allergies, talk to your doctor first.
