Honeybees produce a syrupy liquid from plant nectar. It's used in a lot of dishes and foods because of its deep flavor and sweetness.
Honey comes in a wide variety of flavors, colors, and aromas depending on the flower from which it is made.
Honey is used in numerous home remedies and alternative medicine treatments and may have a number of health benefits.
Benefits
High in antioxidants
Fresh, minimally processed, unheated honey of high quality contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, two important bioactive plant compounds, as well as antioxidants. Antioxidants tend to be more abundant in darker varieties than in lighter ones.
Your body's reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can accumulate in cells and cause damage, are neutralized by antioxidants. Premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease are all linked to this damage.
As a result, the antioxidant content of honey is responsible for many of its health benefits.
Contains a wide range of nutrients
One tablespoon (20 grams) of honey contains the following nutrients:
Calories: 61
Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Carbs: 17 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Riboflavin: 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
Copper: 1% of the DV
Copper: Almost all of the DV
Honey contains only a trace amount of protein and fiber, is essentially sugar, and does not contain any fat. Some nutrients are present in trace amounts, but most people don't consume enough honey to make it a significant vitamin and mineral source.
Nevertheless, it is important to note that honey contains a lot of polyphenols plant compounds that are good for health.
Better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar
Honey may have some slight advantages over regular sugar when it comes to managing blood sugar levels.
Despite the fact that honey, like other sugars, raises blood sugar, its antioxidants may help prevent metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar and reduces inflammation, may rise in honey, according to research.
Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest that people with type 2 diabetes who consume honey on a daily basis may see an improvement in their fasting blood sugar levels.
Despite the fact that honey may be slightly better for diabetics than refined sugar, it should still be consumed in moderation.
Additionally, it's important to know that some kinds of honey can be diluted with plain syrup. Even though it is against the law in most countries to alter honey, it still affects many people.
Honey is a simple food to incorporate into your diet.
Honey can be used in any way that sugar would be used to get a small boost of antioxidants. It adds a great deal of sweetness to plain yogurt, coffee, and tea. Additionally, you can use it in baking and cooking.
It can be used to treat coughs or applied directly to minor burns or wounds as a home remedy.
Keep in mind that honey poses a risk of botulism to infants younger than one year of age.
Also, remember that honey is a kind of sugar, so eating it will make your blood sugar go up.
In addition, eating a lot of honey, especially over a long period of time, can make you gain weight and increase your risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. As a result, maintain a moderate to low intake.
May reduce children's coughing
Coughing is a common symptom of upper respiratory infection in children. Sleep and quality of life can be negatively impacted by these infections for both parents and children.
However, common cough medications can be harmful and not always work. Interestingly, there is evidence to suggest that honey is an effective treatment option, making it a potential alternative.
Honey appears to be more effective than diphenhydramine for cough symptoms, according to a review of several studies on the topic of honey and cough in children. It might also help shorten the duration of a cough.
According toanother review, it may also improve the quality of sleep for parents and coughing children. Additionally, unlike some cough medications, honey does not cause any adverse effects.
However, due to the possibility of botulism, honey should never be given to children under one year of age.
May benefit heart health
Honey may also aid in heart disease prevention.
Honey may help regulate your heartbeat, lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, and prevent the death of healthy cells, all of which can improve your heart's function and health, according to one review.
A moderate honey intake was associated with a lower risk of high blood pressure among women in one observational study involving over 4,500 people over the age of 40.
In addition, a promising study on rats demonstrated that honey protected the heart from oxidative stress.
Additionally, propolis, a type of resin that bees produce from sap-producing trees and other plants, is typically present in raw honey. Propolis may lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels
There is no long-term human study on the relationship between honey and heart health. To better comprehend honey's effects on heart health, more research is required.
Improves wound and burn healing
Honey applied topically has been used to treat burns and wounds since ancient Egypt. The practice still occurs frequently today.
According to a review of 26 studies on honey and wound care, it heals wounds that have become infected after surgery and burns with a partial thickness.
Additionally, diabetic foot ulcers, which are serious complications that can necessitate amputation, can be effectively treated with honey.
A 43.3% success rate with honey as a wound treatment was reported in one study that included diabetic foot ulcer patients. A different study found that topical honey healed ulcers caused by diabetes in 97% of participants.
Researchers believe that honey's antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties are the source of its healing properties.
Additionally, it may assist in the treatment of psoriasis and herpes lesions, as well as other skin conditions.
Manuka honey is thought to be particularly useful for treating burns. However, you should seek medical attention right away if you have a severe burn.
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