The seven benefits of honey for our health
Today we're talking about a food that we at Fine Taste love in particular: honey.
Let's start with the definition: what is honey?
Honey is a syrupy liquid that bees produce from plant nectar. Universal product, loved all over the world for its sweetness and depth of flavor, it is used for the preparation of many foods and recipes.
The smell, color, consistency and flavor of honey vary depending on the type of flowers from which it is obtained; hence, there are countless varieties available in the market.
Honey has a number of potential health benefits and plays an important role in many home remedies and alternative medicine treatments.
Here are the seven benefits of honey for our health:
1) Contains a remarkable variety of nutrients
One tablespoon (20 grams) of honey contains:
Calories: 61
Fat: 0 grams
Protein: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 17 grams
Fiber: 0 grams
Riboflavin: 1% of the daily value to be taken
Copper: 1% of the daily value to be taken
Honey is essentially pure sugar, with no fat and only trace amounts of protein and fiber. It is extremely rich in the nutrients and health-promoting plant compounds, polyphenols.
2) Rich in antioxidants
High-quality honey – which is minimally processed, unheated and fresh – contains many important bioactive and antioxidant plant compounds, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. In general, darker varieties of honey tend to offer more antioxidants than lighter varieties.
Antioxidants help neutralize reactive oxygen species in the body, which can build up in cells and cause damage. This damage can contribute to conditions such as premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
As such, many of honey's health benefits are attributed to its antioxidant content.
3) Honey is recommended for blood sugar levels compared to traditional sugar
When it comes to blood sugar management, honey may offer some mild benefits over traditional sugar.
Although honey raises blood sugar levels just like other types of sugar do, the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Honey can increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation.
Daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, while honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should still be consumed in moderation and under close medical supervision.
4) It can improve heart health
Honey may also help prevent heart disease.
Honey can help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate heartbeat, and prevent the death of healthy cells – all of which can improve heart function and health.
Additionally, raw honey typically contains propolis, a type of resin that bees produce from sap-rich trees and similar plants. Propolis can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
5) Facilitates the healing of burns and wounds
Topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds and burns since ancient Egypt. The practice is still common today. Honey's healing powers come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Additionally, it can help treat other skin conditions, including psoriasis and herpes lesions.
6) It can help suppress cough in children
Coughing is a common problem for children with upper respiratory infections. These infections can affect sleep and quality of life for both children and parents.
Common cough medicines are not always effective and can have side effects. Honey can be a good alternative.
7) Easy to integrate into your daily diet
Honey is easy to integrate into your everyday diet. It can be used as an alternative to normal sugar. For example, it is great for sweetening plain yogurt, coffee or tea. It can also be used in cooking and baking. There are infinite ways in which it can be used, you just need to use a little imagination.
As a home remedy, it can be applied directly to minor burns or wounds or administered orally for coughs.
Obviously the daily consumption of honey must be moderate. Eating large amounts of honey, especially consistently over a long period, can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
As you may have understood, honey offers several potential health benefits thanks to the compounds it contains, such as antioxidants and propolis. It is a valid alternative to sugar and, above all, it is... delicious!
If you found this article of interest to you, try taking a look at our selection of honeys. You can find it here
