Honey is a sweet food substance produced from sugary secretions of various plants by bees. The demand for honey has increased significantly over the years due to its several health benefits
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The body easily absorbs the simple sugars in honey with minimal residual effects. Also, the fact that no microorganisms can survive in honey gives it the ability to be stored even for thousands of years. Therefore, local honey production has been rising, trying to meet the high demand for this precious product.
1- Improved Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar management is an important aspect of the contemporary world, especially with the rising number of diabetes cases. Honey raises the blood sugar levels just like other sugars; however, the antioxidants it contains help in protecting you against type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. People with type 2 diabetes may have some reprieve if they use honey because it improves their fasting capability.
2- Improved Heart Health
Several studies conducted by various universities indicate that honey may be used in preventing heart diseases. Honey is useful in lowering blood pressure, regulating one’s heartbeat, and improving the fat levels in the blood. Moreover, honey prevents healthy cells from dying, which generally improves your heart’s functioning.
3- Improved Burn and Wound Healing
Honey has been used for thousands of years to heal burns and wounds through topical treatment. The curative powers are derived from the anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of honey. Manuka honey is used to treat minor burns, but doctors should handle more serious burns.
Several studies have indicated that treating foot ulcers with honey in diabetes patients has a success rate of about 43%. Moreover, topical treatment in diabetic-related ulcers has a healing probability of 97%. Other skin conditions such as herpes lesions and psoriasis may be treated using honey.
4- Suppressing Coughing in Children
Children suffer from regular coughs, especially those with upper respiratory infections. This causes discomfort during nap time and reduces the quality of life for parents and children. Moreover, prescribed medication may significantly affect your child’s health.
Honey serves as a viable alternative for treating coughs in children compared to cough medication, especially diphenhydramine. Honey reduces cough duration in children, which helps in improving their sleep quality, but children below a year should not use honey as it causes botulism.
5- Strengthening Your Immunity
Honey’s infection-fighting properties greatly help in fighting fungal, bacterial, and viral infections. Honey is considered an immune-boosting food because it has many antioxidants that boost your immunity. Therefore, it is advisable to take honey every morning before starting your day.
6- Boosting Your Memory
Eating foods that improve brain power and memory is especially important as you approach old age. Honey helps prevent metabolic stress, which calms and soothes the mind, which in the long run augments your memory. Receding cells that cause memory loss are taken care of by honey’s antioxidants. Other therapeutic nutrients contained in honey help to boost your brain’s vital cholinergic system.