Honey Health Benefits: Ten Sweet Discoveries

Since ancient times honey has been valued not only as a deliciously sweet golden nectar but for its health benefits.

1. Valuable Nutrition: Honey contains small amounts of a wide array of vitamins and minerals, including niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, copper, iodine and zinc. Honey contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 and several kinds of hormones in amounts which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen.


2. Antioxidant: Research indicates that honey contains numerous antioxidants, depending largely upon the floral source of the honey. Darker honeys are generally higher in antioxidant content than lighter honeys and have been shown to be similar in antioxidant capacity to many fruits and vegetables on a dry weight basis. Antioxidants are compounds found in cells that 'mop up' free radicals, the damaging byproducts of normal metabolism.


3. Skin and Beauty: Honey is chock full of moisture binding humectants containing vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, which are wonderful beauty aids that nourish the hair, skin and the body. Honey can be used on just about every body part and is sometimes used to soften scar tissue and encourage the growth of new skin. Honey is rich and thick, making it an effective moisturizer.


4. Weight Loss: If you are trying to lose weight, honey can be of great help to you. Common refined dietary sugars in our food supply lack minerals and vitamins and are called empty calories for this reason. They need nutrients from our bodies in order to metabolize our cholesterol and fats. When our bodies lack these nutrients, metabolism is impeded. On the contrary, honey contains 22 amino acids and a variety of minerals essential for its metabolism and therefore helps you in reducing weight.


5. Insomnia: Honey can help you sleep. Eating honey raises your blood sugar level slightly. This results in a controlled increase of insulin, which then causes the amino acid trytophan to enter your brain. The trytophan is converted into serotonin, which promotes relaxation. Finally, in the pineal gland, with the aid of darkness, the serotonin is converted into melatonin, a well know cure for sleeping disorders. Honey also contains the ideal 1:1 ratio of fructose to glucose making it a super food for glycogen storage. Sufficient glycogen storage is necessary for restful sleep. When your liver runs out of glycogen at night, your brain starts to trigger stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin to convert protein muscle into glucose.


6. Coughs: Several studies have shown that buckwheat honey is as effective as over-the-counter cough suppressants. Parents frequently report that it helps children the sleep without coughing all night. Honey is remedial in cases of persistent coughs and sore throat. The strong antibiotic properties it contains coats the throat and reduces irritation. Note: Pediatricians do not recommend giving honey to children under 1 year of age because of the risk of botulism spores.


7. Wound Healing: Honey has been used in wound treatment since ancient times. Raw honey makes a sterile, painless and effective wound dressing. Apply it directly to open cuts, abrasions and burns, and cover it with a piece of gauze. The results will occur quicker than with conventional alternatives, such as salves and creams. Current interest in medicinal honey focuses largely on its antibacterial effects. Other areas of study are concerned with how honey may help the body remove dead tissue and provide a favorable environment for the growth of new healthy tissue.


8. Hair Conditioner: Honey is a natural humectant, which means it attracts and holds on to water molecules, making a great treatment for dry, damaged hair. To feed your hair and scalp, mix honey with an equal quantity of olive oil, cover head with a warm tower for half an hour then shampoo off. Or add a tablespoon of honey and oil to your conditioner, let penetrate for 20-30 minutes and then rinse thoroughly. Despite its sticky texture, the honey treatment will rinse easily from the hair, as long as you are using equal parts of honey and oil.


9. Stomach and Digestion: The enzymes present in honey aid in digestion of food, especially raw sugars and starch. The difference between common sugar and honey is that, the sugars contained in honey are predigested by the bees and can be quickly and easily absorbed in the human digestive tract. Thus it is quite useful for digestive disorders. Honey can help to heal ulcers and upset stomachs. It has also been proven to regulate intestinal function, alleviating both constipation and diarrhea.


10. Improve Athletic Performance: Ancient Greek athletes took honey for stamina before competing and as a reviver after competition. Honey is known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting performance, endurance and reducing muscle fatigue. The glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy. and is especially useful in fitness for energy and stamina.

Enjoy the many benefits of honey. Visit Bentley's Honey Store.