Health Benefits of Honey| Health Benefits of Honey |
HEALTH BENEFITS OF HONEY
Raw, unheated honey is recommended for the following benefits, as the naturally occurring enzymes, vitamins and minerals remain intact.
ANTI-BACTERIALThe anti-bacterial properties of honey, both the peroxide and non-peroxide, are effective in the laboratory against MRSA strains of bacteria which are notoriously resistant to antibiotics. Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties (bacteria-killing) increase twofold when diluted with water. This makes honey an excellent natural remedy for the relief of the symptoms of colds, coughs, sore throats and the flu.
ANTISEPTIC, ANTIMICROBIAL, & ANTI-INFLAMMATORYHoney is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in which honey was employed to treat wounds. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. Many types of bacteria cannot survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling deminishes and tissue can grow back. As an anti-inflammatory, honey helps to heal wounds more quickly. Also, its phytochemicals- chemicals found in plants and different foods- that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus, making it a good substitute for wound dressings.
LEG ULCERS, STOMACH ULCERS & BURNSHoney is also effective in the treatment of your leg ulcers, as well as stomach ulcers and burns. Honey not only prevents infections from occurring, it actually accelerates skin healing. Honey is hygroscopic, which means when exposed to air, it naturally absorbs moisture in from the air. Thus, it helps to trap some of the moisture so that the bacteria and other microbes cannot grow as easily as in other food. In treating open wounds, honey can help prevent scarring by keeping the skin moist, encouraging the growth of new tissues, and allowing easy removal of any dressing by preventing dressing from becoming stuck to the skin.
One study in India compared the wound-healing effects of honey to a conventional treatment (silver sulfadiazene) in 104 first-degree burns patients. After one week of treatment, 91 percent of honey treated burns were infection free, compared with ony 7 percent receiving conventional treatment. Finally, a greater percentage of patients' burns were healed more readily in the honey-treated group. Another study examined the wound-healing benefits of honey applied topically to patients following Caesarean section and hysterectomy. Compared to the group receiving the standard solution of iodine and alcohol, the honey-treated group was infection free in fewer days, healed more cleanly and had a reduced hospital stays.
 DIARRHEA & STOMACH UPSETSIn treating diarrhea, honey promotes rehydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach uspets.INSTANT ENERGY BOOSTHoney is easily digested, because the sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose). Therefore, next time you go to the gym, have a spoonful of honey- the easy absorption with provide an instant energy boost with long-lasting effects.PREVENTION OF SEASONAL ALLERGIESHoney from your local area may prevent seasonal allergies. Bees gather pollen from local plants which eventually end up in your honey.GOOD FOR SKINHoney may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. It is also safe for sensitive skin.SORE THROATFor a sore throat, eat a spoonful of honey. It's powerful antimicrobial properties can soothe your raw tissue. Add a squeeze of lemon, with no water, and take every few hours until symptoms disappear.100% FAT FREEHoney is 100% fat-free, with a low calorie level. In fact, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body.REDUCES FATIGUEThe free sugar molecules in honey make the brain funcion better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar, thus, reduces fatigue.PREVENTION OF CANCER & HEART DISEASEBeing a good source of antioxidants, honey can play a role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease. Phytonutrients which can be found in raw (unheated) honey have been shown to possess cancer-preventing and anti-tumor properties. These substances include caffeic acid methyl caffeate, phenylethyl caffeate, and phenylethyl dimethycaffeate. Researchers have discovered that these substances prevent colon cancer in animals by shutting down activity of two enzymes, phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C and lipoxygenase.AIDS IN BLOOD FORMATIONHoney provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.############################################################################################################################ INFANTS AND HONEYBe aware that honey should not be fed to infants younger than one year of age. Infants are susceptible to the disease, infant botulism, which is caused by spores of the bacteriumClostridium botulinum. Traces of C. botulinum to honey are rare, but can occur. Because infants lack fully developed gastrointestinal tracts, it is reccommended honey only be fed to babies one year and older.
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