Honey is one of the earliest foods of man; it has been eaten and used as medicine since prehistoric times. There are many studies that have proved the nutritional and medicinal value of honey and it is even used in making some drugs and healing ointment.
The type of honey I am talking about here is pure raw natural honey; not filtered, processed or adulterated honey. That is because those ones have compromised nutritional status and their medicinal properties can be questioned. Raw honey has its nutrients and medicinal properties intact. Below are some of the tremendous health benefits of natural honey.
Wound Healing
Raw honey foster the quick healing of wounds and also prevents wound infections because it is rich in antibacterial properties. Raw natural honey is even infused in some bandages. It is used in making commercial dressing gels and disinfectants. It can treat chronic leg ulcers and pressure sores. Raw natural honey also nourishes the surrounding tissues around the wound.
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It reacts with the fluids in the body to create hydrogen peroxide which is able to prevent the growth and activities of microbes. It is one of the top home remedies for wounds. Put honey directly on the affected skin part and cover it with bandage. The dressing should be changed after 24 hours and some can be left for longer depending on the nature of the wound. It also reduces the pain, size and odor of the wound.
Treats Cough
Honey is effective in treating cough and putting cold at bay. It is also used as a natural cough syrup and it has been found to be more effective than most OTC cough syrups. A tablespoon of raw honey can help reduce mucous secretion and cough. Take it at night when going to bed to help you relive cough and sleep better. It also calm inflamed membranes and is effective in relieving the symptoms of cold. Natural honey can treat sore throat and any other infections in the throat.
Heals Heartburn and Acid Reflux
Honey has heals the esophagus and repairs damages thereby preventing GERD; kills the bacteria H. pylori and prevent heartburn, acid reflux and gastro esophageal reflux and relives the symptoms of these conditions. It also supports normal digestion and this will prevent digestive problems and disorders which can lead to these conditions.
Gives More Energy
Honey is rich in many nutrients and this is why it is able to release these nutrients in the body which will lead to increase levels of energy. Honey is said to be made up of 80% natural sugar, 18% water and 2% of vitamins, proteins, pollens and minerals. It releases glycogen to the body when ingested and this form of energy is easily absorbed by the body.
This is why it is termed “the perfect running fuel”, it is even taken by athletes before workouts and taking it during breakfast boosts energy for the rest of the day. It also helps one to recover fast from fatigue.
Aids Sleep
Honey makes one sleep well at night; it is used in treating insomnia and other sleep problems. It supplies the body with glycogen and prevents the brain from searching for fuel at night and this is what causes sleeplessness. Another way honey aids restorative sleep is by triggering the release of insulin in the bloodstream slightly.
This makes the brain release tryptophan, which the body converts to serotonin then melatonin. This compound melatonin boosts deep and healthy sleep; if you are suffering from insomnia, it is advisable to take a tablespoon of honey at night before going to bed.
Boosts Fertility
Low libido is a risk factor for infertility; honey is a natural aphrodisiac and so it is used to increase sexual urge. It restores the normal levels of sex hormones in both sexes. Honey raises the levels of testosterone in men and it is also effective in raising the levels of estrogen in women. It is even in record that Hippocrates used honey to boost sex drive in his patients when treating infertility.
Prevents Chronic Diseases
When consumed regularly; honey can prevent chronic diseases which are the biggest killer diseases on the planet. The risk factors for chronic diseases are high blood pressure, high levels of sugar in the blood, high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in the bloodstream and honey is effective in bring down their levels thereby reducing the risk of one getting chronic diseases.
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High blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol in the blood can lead to stroke and heart attack; they can even cause atherosclerosis. High levels of triglycerides can lead to insulin resistance which can lead to type II diabetes. Take honey regularly to cut the risk of all these chronic diseases.
It’s Anti Cancer
Due to its rich content of cancer fighting phytochemicals; honey can fight the growth of cancer cells and stop new ones from forming. Pure honey is rich in flavonoids and phenolic compounds which are powerful anticancer compounds. They are also rich in powerful phytochemicals that can heal and repair the cells of your body. When fighting cancer; ensure you take a tablespoon of raw honey daily to help you overcome the disease.
Boost Immune Function
A weak or suppressed immune system makes the body susceptible and puts it at risk of any illnesses and infections. One way to boost your immune system is to take a tablespoon of raw honey daily; it will also help to build and repair the body. It also helps the digestive system which is part of the immune system and it will improve your health in general. Just make sure that the honey you are taking is pure and not adulterated or filtered.
Beautify the Skin
Honey can make the skin flawless and that is why it is used in many beauty and cosmetic products; it moisturizes the skin and gives it a healthy glow. It also combats acne, dry skin, flaky skin, eczema, inflammation and other skin problems and it clears spots on the skin. Take a tablespoon of honey daily and you can make face mask using pure honey to clear your face from spots, removes wrinkles, age lines and scars. Effective face masks to try are honey and lemon, honey and cinnamon or honey and Aloe Vera face masks.
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Please note that it is not safe to give honey to kids below one year of age; they can be infected with botulism which can land them in the intensive care unit (ICU) because their immune system is not yet strong to fight off botulism spores.
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