Chances are you have a jar of honey in your cupboard that you bring out when you make yourself a cup of tea or to spread on some toast.
We may not give this natural sweetener a second thought, but this powerful nectar actually has some surprising health benefits you may have not considered.
Before we get into the what can do for a body, let's look at why it's so good.
Composed of mostly water and sugar, honey includes health-boosting vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium and potassium. It's also a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory which means that it can heal various areas of your body.
There are over 300 different kind of honey available in the United States. Each with a different color, flavor and aroma which is affected by the flower nectar and bees involved in making it.
So which type of honey is the best one to choose?
Many people believe that raw, unfiltered type is better for you. When it comes to topical treatments the pollen grains do have great antioxidant and antibiotic properties. As for eating though, processed or filtered honey boasts very similar properties to raw honey.
So what about those health benefits? Find out on the next page.
While there are a ton of ways to use honey, from a home remedy that cures a skin infection to alleviating allergies, there isn't a lot of research that proves these do in fact work.
However, there are 5 strong, scientifically-proven perks to nature's sweetener.
Improves Memory
A daily dose of honey (about 3 teaspoons) could help improve the memory of postmenopausal women, according to a 2011 study. After 16 weeks of the new regiment participants' short-term memory had improved just as much as those who received estrogen and progestin therapy.
Suppress a Cough
We all know the phrase "a spoonful of sugar, helps the medicine go down", well someone needs to tell Mary Poppins that a spoonful of honey can help the cough go away!
In a 2012 study, children with upper respiratory tract infections who drank 1.5 teaspoons of eucalyptus, citrus or labiatae honey 30 minutes before bedtime saw more cough relief and slept better than kids who received the placebo.
Heal Cuts and Scrapes
Have you ever thought of adding honey to your first-aid kit? Because of honey's antibacterial properties it can clean wounds, reduce inflammation and promote new tissue growth according to a 2017 study.
To apply it, just add some honey on a bandage and cover the affected area. Researchers found this was more effective than applying it directly onto the wound.
Soothe Burns
When you accidentally touch the stove or your hair straightener, it can really hurt! Take the sting out of the burn with a little bit of honey. Not only will it help soothe the skin and reduce discomfort but, according to a 2013 study, it will also actually help the burn heal faster.
Helps Soothe Acid Reflux
When you consume honey it helps to line the esophagus which contributes to healing inflammation or damage caused by acid reflux. Some say that honey also helps to keep digestion going smoothly because it contains enzymes that aid the digestive system.
If you deal with acid reflux, consume one teaspoon before each major meal and consider adding it to a cup of warm tea before bed.
What's your favorite way to enjoy honey?
Source: Good Housekeeping / Well-Being Secrets
