21 Science-Backed Health Benefits of Honey   

Why Honey

 

If you’re not taking full advantage of the nutritional and medicinal properties of honey, it’s time to begin doing so because honey is a remarkable healing agent for all sorts of ailments.

People have been using honey for its antibacterial and antifungal properties since the ancient times.

In fact, the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians documented the healing properties of honey as early as Aristotle’s mention of it in 384 BC.

Even King Solomon of the Bible said, “My son, eat thou honey, for it is good.”

Honey is certainly an old product that has won over the hearts of many in the natural healing niche.

Honey is the way to go not just to replace sugar, but to add nutrition and wellness to your life.

At its basic makeup, one tablespoon of honey is about 64 calories and has no fat or cholesterol.

It includes vitamins, trace enzymes, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, iron, sodium chlorine, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium.

Because of its bend toward the acidic PH level (3.2 to 4.5), it helps reduce bacteria growth and the antioxidant properties help it wipe out some free radicals.

It is perhaps one of the best sweeteners on the planet and we all know that we could use less processed sugar!           

 

The Process of Making Honey

 

You’d be surprised to know the effort that goes into making honey as it’s not just your run-of-the-mill kind of process.

Bee experts assert that to make one pound of honey, it takes approximately 60,000 bees traveling to possibly 2 million flowers (around 55,000 miles) to extract enough nectar.

That’s a lot of teamwork and it takes a lot of time!

Did you know that bees have an extra stomach that they store the nectar in?

Yes, these lucky bees get to have two stomachs to ingest their favorite food – pollen.

In the extra stomach, the nectar from the pollen they gather mixes with enzymes, which the bee regurgitates (vomits) right into another bee’s mouth.

Sounds gross, but it’s actually very natural and not as dirty as it sounds.

This process keeps repeating until the nectar is partially digested.

It then gets stored in a honeycomb and the bees use their wings to fan the liquid nectar to make it thicker.

Afterward, a liquid which seals the nectar is secreted from the bee’s abdomen and the nectar is hardened into beeswax.

If you haven’t taken a look at a bunch of bees hovering in and around a honeycomb, it’s actually very interesting!

Let’s take a look at the health benefits of honey so that more and more people will take advantage of this natural healing and health aid.

It is important to note right up front that you should not give honey to an infant because their immune and digestive systems are still developing.

Should the honey have botulism in it, their little bodies aren’t quite ready to fight it off like that of a child or adult.

 

 

Helps with Allergies

 

Because of honey’s anti-inflammatory properties, it is able to help reduce allergy symptoms.

It acts as a natural vaccine because it contains little amounts of pollen.

Do you suffer with a runny nose and itchy eyes when allergy season hits?

Are you constantly popping Benadryl or using Nasonex nasal spray?

If so, honey will do you a world of good.

Once your body gets a small taste of the honey’s pollen, it will produce antibodies that will take care of that pollen, which means that your body will build up a defense against that allergy, over time.

It’s like your immune system gets a tiny hint of that pollen you’re allergic to and goes into attack mode.

Because it’s just a little bit of pollen, your immune system successfully attacks and kills it, building up immunity to it at the same time.

Pretty amazing, huh?

It is important to ingest honey that is from your local region as this is the honey that will contain pollen spores from the local flowers.

By taking a little bit of honey daily (a teaspoon is recommended), your body will build up a natural immunity to the allergens that would normally make you crazy with allergy symptoms.

Keep in mind that you should begin taking honey two to three months before allergy season to give your body time to build that immunity.

To obtain local honey, hit the farmers market, a co-op, or a natural health food store near you.

 

Energy Booster

 

Ever feel like lying your head down on your desk at work after lunch because you’re feeling completely zapped?

How about trouble getting moving in the morning?

Yes, our energy can surely fluctuate, so anytime we can utilize a natural energy booster, it’s certainly a win-win.

Because of its high carbohydrate load, honey is a wonderful source of unprocessed sugar energy.

The glucose and fructose hit the bloodstream quickly, which gives you the boost you need to get moving.

It’s a great way to start off a long exercise regimen.

Otherwise, include it with your breakfast every morning to give you the boost you need.

A great idea is to add a spoonful to a cup of hot tea, as well as cutting back on your coffee consumption; too much coffee does not really give you an energy boost.

 

You can also make some iced tea for the afternoon and sweeten it with a tablespoon of honey.

Heck, you might as well just carry a little jar with you to have on hand.

Just take one to two tablespoons of raw honey per day and keep it moving.

 

 

Memory Booster

 

As we age, we want to keep our memory sharp, so consuming foods that will give the memory a boost is recommended.

Antioxidants are fabulous for feeding the cells of your brain the food it needs to thrive.

You’ll find that there are plenty of antioxidants in honey , which can help keep your brain in tip-top shape.

In fact, research shows that honey may help postmenopausal women’s memory stay sharp by simply taking one spoonful each day.

Adding a teaspoon to a cup of tea each day is an easy and refreshing way to meet that quota.

Honey also helps the brain absorb calcium, which helps with memory as well.

Taking good care of your brain via consuming proper nutrition can decrease your chances of contending with dementia down the road.

 

 

Cough Suppressant

 

With the common cold being so prevalent, especially during winter months, it’s a great idea to have honey handy as it helps reduce a cough.

Sure, you can take over-the-counter cough syrups, but are you willing to ingest ingredients that are harsh on your immune system?

Not every ingredient in cough syrup screams health for your body, but honey is an old-fashioned cough remedy that is jam-packed with health benefits.

The honey coats the throat and keeps it calm by soothing the nerve endings that protect the throat.

    

Some doctors believe that two tablespoons of honey are just as effective as cough suppressants.

In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) gives credence to honey as a demulcent (something that relieves irritation or inflammation), which helps alleviate a cough due to the honey acting as a protective film over the throat.

Here is a great recipe for a honey lemon cough syrup that will surely help you out should you acquire a cough:

Honey Lemon Cough Syrup

You’ll need one lemon and some raw, unprocessed honey.

Look for such at a farmer’s market, co-op, or natural health food store in your locality.

Lemons are great at killing bacteria and, along with honey, soothing your throat.

To make this cough syrup, simply get a small pan out and heat a pint of raw honey at a low heat level.

Do not overheat honey, as this will alter its medicinal properties.

Afterwards, get a second pan and boil the whole lemon for a few minutes.

This will kill bacteria that may be on the lemon skin and soften the lemon.

Once the lemon cools, slice it and add it to the warm honey on the stove.

Simmer this concoction for one hour and then strain the lemon pieces from the honey mixture.

Cool the honey, put it in a bottle, and refrigerate.

 It can be kept for about two months.

If you have a cough, take 1 tablespoon up to 4 times a day.

Children between 25 and 50 pounds can be given half a teaspoon.

Do not give honey to infants under a year old as the honey irritates their digestive systems.

 

 

Helps with Sleeping

 

A good bit of the population has trouble falling or staying asleep, which can cause extreme fatigue and crankiness.

Instead of instantly resorting to sleep aids, think about natural remedies for the situation.

When those restless nights come, honey can certainly come to your rescue.

Here is a brief synopsis of the science behind why honey may help you fall asleep faster.

The sweetness of honey causes your insulin levels to rise, which in turn releases the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Then, the body converts serotonin to melatonin – a chemical that helps your body sleep.

In addition to serotonin, amino acids are found in honey , which contribute to the production of the amino acid tryptophan.

When tryptophan gets to the brain, it is converted into serotonin and, eventually, melatonin, so you have even more of it to help you sleep better.

Now that you understand that, go ahead and have a teaspoon of honey each evening as you wind down.

A couple of wonderful ways to do this is to add it to some chamomile tea or make yourself a glass of Golden Milk – an Ayurveda recipe that uses turmeric, honey, almond milk, and pepper to help reduce inflammation and calm the body for a good night’s rest.

Do some research on this ancient medicinal drink; you’ll find a plethora of helpful information on its benefits.

 

 

Helps with Dandruff

 

Have an itchy scalp?

Got dandruff issues?

Walking around scratching your scalp can be fairly embarrassing.

The good news is that researchers have found that when you apply a diluted solution of honey and water to the scalp and leave it on for a few hours, your scalp will get back to its healthy self in no time.

In fact, some people report that skin lesions completely heal after just a couple weeks of this remedy; others say that they saw an improvement in avoiding hair loss as well.

Honey works so well with scalp issues because of its antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties.

So feel free to lather up your head with some local honey and receive this deep type of conditioning for the scalp so that you won’t have to worry about dry, flaky scalp any longer.

You can even use honey if you don’t have any scalp issues; it will simply moisturize and give your hair a wonderful conditioning.

 

 

Helps with Scrapes and Burns

 

Because of its natural antibiotic nature, honey can help soothe and treat wounds and burns.

Got a scrape or wound?

Simply apply honey and it will help disinfect the wound from some serious bacteria like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

In fact, honey was used as an infection-fighting therapy for many years until penicillin came on the scene in the early 20th century.

Many turned to penicillin and the use of honey to treat infection waned.

Now, with so many people interested in getting back to natural remedies, honey has become much more popular for treating such cases.

A great honey for treating wounds and burns is Manuka honey which is made from the pollen from Manuka bush flowers.

One of my favorite Manuka honey is Wedderspoon 100% Raw Premium Manuka Honey which you can buy on Amazon.

There have been clinical studies done on this type of honey and it has been found that over 250 clinical strains of bacteria are treated by Manuka honey.

It has a special ingredient that makes it much more powerful than the other honey types.

 

No one knows exactly what the ingredient is, so it’s simply called the “Unique Manuka Factor” (UMF).

Even if you cannot obtain Manuka honey, any raw, unprocessed honey can help wounds and burns heal quickly.

Children love this type of remedy for their scrapes or burns because it does not sting them like hydrogen peroxide.

Offer them a small taste of the honey before applying it as they will learn that honey is super good for their bodies and hopefully continue to consume it throughout life.

 

 

Helps with Herpes

 

Dealing with herpes breakouts can surely be frustrating and sometimes the over-the-counter medications simply don’t work the way people would like them to.

Not to mention, many people don’t like to purchase herpes medication as they feel ashamed of their condition.

Those that contend with herpes will be relieved to hear that honey can help with symptoms of herpes because if applied on sores, it draws fluid away from them.

Furthermore, because honey has a high sugar value, it keeps microorganism growth to a minimum.

The nectar from the bees includes the enzyme glucose oxidase, which helps when the honey is applied to your wound because a little bit of hydrogen peroxide is released, cleansing the wound.

If you contend with herpes breakouts, do give honey a try to see if you get some relief and if the sores heal quicker.

Honey can be a safe, affordable healing agent that will certainly save you from spending big money on prescription or over-the-counter medicines that oftentimes come with side effects or toxic ingredients.

 

 

Can be Used as a Moisturizer

 

For those who like DIY home remedies, honey is a fantastic ingredient that will help restore moisture to your hands, feet, and entire body.

Since honey retains moisture quite well, you can add it to shampoos, conditioners, and moisturizers for wonderful results.

Here are several DIY honey home recipes you can use today:

Honey Body Moisturizer:

• Combine 5 TBS honey, 2 TBS rose oil, and 2 cups almond oil in a bottle and shake
• Use this moisturizer as often as you’d like

Honey Hair Conditioner:

• Combine ½ cup honey with ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Apply this to your hair and work it in well
• Use a shower cap to cover your hair for 30 minutes and then shampoo as you would normally

Honey Almond Exfoliating Scrub:

• Combine 3 teaspoons honey, 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil, and 6 TBS crushed almonds
• Apply to your face gently, rubbing it around, and rinse with warm water

 

 

Helps Soothe Acid Reflux

 

Honey has been known to help prevent Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and soothe acid reflux and heartburn.

The best type of honey to use for this is Manuka honey from New Zealand, but if you cannot purchase it, any raw, unprocessed honey will do.

There is quite a bit of research indicating that honey can help reduce symptoms associated with acid reflux and it can aid in healing the esophagus.

Perhaps not backed by as much evidence, but some say that honey will also heal H. pylori infections in the stomach, which are oftentimes the culprit for stomach ulcers.

What occurs when you consume honey is that it lines the esophagus, which helps heal inflammation or damage; this will ultimately help reduce GERD symptoms.

Some say that honey also helps keep digestion going smoothly because it contains certain enzymes that give the digestive system a boost.

 If you’re contending with acid reflux, consume one teaspoon before each major meal and consider adding it to a cup of warm tea before bed.

Do not give honey to an infant as their digestive systems are not fully developed yet and can make the infant very sick if, by chance, the honey has botulism in it.

 

 

Boosts the Immune System

 

The immune system is very important for good health because it wards off sickness and disease.

In a fast-paced world where many people complain of chronic stress, being able to use a natural substance to boost your immune system is a godsend.

If your immune system is running low, you’ll feel zapped and be more susceptible to sickness.

The good news is that regular consumption of honey can give your immune system a wonderful boost because it has anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

It can also help cleanse and build up your digestive system, which is essential for optimal health.

Here is a fabulous daily cleansing drink for you to try and give your body the boost it needs:

1. Get a warm glass of water and add ½ the juice from a lemon and a teaspoon of honey.
2. Mix it well and drink.
3. Do this each day in the morning or evening within a short period of time; you should notice that you’re feeling more energetic and perhaps even less stressed.

 

 

Helps Prevent and Fight Cancer

 

Yes, honey is another food that can help prevent or fight cancer because it has carcinogen-preventing properties and can help fight the growth of existing tumors.

Perhaps you’ve heard how cancer actually feeds on sugar, but honey does not have the same properties as sugar.

        

Honey has wonderful flavonoids and phenolic compounds that make it a superfood and give it anti-metastatic properties that can fight tumors and cancer.

More specifically, honey includes the phenolic compounds: gallic acid, chrysin, elegiac acid, p-Coumaric acid, syringic acid, ferulic acid, and caffeic acid; all are thought to contribute to the healing of the cells of the body.

The evidence of honey helping with the prevention and healing of cancer cells is growing and much more research needs to be done, but the initial findings are promising.

Regular consumption of raw, unprocessed honey can certainly be an easy and affordable way to give your body the boost it needs to ward off sickness.

 

 

Honey for Hangovers

 

Ah, waking up with a hangover is one of the worst feelings, right?

Even when you resolve to just “have a few”, sometimes you throw back more than your liver can handle and wake up feeling less than fine.

You throw a pillow over your head and vow to never drink that much again and try to go back to sleep.

You might even have to call in sick for work.

Yes, hangovers bite, but there are some things you can do to help make that hangover go away fast and consuming honey is one of them.

How does it help?

Honey helps your liver speed up the oxidation of the alcohol, which helps get the toxins out of your body faster.

That headache you feel is caused by the liver’s inability to process all of the toxins from the drinks you quickly consumed.

It takes time, but honey can help speed up that process.

Drinking lots of water is another great way to get over hangovers faster. Here is a great recipe for the hangover blues:

Hangover Blues Smoothie

When you’ve got the hangover blues, feel free to use honey to help you get to feeling back to normal.

There’s nothing worse than trying to tackle the day with a pounding headache and nausea.

Simply add 1 tablespoon of honey to 2 cups of orange juice and 1 cup of Greek yogurt or Kefir.

Blend these ingredients until smooth and drink up.

 

 

Helps with Acne

 

No one likes to contend with acne.

Whether you’re an adolescent or an adult, if you’re struggling with acne, consider adding honey to your diet and applying it to affected areas.

It contains humectants that moisturize your skin and have the ability to kill the bacteria that is causing your acne.

There are several ways you can use honey to help reduce acne.

A great way to fight acne is to apply raw, unprocessed honey to the areas on your body that are prone to it; these areas usually being the face, chest, or back.

Leave the honey on for about 30 minutes  and rinse off with warm water.

Another great recipe is adding cinnamon to honey and applying it to the affected area or ingesting it daily.

Simply dissolve a teaspoon of cinnamon powder to 8 oz. of hot or boiling water.

 

Simmer for about 30 minutes and then add 1 teaspoon of honey .

Drink this in the morning about 30 minutes before breakfast.

You should see some results and feel better in general within a few weeks.

 

 

Increases Sex Drive

 

Low libido? That’s no fun.

The good news is that honey is a natural aphrodisiac and regular consumption can give your libido the boost it deserves!

Researchers say that honey helps men produce more testosterone; as for women, it helps with estrogen levels.

It’s been long known that honey can help give people more arousal in the bedroom, yet many are not taking advantage of such an easy remedy for low libido.

The Vikings totally believed that honey boosted fertility.

Long ago, the Chinese tied a goblet of wine, honey, and a red thread together; those getting married would sip on such to toast to their deep love and union.

Hippocrates, the Greek physician, told patients to take honey to increase sex drive.

Haven’t you seen sensual pictures depicting lovers eating honey and having a blissful time?

Yes, you’ll even find Indian brides giving honey to the grooms as a gesture of sweetness.

Today you’ll oftentimes find people giving jars of honey as wedding gifts and as favors, as it’s become somewhat of a nice tradition.

          

 

 

Treats Sinus Issues

 

When your sinuses are inflamed, it can cause a host of annoying symptoms.

It’s estimated that about 31 million people have sinus issue flare-ups and spend plenty of money on medicine for such.

If you’ve ever had a raging sinus episode where all you wanted to do was knock yourself out and sleep, you’ll appreciate the good news that honey may help with such issues.

Yes, simply begin ingesting ½ to 1 teaspoon of honey each day or evening before bed and within several months you may notice a decrease of symptoms associated with inflamed sinuses.

Some researchers assert that there is something in the honey that kills off the bacteria than can cause sinus infections.

If this is the case, you could skip taking antibiotics, which will save money and be better for your body.

 

 

Treats Yeast Infections

 

Yeast infections are actually quite common can be an immense bother for women.

There are various reasons why women get such infections, whether it’s from menstruation, taking antibiotics, sensitivity to soap, bad hygiene, and so on.

Symptoms can range from vaginal itchiness to a white discharge with odor from the vagina.

When the acidic nature of the vagina gets out of balance, Candida albicans thrives in such an environment, causing the yeast infection.

Now, many women already know that taking Lactobacillus acidophilus helps, but many do not realize that honey may be quite helpful too.

Yes, the flavonoids in honey help keep Candida albicans at bay in a majority of women who try honey as a home remedy.

You can mix honey with plain yogurt and use it topically around the vagina area once or twice per day to see if it takes care of the yeast infection.

A good ratio to mix together is 2 tablespoons of raw, unprocessed honey to 1 tablespoon of plain yogurt.

If you don’t want to mix it with yogurt, you can simply use raw honey.

 

Clean your vagina area well and then apply the mixture to the area surrounding the vagina and push some of it up into the vagina with your fingers.

Let it set for about 10 minutes and then wash.

It’s a good idea to do this twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.

Manuka honey is probably your best bet, as it has a higher antibacterial strength to it.

 

 

Helps with Gum Disease

 

Because honey is a good antimicrobial substance, it can help fight gum disease despite its sugar content.

Researchers state that there is an enzyme in honey that is responsible for creating hydrogen peroxide.

This peroxide is what gives honey the antimicrobial quality, decreasing the growth of plaque bacteria and limiting the amount of acid.

Bet you never thought you’d hear that honey can be compared to your mouthwash.

Yes, Manuka honey has a super anti-bacterial quality to it and because it has the Unique Manuka Factor (UMF), it is extra potent.

Simply dilute honey and use it as a mouthwash or make a toothpaste out of it and brush your teeth.

You can also brush your teeth with your toothpaste and then rub the honey onto the teeth afterwards.

 

 

Is a Natural Sweetener, but Beware of Lame Honey

 

Yes, honey is a great natural sweetener, but beware of people or producers that process honey and strip it of much of its antibacterial properties.

If you’re purchasing Grade A honey at your local super market, chances are it has been highly processed.

In fact, some say that ¾ of the honey found in grocery stores has been so processed, that it has lost just about all of its nutritional benefits.

Much of this so-called honey originates in China and there is no sign of pollen even in the jars, which means they have been ultra-processed.

So if you’re shopping at stores like Harris Teeter, Walmart, Sam’s Club, and even Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy, beware.

A wonderful place to purchase raw, unfiltered local honey is from your farmers market, or from Amazon.

My personal favorite is Thistle Dew! Farms in Eastern Tennessee.

 

 

Helps with Eczema

 

For those of you who suffer from eczema, honey is a natural treatment that may give you the relief you are seeking.

Eczema is a skin condition that involved the skin’s outer layer becoming inflamed.

If you’re struggling with eczema, your skin is probably a bit dry and flaky.

In fact, some patches may look like little scales.

It is thought that the reason some people get eczema is an overactive immune system and it can be mild, moderate, or severe.

For some, it can be an embarrassing condition and can sometimes become painful.

If the skin becomes raw from scratching, a bacterial infection could develop.

A wonderful home remedy for such is using a mixture of honey , cinnamon, and lime juice.

Simply add a teaspoon of honey to a glass of warm water and then add the juice from half a lemon.

Stir this and drink daily.

You can also add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to this mixture if you don’t mind the bitter taste of the vinegar.

Besides being good for eczema, apple cider vinegar is great for a whole host of ailments and conditions.

You can apply honey to the affected areas of the skin a few times each day to see if it helps clear up the bad spots.

Give it several weeks before you make any conclusions.

 

 

Helps with Cholesterol

 

Cholesterol levels do matter, so finding easy solutions for lowering cholesterol is what we all like to do.

Cholesterol is necessary in the body to help you digest fat, but too much of it isn’t good for the health.

Health experts recommend intaking about 1,000 mg of cholesterol per day.

With the body already producing some cholesterol, it’s essential to watch how much meat, eggs, dairy products, and other high-cholesterol foods we consume.

 

By eating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and drinking plenty of water, your cholesterol levels should be alright.

But if you are contending with higher levels of cholesterol, consider adding a tablespoon of honey to your diet each day.

Honey has zero cholesterol and has plenty of great nutrients like calcium, potassium, and B vitamins.

Also, honey has antioxidants in it, which help bind free radicals in the body.

Here is a great recipe to add to your daily regimen that will help lower your cholesterol:

• 1 teaspoon honey
• juice of half a lemon
• couple dashes of powdered cinnamon
• simply mix together in a warm glass of water and consume once a day

 

Use Honey in Moderation

 

Although honey is super good for you, use it in moderation due to its level of fructose.

One teaspoon of honey can have almost 4 grams of fructose, which, if taken in high quantities, can mess with those who have diabetes or a pre-existing insulin resistant condition.

It’s recommended to stay below 25 grams of fructose each day.

Although it is a natural remedy for many things, you must be careful to consume a little bit of honey each day or use it topically as necessary.

Take note of how you feel after doing this regularly for several months.

Many people who begin using honey regularly, note how much more energy they have.

A great deal of people praise honey for its medicinal effects.

If you’re not sure how to incorporate honey into your life regularly, use some of the ideas listed here.

Purchasing a book about honey that lists natural home remedies for all sorts of ailments and illnesses is another option.

Some may work for you and some may not, but at least you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing you tried something organic and natural instead of hitting the pharmacy for medicine.

When Mother Earth provides such amazing and natural home remedies, it’s important to take note and take advantage of them.

There are literally hundreds of natural cures for all sorts of ailments.

Take some time and make a commitment to try various remedies for you and your family.

Honey is quite affordable and regularly available in most communities.

Again, be sure to purchase your honey from the locals, whether it’s at the farmers market, local co-op, or local natural health food store.

You’ll come to love honey more and more as you incorporate it into your life regularly.

Honey Benefits

According to Dr. Ron Fessenden, M.D., M.P.H. the average American consumes more than 150 pounds of refined sugar, plus an additional 62 pounds of high fructose corn syrup every year. In comparison, we consume only around 1.3 pounds of honey per year on average in the U.S. According to new research, if you can switch out your intake of refined sugar and use pure raw honey instead, the health benefits can be enormous.

What is raw honey? It’s a pure, unfiltered and unpasteurized sweetener made by bees from the nectar of flowers. Most of the honey consumed today is processed honey that’s been heated and filtered since it was gathered from the hive. Unlike processed honey, raw honey does not get robbed of its incredible nutritional value and health powers. It can help with everything from low energy to sleep problems to seasonal allergies. Switching to raw honey may even help weight-loss efforts when compared to diets containing sugar or high fructose corn syrup. I’m excited to tell you more about one of my all-time favorite natural sweeteners today.

Studies have shown that honey contains the disease-fighting antioxidant flavonoids pinocembrin, pinostrobin and chrysin. Pinocembrin supports enzyme activity, and many studies have shown that pinocembrin induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) of many types of cancer cells. Laboratory research suggests that chrysin may increase the male hormone testosterone and improve bodybuilding results, but human research hasn’t found any effect on testosterone levels.

5. Sleep Promoter

Raw honey promotes restorative sleep in two ways. By consuming honey before bedtime, it restocks the liver’s glycogen supply and prevents the brain from triggering a crisis search for fuel, which can wake you up. Secondly, eating raw honey fosters the release of melatonin in the brain by creating a small spike in insulin levels, which stimulates the release of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan converts to serotonin, which is then converted to melatonin.

Melatonin also boosts immunity and helps rebuild tissue during periods of rest. Poor sleep, by comparison, has been shown to be a risk factor for hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke and arthritis. As honey is a proven natural sleep aid, it naturally lowers the risk of all these health problems.

6. Wound and Ulcer Healer

Honey-infused bandages are known to aid healing. Peter Charles Molan at the University of Waikato, New Zealand, has found in multiple studies that honey is a natural antibacterial with wound-healing effects. He also found that honey reacts with the body’s fluids to make hydrogen peroxide, creating an inhospitable environment for bacteria.

For the treatment of burns and wounds, honey is typically applied directly to the problem area or in a dressing that’s changed every 24 to 48 hours. Sometimes the dressing is left in place for up to 25 days.  A combination of honey and ghee has also been advocated and used as dressing for infected wounds since 1991 in four Mumbai hospitals.

Honey has been studied for its use in effectively treating various types of ulcers as well. Honey may reduce the size, pain and odor of problematic skin ulcers.

7. Diabetes Aid

Consumption of raw honey can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes. The combination of raw honey and cinnamon can be especially beneficial to healthy blood sugar management, as well as many other health concerns like gingivitis and acne.

According to a study out of Dubai, honey has been observed to cause a lower elevation of plasma glucose levels in diabetics compared to dextrose and sucrose. Some suggest that the insulin-boosting power of cinnamon can counteract this glucose elevation in honey, which would make your honey and cinnamon mixture a low glycemic index food combination.

Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia. Try consuming a little at a time and see how your blood sugar reacts to it, and add both raw honey and cinnamon to your diabetic diet plan.

8. Natural Cough Syrup

Raw honey has been shown to be as effective in treating coughs as over-the-counter commercial cough syrups. Increasing scientific evidence shows that a single dose of honey can reduce mucus secretion and coughs. In one study, honey was just as effective as diphenhydramine and dextromethorphan, common ingredients found in over-the counter cough medicines.

For a cough, a half teaspoon to two teaspoons of honey at bedtime is a studied and recommended dosage for anyone over the age of one.

How to Find and Use Raw Honey

Looking at honey consumption, 50 percent of the population directly purchases honey, 35 percent never eats honey, and the remaining 15 percent consumes honey in products made with honey, like honey-roasted peanuts. Raw honey might be available at your nearest grocery store, but it should be available at your local health food store or, even better, your local beekeeper. It’s also available online.

Expect raw honey to be opaque rather than that sparkling, clear, golden color that’s achieved through heating.

Never cook with raw honey because that will destroy its good properties. Also, do not store it near a heat source. If you enjoy honey in your tea or coffee, wait until the drink is just tepid enough to sip comfortably, and then add honey to taste.

Drizzle it on breakfast cereals, over your sprouted grain toast or on yogurt. It’s also a great addition to smoothies and salad dressings. Raw honey can be a healthy alternative to highly processed sugar in recipes that doesn’t require heat. For every one tablespoon of sugar in a recipe (that doesn’t require heating), you can typically use two teaspoons of honey instead.

Honey Comparisons

Raw Honey vs. Not Raw

Raw honey is a crude form of honey immediately taken out of the cells of the honey combs within a bee hive. This form of honey is far from pure. It commonly contains bee pollen and propolis, which are both two very positive health additions. However, raw honey can also possibly contain dead bees, legs, wings, hunks of beeswax and other impurities. Don’t worry though — if any of these unwanted items get into the honey they’re strained out before bottling.

Raw honey cannot be heated above 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the normal temperature of the bee hive. While it’s OK to strain raw honey, it’s never filtered or pasteurized. It also cannot have any other additives.

On the other hand, commercial honey is often heavily processed and may even have been chemically refined. Excessive heat destroys the natural enzymes, vitamins and minerals in honey. Filtering and processing eliminate many of the beneficial phytonutrients, including pollen and enzyme-rich propolis. The only way to achieve sparkling clear honey is by heat, so avoid the golden, syrup-like honey in favor of opaque, organic raw honey.

Non-raw honey or regular commercial honey can be sourced from bees that are treated with antibiotics (such as ciprofloxacin in China’s honey). They also may likely be given winter nourishment in the form of sugar or a low-cost syrup. Hives are made of non-organic materials, which can have pests and be cleaned with non-organic substances. Honey that isn’t raw is pasteurized and filtered, and it can have additives.

Research by the Palynology Research Laboratory at Texas A&M University tested 60 honey products from supermarkets and grocery stores and found that 76 percent contained no trace of bee pollen, which is also loaded with health benefits. The Food and Drug Administration maintains that any honey products that have been ultra-filtered, as these have, are not actually honey and therefore the health benefits of honey cannot be assumed. Some “honey” may even contain high fructose corn syrup.

Organic Honey vs. Not Organic

Organic honey usually means raw organic honey. Just like with raw honey, heating is not allowed above 95 degrees F. In order to be called organic, honey must follow good organic management, according to each country’s set of standards and conditions. Processing should also only be done by means of gravitational settling and straining.

Manuka vs. Other Varieties

“Conductivity” is an indirect way of measuring the mineral content of a honey. Manuka honey has a higher than normal conductivity with about four times the conductivity of normal flower honeys. The higher the conductivity, the better the nutritional value of the honey.

When it comes to Manuka honey versus other varieties, Manuka always has a unique Manuka factor (UMF), which is a global standard in identifying and measuring the antibacterial strength of Manuka. Essentially, the UMF is a guarantee that the honey being sold is of a medicinal quality. This is a standard of health value completely unique to Manuka honey.

The minimum UMF rating recognized is UMF5 — however, it’s not considered beneficial unless it carries a UMF10+ level of antibacterial activity in the honey. Anything ranging from UMF10—UMF15 is a useful level, and anything UMF16 and up is considered a superior quality. While other honeys, like organic raw honey, can certainly have hugely positive health effects, they don’t have this exact measurement or rating like Manuka.

Raw Honey Nutrition Facts 

Honey is one of nature’s purest foods and is far more than just a natural sweetener. It’s a “functional food,” which means it’s a natural food with health benefits. Raw honey nutrition is impressive. Raw honey contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and 5,000 enzymes. Minerals include iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium and selenium. Vitamins found in honey include vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and niacin. In addition, the nutraceuticals contained in honey help neutralize damaging free radical activity.

One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, yet it has a healthy glycemic load around 10 for one tablespoon, which is a little less than a banana. Raw honey does not cause a sugar spike and elevated insulin release like white sugar.

Although honey is an affordable food, bees spend thousands of hours collecting pollen from around 2 million flowers to make one pound of pure honey. Honey is typically about 18 percent water, but the lower the water content, the better the quality of honey. Best of all, honey does not need special storage or refrigeration — use it by the spoonful straight from the jar.

Raw Honey History and Interesting Facts 

• Throughout history honey has been an important food. God used honey to motivate the Israelite people when He told them to, “Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey.” (Exodus 33:3)
• Raw honey has been used as medicine since ancient times.
• For centuries, honey was considered sacred due to its wonderfully sweet properties as well as its rarity. It was used in religious ceremonies and to embalm the deceased.
• Apiculture, or the practice of beekeeping to produce honey, dates back to at least 700 B.C.
• Honey was used by runners in the Olympic Games in ancient Greece as an energy source.
• The health benefits of honey depend on the quality of a specific honey.
• Raw honey contains small amounts of the same resins found in propolis as well as bee pollen.
• When raw honey is overly processed and heated, the health benefits are largely eliminated.

Raw Honey Possible Allergies and Potential Side Effects

Honey is considered safe when taken by mouth in normal food amounts or recommended dosages. However, honey should never be given to children under 12 months of age since raw honey is a potential source of botulism spores. Raw honey is not a danger to older children or adults, just to infants. However, if you have a compromised immune system or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments for cancer, you should speak with your doctor before consuming raw honey.

If you’re allergic or sensitive to celery, pollen or have other bee-related allergies, you should not consume raw honey. Honey made from plants in the Rhododendron genus can also cause allergic reactions due to toxicity.

Proverbs 25:16 says, “Do you like honey? Don’t eat too much, or it will make you sick!” Although honey is one of the healthiest sweeteners, it still should certainly be used in moderation. Mild honey intoxication side effects can include weakness, dizziness, vomiting, sweating and nausea. Other more serious side effects of honey consumption are unlikely unless you consume way too much.

In addition, when heated at high temperatures, honey has been shown to produce hydroxymethyl furfuraldehyde (HMF). The study, conducted on rats, found that when heated to 60 degrees Celsius to 140 degrees C, there was a significant rise in HMF. Why is this important to note? HMF can cause deleterious effects and is considered carcinogenic.

Raw Honey Final Thoughts

• Raw honey is the most crude and natural form of honey you can purchase.
• It’s unfiltered and unpasteurized, which means there is no processing or heating to decrease its natural vitamin and mineral content.
• Raw honey contains disease-preventing and disease-fighting flavonoids.
• Raw honey contains both propolis and bee pollen so you get the benefits of those two natural powerhouses as well.
• It has been scientifically proven to help with allergies, diabetes, sleep problems, coughs and wound healing.
• Raw honey is a smart part of a pre- and post-workout snack for better energy during a workout and better recovery afterward.
• Look for a local beekeeper to source your raw honey. This will make it even more likely to help with seasonal allergies.

Honey Benefits

In addition to being an amazing natural sweetener, honey has benefits that have gone largely unknown. It's a wholesome sore-throat soother, a natural energy booster and more.

Nutrition

It's not just versatile, varied and delicious. Research has shown that honey contains a wide array of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants. Flavonoids and phenolic acids, which act as antioxidants, are found in honey. The amount and type of these compounds depends largely on the floral source. 

Sweetener

Honey is sweet—that’s a given. And it adds a special touch to almost every recipe. It can be your secret ingredient that's always revealing new possibilities. Many people think of honey as a drizzle in desserts or a topping for toast. But more and more, honey is being recognized as a pantry staple. It gives your recipes unbeatable flavor and unexpected functional benefits. From balancing flavors to providing moisture to baked goods, honey excels in a slew of tasks—all from one little bottle and only one ingredient.

Natural Energy

Honey is a natural source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams per tablespoon, which makes it ideal for your working muscles. Since carbohydrates are the primary fuel the body uses, honey can help maintain muscle glycogen, also known as stored carbohydrates, which gives athletes the boost they need when they need it most.

Cough Suppressant

Honey has been used for centuries to help alleviate symptoms of the common cold, and now research confirms this approach for children ages one and older. Honey offers an effective and natural alternative to over-the-counter cough medicine. Though time is the most important healer of a sore throat, a spoonful of honey can help relieve the irritation.

Important Reminder

Honey is a versatile and wholesome food for older children and adults. Honey may be introduced into a child’s diet after the age of one, but not before.