Honey is very delicious and healthy food for our health. Honey is a common household ingredient that comes with many benefits. Since ancient times, honey has been used for healing and medicinal purposes, especially in Ayurveda. It is time to look at these potential health benefits of honey.
Nutritional Value Of Honey
Honey is packed with many beneficial nutrients that assist our body in the fight against viruses and bacteria. One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories with almost 17 grams of sugar.
Honey has an advantage over sugar as it is a natural ingredient. Honey contains glucose and fructose. As honey contains a high amount of fructose, it is sweeter than regular sugar. Therefore, it can serve as a natural sweetener.
Honey has no fat content in it, but it is rich in carbohydrates, especially simple carbohydrates. Carbs are responsible for the calorie count in honey. Honey has no proteins or is present in trace amounts. Therefore, consuming honey will not be adequate to fulfill the protein requirements of the body. It also contains zero dietary fiber.
Honey also contains vitamins and minerals but in trace amounts. They include zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, calcium, copper, etc. Darker honey contains more beneficial vitamins and minerals.
We need to consume honey in moderation as it is high in calories and sugars with no nutritional benefits. Honey, in the end, is a less bad sweetener than sugar.
Potential Health Benefits Of Honey
1. Honey Has Lots Of Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect our cells from all the damage caused by free radicals. And raw honey contains these beneficial antioxidants in substantial amounts that help our body. It is rich in phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Honey helps in many different diseases like cancer, heart-related ailments, aging, etc.
2. Honey Helps In Relieving Cough And Cold
Other health benefits of honey include a natural cough and cold suppressant. Children are most susceptible to upper respiratory infections, affecting their quality sleep pattern. Therefore, honey can be a better choice to treat the common cold and cough. It is considered safe for above one year of age. Some studies prove it to be safe and effective to cure a cough and cold as a home remedy.
3. Honey Has Anti-inflammatory Effects
Anti-inflammatory property is one of the important health benefits of honey that protect our body from various risks. Antioxidants present in honey are beneficial in protecting our body from inflammation. These phenolic compounds, like flavonoids, promote radical scavenging activities.
4. Honey Heals Wounds
Honey is used in healing wounds. Bacteria and other foreign agents can harm your skin. Honey has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties that can treat skin injury. Honey helps nourish the tissue surrounding skin wounds or injury. Its high viscosity prevents the infection from spreading by creating a protective barrier.
5. Honey Helps Sleep Better
Getting quality sleep in this fast-track world is almost tricky, but honey is one of those superfoods that help promote sleep—consuming honey releases melatonin in the brain, a happy hormone. It gives soothing effects that help sleep you properly. Add honey to warm milk and drink it before you go to sleep.
6. Honey Can Be Used For Dandruff
Dandruff is icky, and it is difficult to get rid of it. But using honey is one of the best home remedies to treat dandruff. Rubbing diluted honey on your scalp saves you from itchiness, dandruff formation, and dry scalp. All credit goes to its moisturizing properties that nourish your scalp, which gives you smooth, shiny, and healthy hair.
7. Honey Can Keep Heart Healthy
Heart problems are common these days due to stressed lives, improper food consumption, and bad lifestyle choices. But honey can contribute to keeping your heart healthy. Antioxidant compounds like phenolic compounds help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Honey helps in proper blood circulation, controlling blood pressure, which reduces stroke risks.
8. Honey Is Beneficial For Skin
Honey is one of the best natural moisturizers that keep your skin healthy. Nutrients in honey give a radiant glow to the skin. Its moisturizing and nourishing properties prevent your skin from becoming dry. You can use honey masks for the face that can treat acne problems. Honey is a solution to your chapped lips during winters.