Honey is considered as one of the healthy alternatives in your diet. Over the years, it has been used as an ingredient in various traditional medicinal practices. And now, even though we don’t hear standard medical practitioners including honey in the treatment process, it is recommended, even by medical professionals. But how is honey really beneficial? What does it bring to your overall health? Read Below to find out.

Protect the Body from Cell Damage

Honey is a good source of antioxidant. Raw honey contains as much antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. This can help your body against cell damage. The free radicals in our body contribute to aging. Radicals are sometimes is the cause behind chronic diseases such as cancer. The antioxidant properties in honey can prevent the cell damage that is caused by radicals and therefore is a great remedy to be used against chronic disease as well as aging.

The probiotics, nutrients, antioxidants and enzymes present in honey will also prevent wrinkles, reverse the damages on skin and can give a plump, smooth look to your skin as well. It also provides hydration to the skin preventing itching and irritation caused due to radical damage.

Prevents Infections

Raw honey has the ability to destroy bacteria and fungus. The hydrogen peroxide in honey acts as an antiseptic and is effective against infections.it is directly applied on wounds.  Its antibacterial property also makes it a suitable remedy against conditions such as boils, burns and wounds such ulcers. Especially Manuka honey is used as an effective germ killer and because of its ability to help tissue regeneration. The acidic pH of honey reduces proteases, a substance that can delay the healing of a wound.

Soothe Coughs

Coughing is a common health problem that we all face once in a while. It is more common in young children who have upper respiratory infections. Honey is recommended as a remedy against coughs by many in medical field including the World Health Organisation.

It is also given as a complementary medicine when standard medicine is not effective or takes too long to cure cough symptoms. Studies have proven that honey is considered to improve sleep among patients experiencing cough due to its soothing properties.

Improving Heart Health

The antioxidants in honey are also considered as beneficial for heart health. This is because honey is considered to dilate the arteries and increasing the blood flow to the heart. This, in the long run is thought to prevent the risk of heart diseases. However, this is still a debated area when it comes to the benefits of honey and studies are being still done to find the exact effect it has on the heart health.

An Alternative to Sugar

If you have a sweet tooth but do not want to eat too much sugar (in fact, no one should) then honey is the alternative choice for you.  Most healthy recipes substitute sugar with this healthier alternative. So, if you are cooking something with a high sugar level, try a good version of honey like elixir honey instead. But remember, even honey should be consumed in moderation because it is still high in sugar and calories.

While some of the claimed benefits are yet to be proven, it still has a good effect on various aspects of your health. So, try replacing honey in your everyday diet once in a while or use it as a natural moisturiser when over the counter products do not work.

 

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