The Surprising Health Benefits of Honey

If you’re anything like me, you love the sticky sweetness of honey. It’s such a versatile ingredient and tastes great on sandwich bread, drizzled over cooked carrots, and even squeezed into a cup of hot tea.

Even though I’ve enjoyed honey in many different ways throughout my life, I didn’t realize until recently that it’s more than just a tasty and versatile ingredient. It is also a therapeutic ingredient that is very good for your body! Here are some of the surprising health benefits raw honey can provide.

Antibacterial Properties

Raw honey (the kind that has not gone through the typical pasteurization process) is a natural antibacterial agent. It has a low pH level and contains both glucose oxidase and hydrogen peroxide, which make it very effective at killing bacteria that can harm your body.

Manuka honey, in particular, has powerful antimicrobial capabilities and has been shown to kill a wide variety of pathogens, including:

  • Staphylococcus aureus (which causes skin infections)
  • Escherichia coli (which causes wound infections and is a common cause of food poisoning)
  • Helicobacter pylori (which causes chronic gastritis, ulcers and other digestive issues)

If you’ve dealt with any of these types of infections or similar infections, you know firsthand how painful they can be. They can also be dangerous if not treated promptly. While I’m not saying you shouldn’t see a doctor if you know you have an infection, I am saying that honey may be able to help you recover more quickly when combined with any treatment protocol your doctor may recommend.

Cough Relief

Surprisingly, honey may be just as effective (or more effective) as over-the-counter cough medicines! Honey helps soothe coughs by coating the throat so you are less likely to feel that persistent tickle that triggers coughing. Honey also targets the microbes that are causing the cough in the first place. It’s a powerful ingredient to have around during cold and flu season.

Wound Healing

Now that you know honey is an antibacterial agent, you’re probably not surprised to learn that it can help with wound healing. Try applying raw honey directly to your minor burns and cuts, then cover the affected area with gauze or a bandage and wait for it to heal.

Diarrhea Remedy

People with mild diarrhea may experience some relief by taking a teaspoon of raw honey mixed in warm water. Research shows that a small amount of money can help those with gastroenteritis. It’s important not to take too much, though, since honey contains sugar and excess sugar can make diarrhea worse.

Antioxidant Impact

Antioxidants are beneficial compounds that reduce oxidative stress in the body and slow down the aging process. It’s important to eat raw honey to enjoy its natural antioxidant content, since heating honey through pasteurization may reduce its antioxidant content.

Nutrient Content

As if all of the above benefits weren’t enough to make you go out and buy a bunch of honey, this impressive food is also full of very important nutrients, including:

  • Niacin
  • Calcium
  • Riboflavin
  • Magnesium
  • Pantothenic acid
  • Manganese
  • Zinc
  • Potassium
  • Phosphorous

These ingredients can help boost your immune function so you’re less likely to get sick when exposed to various germs. They can also help improve your overall health and energy levels.

Discover the Benefits of Raw Honey for Yourself

Who knew that the unassuming, teddy bear-shaped container of raw honey in your cupboard was so powerful? If you ask me, I think it would make more sense if it were packaged in a superhero container. If you want to experience the many benefits of raw honey for yourself, try to include it in your diet each week. Since it contains sugar, it’s important not to go overboard. Just a teaspoonful here and there can go a long way toward improving your health and healing processes.