Food Finds Asia| 3 Health Benefits that Honey Can Provide |Honey has, for a long time, been used as a remedy and is considered to have some medical uses and health benefits. To some extent, honey is being used in hospitals for wound treatment. However, many benefits related to honey are associated with raw, unpasteurized honey.
Surprisingly, most of the honey you find in groceries is pasteurized. In this case, the honey is subjected to heat that kills yeast and improves its texture and color. Also, it removes crystallization and increases the shelf life of the honey. Sadly, most of the crucial nutrients are destroyed in the process of pasteurization.
Due to the different varieties of honey in your local store, it is always advisable that you focus on raw honey. As such, you should look for a trusted supplier. Doing so will lead you towards realizing the most significant health benefits honey provides. Below are some of the benefits.
Honey Has Antibacterial, Antioxidant and Antifungal Properties
Based on research, raw honey is said to kill fungus and unwanted bacteria. This is because it is rich in hydrogen peroxide, which is an antiseptic. Based on the type of honey you purchase, its effectiveness on bacteria and fungus varies. However, honey is a folk remedy thus used to treat wounds.
Raw honey also has some chemicals that act as antioxidants. To some extent, the antioxidants in the honey you purchase might be similar to those in fruits and vegetables. This is a great advantage as antioxidants protect your body from cell damage associated with free radicals.
Free radicals are harmful as they are one of the main contributors to aging. Besides, they also contribute to chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer. To prevent yourself from such diseases, using raw honey would be a great deal. This is because it has antioxidant compounds known as polyphenols that play a considerable role in protecting your body from heart diseases.
Honey Contains Phytonutrients and Heals Wounds
When talking about phytonutrients, many people think about plants. However, honey also contains phytonutrients. These are compounds available in plants that protect them from harm. Conversely, phytonutrients in honey provide antifungal, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. As such, honey shows immune-boosting properties and cancer prevention benefits. It is important not to process honey heavily as you are going to lack these crucial benefits.
One of the most popular raw honey that helps in the healing of wounds is Manuka honey. It is used in medical centers to treat wounds since it contains elements that kill germs and also help in tissue regeneration.
Based on research, Manuka honey reduces infection time and accelerates healing. Since this honey is used in medical settings, it is checked for sterility and grade. As such, it is essential to consult and not treat wounds with regular honey you buy in the local store.
Improves Digestion and Soothes the Throat
Apart from the different household benefits that honey is associated with, it is also used to help indigestion. For instance, it treats digestive issues such as diarrhea. However, there is no conclusive research that can assert that it works well. Besides, honey is also considered an effective treatment of H. Pylori. However, excessive use of honey can result in stomach ulcers. Therefore, it is wise to control intake when dealing with health issues.
Raw Acacia honey is also used as a potential prebiotic. This means that it nourishes bacteria that thrive in the intestines. The bacteria not only help in digestion but also boost the overall health of a human being.
If you have a cold, raw honey is the way to go. You can try two tablespoons of honey. Honey is counted as an old cure for a sore throat. You can also use it in hot tea and add some lemon. If you are suffering from a cold, you can use raw honey as a suppressant. It also contains dextromethorphan which is a compound used in over the counter medication. As such, two tablespoons would be of great help for your health.
If you have ever doubted the health benefits of honey, it is high time you tried it. However, you need to take it in controlled amounts. If you are in a medical setting, it would be great to follow the right prescription. Follow this article to realize some of the main benefits of honey.
