Get to know the amazing health benefits of organic honey and some easy ways to enjoy its perks.
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In this article:
- Organic Raw Honey Benefits
- How to Use Organic Honey in Your Diet and Home Remedies
- What Are the Potential Risks of Honey?
13 Incredible Benefits of Organic Honey You Need to Know
Organic Raw Honey Benefits
1. Full of Antioxidants
High-quality organic honey is packed with antioxidants, including phenolic compounds and organic acids. One study showed that buckwheat honey boosts antioxidant-related benefits in the body.
2. Contains Antifungal and Antibacterial Properties
Organic raw honey also contains antifungal and antibacterial properties, which make it a suitable remedy for skin conditions like eczema, dandruff, and acne.
To nix blemish:
- Simply dab raw organic honey directly on the acne.
- Let it sit for about 10 minutes.
- Then rinse using warm water.
3. Promotes Sleep
Honey is also useful for people who have trouble sleeping as it helps produce melatonin.
Melatonin Definition: Known as the sleep hormone, it regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
To get a shuteye much easier at night, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to your cup of tea and drink it before bedtime.
4. Helps Lower Blood Pressure
The antioxidant compounds of organic honey have also been associated with lower blood pressure. Studies conducted both in laboratory rats and human subjects showed reductions in blood pressure after a period of honey supplementation.
5. Improves Cholesterol Levels
Honey helped lower LDL or bad cholesterol while raising HDL or good cholesterol during an 8-week clinical trial on 48 diabetic patients.
6. Lowers Triglycerides
A randomized crossover pilot study published in 2013 suggested that consumption 0.5ml/kg of honey daily for 12 weeks created positive effects on the metabolism of type 1 diabetes patients. It helped decrease:
- Serum triglyceride levels
- Total cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein
- Fasting serum glucose
7. Promotes Heart Health
With its positive effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, it’s no longer surprising how organic honey can promote heart health. One animal study showed that Malaysian Tualang honey helped protect the heart from oxidative stress.
8. Helps with Weight Control
Organic honey makes a great substitute for sugar, especially if you are trying to keep your weight at bay. The glycemic index (GI) of honey is lower than sugar, standing at a moderate range of 54-59; the glycemic index of other sugar forms, on the other hand, can reach as high as 105.
Glycemic Index Definition: A measure that helps determine how fast food can raise blood sugar levels
However, it’s important to use a high-quality brand as low-quality ones may be combined with syrup. The health benefits of honey become more noticeable when it replaces other unhealthier sweeteners.
9. Boosts Immunity
Honey’s bacteria-fighting effects also help prevent infections caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. For an extra kick of energy, take honey before breakfast.
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10. Improves Memory
Organic honey also helps improve concentration and memory. A 2015 review of studies showed that honey, particularly Tualang honey, helped improve learning and memory by:
- Enhancing the morphology brain areas related to memory
- Decreasing oxidative stress in the brain
- Increasing brain growth factors
11. Alleviates Cough
Evidence also shows that honey can be an effective treatment for cough. One research revealed that compared to two common cough medications, honey was more effective.
12. Speeds Up the Healing of Cuts and Burns
Organic honey also offers benefits for wound healing. It contains an acidic pH that helps promote oxygen release, which plays an important role in healing wounds.
Its natural sugar content also has an osmotic effect that minimizes swelling and stimulates lymph flow in damaged tissues.
13. Helps Improve the Digestive System
A separate study revealed that honey, as a potent prebiotic, may help improve digestion as well. One study conducted on honey-fed rats showed that honey helped prevent the harmful effects of mycotoxins and enhanced gut microflora.
How to Use Organic Honey in Your Diet and Home Remedies
Check out these quick tips for using honey in your diet and home remedies to enjoy its health perks:
Adding honey to your diet
- Sweeten your marinades or dressings by adding honey to them.
- Stir it into your tea or coffee.
- Substitute sugar with honey and add it to your oatmeal, cereal, or yogurt.
- Drizzle it on top of your breakfast pancakes or toast.
- Make a peanut butter honey sandwich.
- Use it as a natural sweetener in your favorite recipes.
Using honey in your home remedies
- Citrus and honey for sore throat: Put lemon slices, grated ginger, and honey in a jar. Stir, cover, and refrigerate.
- Tea and honey for cough: Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with herbal tea or warm water.
- Lemon and honey for colds: Add 1 cup of honey and grated lemon peel to a pan. Heat it on low for about 10 minutes. Allow to sit for 1-2 hours, strain, and transfer to an air-tight jar.
- Ginger and honey for sore stomach: Heat 1 cup of honey and 1 tablespoon of chopped ginger for 10 minutes on low. Infuse for 2 hours and place in a glass jar. Cover tightly.
- Clove and honey for toothache: Add 1 cup of honey and 5-10 cloves to pan. Heat on low for 10 minutes, then infuse for 2 hours. Place in a jar and tightly cover with a lid.
- Brown sugar and honey for dry skin: In a bowl, add 2 1/4 cups of brown sugar, 1/2 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup honey, and 1 tsp of vanilla. Mix until fully combined, then transfer to a jar.
What Are the Potential Risks of Honey?
Remember to consume honey moderately as it is still a sugar form. Take these things into consideration when consuming honey:
Excessive Honey Consumption
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), women should consume no more than 100 calories or 6 teaspoons of sugar. Meantime, men are advised to consume only 150 calories or about 9 teaspoons of sugar per day.
Infant Botulism Risk
Children under 1-year-old should not consume honey as it may contain botulinum endospores. Some of its signs and symptoms include:
- Constipation
- Weak cry
- Drooling
- Irritability
- Drooping eyelids
- Floppy movements
Infant botulism also causes difficulty in sucking or feeding and even paralysis.
Now that you know the amazing benefits of honey for your health, you can start using it as a sugar substitute or a natural home remedy. Keep in mind, though, that it should be used in moderation as it still contains calories and sugar.
Its potential risks are also worth noting, especially for very young children. If you are uncertain whether honey is a good addition to your nutrition or routine, seek your doctor’s advice.
You may also try supplements for an extra health boost. To err on the side of caution, also seek your doctor’s green light regarding supplementation.
How do you use honey in your diet and home remedies? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below!
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