The Many Nutritional Benefits Of Honey

By Marissa Velazquez


Honey is produced by honey bees who use the nectar from flowers which they regurgitate and evaporation occurs. The nutritional benefits of honey have been written about in Vedic, Greek, and Roman texts. It's healing properties were referred to by scientists and philosophers since ancient times.

Many claims about honey have not been scientifically shown to be true, but it is said that this product can indeed prove to have many healing traits. It has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and enzymes. It is nearly 70 to 80 percent sugar giving it such a delicious taste, the remainder is minerals and water. It is also said to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties.

This delicious product has been used as an Ayurvedic medicine for over 4 thousand years, it was thought to treat imbalances in the body. Pre-Ancient Egyptians used it topically to treat wounds, Egyptians made medicinal compounds over five thousand years ago, and Ancient Greeks thought that eating it helped one to live longer. It has a slightly higher pH level, between 3.2 and 4.5, which helps to prevent the growth of bacteria and it has antioxidant properties. The properties will vary by where it is harvested, it takes on the taste of the specific flora and water content that was used to produce it.

Some of the many reasons that this sweet treat may be healthy are that it has been shown to prevent GERD, is has been used in the rehydration of infants and children who suffer from gastroenteritis, it has been used for acute diarrhea, as a glucose replacement in oral rehydration and has been found to shorten the length of time infants and children have bacterial diarrhea.

People have reported the use of honey in treating wounds. Applied topically it can work like an antibiotic. It may be used to help heal burns, but this has not been proven. There is some research that shows it can minimize seasonal allergies, it is great for soothing a cough. Manuka honey was found to be effective in killing bacteria by destroying bacterial proteins. Some studies have shown it to be effective in treating MRSA infections.

Raw and organic, it is full of enzymes, minerals, and vitamins that boost the immune system and protect the body from bacteria. Congestion, sore throats, coughs, and cold and flu symptoms are kept at bay. Add 1 to 2 teaspoons to warm water every day to improve the immune system, add some fresh lemon juice and some cinnamon for an extra treat.

It's even great for skincare, just apply a bit to blemishes and let sit overnight. Wash it off in the morning for a clear complexion. It treats, but doesn't cure, other skin condition as well like ring worm, eczema, and psoriasis. If soothes inflammation and offers relief of dryness.

Drinking warm water with lemon and honey first thing in the morning can flush fat, toxins, and cleanse the liver. Mixed with cinnamon, it has been shown to revitalize the veins and arteries of the heart and reduce cholesterol by 10 percent. It is used for indigestion as it relieves acidity in the stomach. It neutralizes gas and when taken before a heavy meal it can help to prevent indigestion. The nutritional benefits of honey are many, it is a great source of sugar for the body and is a fantastic energy boost.




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