The health benefits of honey are impressive. The thick sweet substance consists of simple and complex sugars, complex carbohydrates and a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids. There are approximately 22 calories per teaspoon of honey as well as a wealth of vitamins including vitamin A, B-complex, C, D, E and K.
Honey Possesses Unique Healing Properties
Honey is often used for its antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-fungal properties. It can be used to treat yeast infections, soothe sore throats, improve digestive problems, clean cuts and wounds, reduce scarring, and heal burns.
Honey possesses osmotic properties. When honey is applied to a cut, wound or sore, it will draw out water. Since bacteria and infection thrive in water the application of honey will effectively destroy the bacteria and infection as well as stimulate an immune response by the body to promote healing.
Honey Supports Healthy Digestion
While yogurt is often considered an excellent source of friendly bacteria to support the digestive properties of the stomach, honey is also a source of friendly bacteria. In fact, strains of honey that are produced by flower-fed bees contain a variety of healthy strains of prebiotics, including both lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. These bacteria support and create a positive and protective environment in the gut so that the digestive system functions optimally.
Honey Contains Disease Fighting Phytonutrients and Amino Acids
Phytonutrients are disease fighting organic chemical compounds found in plants. Raw honey is an excellent source of phytonutrients, including caffeic acid, methyl caffeate, phenylethyl caffeate and phenylethyl dimethylfaffeate. These specific phytonutrients have been studied for their ability to help prevent cancer.
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that are necessary for human body to function optimally. Since many amino acids cannot be created internally by the body it is imperative that they are obtained through the ingestion of food. Honey is a source of six different amino acids including tyrosine, glutamine, histidine, cysteine, methionine and lysine.
Honey Improves Energy Levels
Honey is a natural sweetener and an excellent source of unrefined carbohydrates and sugars including both glucose and fructose. The unique carbohydrate composition of honey can significantly improve an individual’s energy levels and stamina as well as effectively control blood sugar levels.
Although the most common type of honey found in grocery stores is a golden amber hue there are actually a wide range and variety of honeys available on the market. The color, taste and texture of honey can vary significantly depending upon the type of flower and flowering fruit that the bee has gathered nectar from.
Honey is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and amino acids. The health benefits are outstanding and it tastes great not only in hot beverages such as tea and coffee but also in baked goods and treats.
References:
WHFoods.com, Honey (accessed April 25, 2010)
WebMD.com, Honey May Help Heal Wounds (October 3, 2008)
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