3 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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The history of honey is connected to all the ancient civilizations of the world. In some places it became a staple of food, while in other places it was used medicinally. In Egypt it was used to heal wounds and preserve dead bodies. In China it was used for balancing the body’s energy and hormonal balancing. In India it not only became a part of food, but it also had medicinal, spiritual and commercial uses. After the industrial revolution, many sweeteners came and honey was left behind.
Honey, the traditional sweetener, is a great sweetener. It is rich in many nutrients and antioxidants. It has antibacterial properties and if made a part of a balanced diet, it can also play an important role in diabetes management. It is also very beneficial for our heart health.
Honey’s chemical makeup makes it so sweet. It contains two simple sugars, glucose and fructose. Apart from this, it also contains many minerals. These minerals are what make it so beneficial.
Today ‘Health report’ I will talk about honey. Along with that, we will know that-
- Why is it so beneficial?
- What are the medicinal benefits of honey?
- What are the side effects of eating honey?
The benefits of honey are hidden in the process of its production
This process is completely natural. Bees prepare it by taking nectar from all kinds of flowers, so it also contains many minerals.
Honey produced by bees is initially a bit thin. It may overflow from the storage units, so to thicken it, the bees dry it by fanning it with their wings. This process makes the honey sticky and thick.
What is the nutritional value of honey
Honey is primarily sugar. It also contains small amounts of many vitamins and minerals. Apart from this, it is also rich in many plant compounds for better health.
- Honey is basically pure sugar, with no fat and very little protein and fiber. It contains many nutrients and minerals in very small amounts i.e. in trace amounts.
- It’s worth noting that honey is rich in powerful plant compounds that improve health called polyphenols.
What are the benefits of eating honey
Honey is a type of sugar. Therefore, it should be consumed in limited quantities. However, unlike regular sugar, its consumption has unique health benefits. Let us see in the graphic what are the benefits of consuming it.
Let us look at some studies related to the points given in the graphic.
Honey is rich in antioxidants
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in 2018, honey contains several important bioactive plant compounds and antioxidant acids, such as flavonoids and phenolics. Darker honeys contain more antioxidants than lighter honeys.
Antioxidants help neutralize reactive oxygen species in our body. If these oxygen species accumulate in cells, they can cause serious damage. This can cause premature aging, increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Apart from this, heart disease conditions can increase.
Keeps blood sugar level under control
Consumption of honey proves beneficial in blood sugar management. Honey can have many benefits compared to regular sugar.
It is true that honey can increase our blood sugar level like other sugars, but the antioxidants present in it also help in protecting us from metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, consumption of honey can increase adiponectin levels. This is a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar levels. However, it should be consumed in limited quantities.
Consumption of honey is good for heart health
Consuming honey helps prevent heart disease. According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine in the year 2020, honey helps in lowering blood pressure and improving fat levels in the blood. Apart from this, it is also helpful in controlling our heartbeat and preventing the death of healthy cells. All these factors can improve the functioning and health of our heart.
Honey usually contains an element called propolis, which can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. This prevents the risk of heart diseases.
Effective in preventing wounds and burns
The use of topical honey treatments to heal wounds and burns has historical precedent. This practice persists to this day.
According to a study published in the National Library, honey is the most effective natural remedy for healing wounds and reducing inflammation. According to researchers, the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey make it so effective therapeutically.
Useful for cough and sore throat
Grandmothers must have fed black pepper, clove or dry ginger powder with honey to our children when they had a cold. One reason for this is that it reduces the pungency of other things with its sweetness. Secondly, it is itself effective in cough and sore throat.
Both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics support the consumption of honey as a natural cough treatment.
However, never give honey to a child under 1 year of age as it can put the baby at risk of botulism. Apart from this, honey may contain many small harmful particles and bacteria. The immune system of babies is sometimes not strong enough to deal with them. Therefore, consult a pediatrician.
It is effective in treating acne
As effective as honey is in treating wounds, it also helps in getting rid of acne. This is because it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties as well as being super-hydrating.
Honey contains an enzyme called catalase, which helps relieve minor inflammation. Honey can be applied in small amounts to acne pimples to help fight bacteria and reduce inflammation.
What are the side effects of honey
- Honey is generally considered safe to consume. However, it should be avoided in the case of infants as they are at risk of botulism.
- People who have allergies should also avoid consuming honey. It can cause a serious condition.
- Apart from this, many kinds of fake honey mixed with sugar syrup are being sold in the market, their consumption can cause many harms instead of benefits. Therefore, one should be very careful while buying and consuming honey. Graphic- Ankush Bansal
