- Health Benefits of Raw Honey -
- Benefits of Raw Honey -
* A Good Source of Antioxidants
Raw honey contains antioxidants called phenolic compounds. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.
Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Studies show that polyphenols in honey may play a role in preventing heart disease.
* Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties
Raw honey can kill unwanted bacteria and fungus. It naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Several hospitals in Europe have used Manuka honey to fight methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a type of staph bacterial infection that’s become resistant to antibiotics. The effectiveness of honey as an antibacterial or antifungal depends on the type of honey.
* Heal Wounds
Manuka honey is also used in medical settings to treat wounds because it’s an effective germ killer. Researchers believe this is because it has additional antibacterial properties besides the natural hydrogen peroxide.
Studies show that Manuka honey can boost healing time and reduce infections in wounds. However, the honey used in hospital settings is medical grade, meaning it’s safe and sterile. You shouldn’t expect to treat injuries with the honey you buy from a grocery store.
* Filled with Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are compounds found in plants that help protect the plant from harm. For example, some may keep insects away or shield the plant from harsh UV radiation.
Phytonutrients provide both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, which help you maintain good health. Because honey is made from plants, it also has phytonutrients. These valuable nutrients are unique to raw honey and disappear when honey is heavily processed.
* Help for Digestive Issues
Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, though there isn’t much research to show that it works. However, it’s proven to be effective as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a common cause of peptic ulcers. (Peptic ulcers occur in the stomach or digestive system.) Taking 1-2 teaspoons on an empty stomach is said to soothe pain and help with the healing process.
* Soothe a Sore Throat
Have a cold? Try a spoonful of honey. Honey is an old sore throat remedy. Try adding it to hot tea with lemon. It also works as a cough suppressant.
Research shows that honey is as effective as dextromethorphan, a common over-the-counter cough medicine ingredient, in treating a cough. Just eat one or two teaspoons straight.
- Flavors and Benefits -
Lemon:
treatment of throat infections, indigestion, constipation, dental problems, fever, internal bleeding, rheumatism, burns, obesity, respiratory disorders, cholera and high blood pressure, while it also benefits hair and skin care, strengthening your immune system, cleanse your stomach, and it is considered a blood purifier.
Ginger:
combats nausea and vomiting, It reduces pain and inflammation making it valuable in managing arthritis, headaches, and menstrual cramps, stimulates circulation, inhibits rhinovirus, which can cause the common cold, inhibits such bacteria as Salmonella, which cause diarrhea, and protozoa, such as Trichomonas, it reduces gas and painful spasms and may prevent stomach ulcers caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
Rosemary:
stimulates the immune system, increases circulation, and improves digestion. Contains anti-inflammatory compounds that may make it useful for reducing the severity of asthma attacks. Has been shown to increase the blood flow to the head and brain, improving concentration.
Chamomile:
used for centuries in teas as a mild, relaxing sleep aid, treatment for fevers, colds, stomach ailments, and as an anti-inflammatory
Mint:
Digestion, nausea and headache, congestion and cough, asthma, depression and fatigue, alertness, retention, and cognitive function, weight loss, oral care, allergies, breaks fever and can heal and soothe burns
Cinnamon:
used to help treat muscle spasms, vomiting, diarrhea, infections, the common cold, loss of appetite, and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Lavender:
antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties which can be used to help heal minor burns and bug bites, useful for treating anxiety, insomnia, depression, and restlessness. Can help digestive issues such as vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas, upset stomach, and abdominal swelling, and used to help relieve pain from headaches, sprains, toothaches, and sores. It is also used to prevent hair loss and repel insects.
Sage:
used in medicine to help alleviate symptoms of digestive problems and mental disorders, such as Alzheimer's and depression, used as an anti-inflammatory and is good at lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels in patients with diabetes type 2.
Orange:
assists the lungs in cleansing themselves, natural anti- histamine,
Vanilla:
contains small amounts of B-complex groups of vitamins such as niacin, pantothenic acid, thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B-6. These vitamins help in enzyme synthesis, nervous system function and regulating body metabolism
Red Pepper:
Pain relief, weight control, stimulates metabolism, prevents oxidative diseases such as cancer, inflammation, heart disease and decreased immune function, promotes circulation, which may prevent hardening of arteries and reduce risk of heart attack.
Rose:
sedative, anti depressant, and all around stress reducer, high in organic acids and nutrients, offering a ton of vitamin C, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.
Strawberry:
improved eye care, proper brain function, relief from high blood pressure, arthritis, gout and various other cardiovascular diseases.
Blackberry:
better digestive health, strengthened immune defense, healthy functioning of heart, prevention of cancer and relief from endothelial dysfunction. Blackberry provides cognitive benefits and aids in enhancing memory, weight management, keeping the bones strong, healthy skin, improved vision and disease-free eyes, normal blood clotting
Blueberry:
Maintain healthy bones, Lower blood pressure, Manage diabetes,
Ward off heart disease, Prevent cancer, Improve mental health, Healthy digestion, Weight loss , and Fighting wrinkles
Hibiscus:
Hibiscus is used for treating loss of appetite, colds, heart and nerve diseases, upper respiratory tract pain and swelling (inflammation), fluid retention, stomach irritation, and disorders of circulation; for dissolving phlegm; as a gentle laxative; and as a diuretic to increase urine output.
Habanero:
Diabetes Prevention, Decreased Cancer Risk, Cardiovascular Disease Prevention, Anti-Inflammatory
Clove:
provides aid in digestion, having antimicrobial properties, fighting against cancer, protecting the liver, boosting the immune system, controlling diabetes, preserving bone quality, and containing anti-mutagenic properties, as well as fighting against oral diseases and headaches, while displaying aphrodisiac properties as well.