Health benefits of honey

Honey is one of nature’s most valuable products. It is also man’s oldest sweetener. It has many medicinal uses and it is beneficial in many conditions.

Honey contains sugars (glucose, fructose) and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium chlorine and iron. It is a source of vitamins of the B group. It also contains zinc, iodine and copper in small quantities, as well as some hormones.

Honey is good for allergies, especially if it comes from local plants. It is good for the skin, especially sensitive skin. Mixed with olive oil or water, it can be used as face lotion or hair conditioner. Combined with some ground almonds, honey makes an excellent facial scrub.

It can also be used as a moisturizer, prepared with equal amounts of milk and spread on the face and neck. Honey, olive oil, and juice together make a good remedy for dry or rough hands, knees and elbows, as well as for chapped lips and even acne. One tablespoon of honey simply mixed in four cups of water makes an excellent mouthwash and can be used for cleaning dentures as well.

Sore throats can heal faster with the use of honey. All it takes is just one spoonful of honey, topped with some lemon juice, every few hours or until the symptoms go away. It helps to add some black or red pepper, as it improves blood circulation in the throat.

Honey can be used on cuts and wounds as well. It will help a wound heal faster, and its high phytochemical content will prevent the growth of unwelcome microorganisms. It should be spread gently and evenly on the surface of a wound and be covered with clean bandages and changed three times a day.

Honey has antibacterial powers as well, which are even more considerable if the honey is diluted in some water. Diluted honey is actually the food for newborn bees in beehives. Some honey mixed with orange juice and yogurt is an excellent cure for a hangover too.

Since honey is a good source of antioxidants, it has an important role in fighting cancer and coronary disease. Compared to sugar, honey has 40 percent less calories, which makes it a good substitute for sugar for those who wish to lose weight. Honey is also good for the blood. It provides energy required for the formation of blood, but it also cleans it. It has some effect on capillary problems and arteriosclerosis as well.

It is important to know that the nutrients in raw honey are mostly lost in the process of industrial production. Manufacturers heat it in order to make it more clear and thus more appealing, but in doing so, they destroy many of healthy enzymes. Honey naturally contains some useful bacteria, but this is not found in the store-bought variety of honey, which is pasteurized.