Raw honey has been used as both food and medicine for thousands of years. Honey is basically food made by bees for bees. The rich, thick, sweet liquid made by honeybees has always drawn humans and animals alike. However, is raw honey healthy for human consumption? Actually it can be quite healthy – as long as it is pure and you use it in moderation. Let’s look at the main reasons why.
Raw honey is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals
High-quality, all-natural, raw honey is full of important antioxidants including organic acids and flavonoids. Raw honey also contains small amounts of iron, potassium, and zinc. These nutrients can help protect your body from cellular damage, slow the aging process, and help prevent serious health conditions.
Raw honey can help reduce your risk of serious health conditions
The main benefit of the antioxidants found in honey is as an anti-inflammatory. Chronic inflammation in your body can lead to some serious health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, blood clots, blood pressure issues, type 2 diabetes, cancer, metabolic issues, Alzheimer’s, arthritis, obesity, and many more. The high antioxidant levels in honey have been linked to reduced risks of serious health conditions such as:
- Blood clot issues
- Blood pressure issues
- Cancer
- Cholesterol issues
- Diabetes
- Heart attack
- Stroke
Raw honey is both antibacterial and antifungal
Raw honey naturally contains a type of antiseptic, called hydrogen peroxide, which is very effective at keeping bacteria and fungus out. This makes raw honey pretty fantastic at staying fresh, killing germs, and treating minor wounds.
Raw honey makes a great topical treatment for minor wounds
The ancient Egyptians discovered that raw honey can be used to help promote healing in minor wounds and burns, and some people still practice this today. Raw honey has also been used to treat diabetic foot ulcers, psoriasis, and herpes lesions. Researchers believe that the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in honey help protect and nourish the tissue it is applied to.
Raw honey can help smooth a cough
Got a mild upper respiratory infection? Coughing keeping you up at night? Try a spoonful of raw honey or add it to a cup of hot tea with lemon. Studies have shown that a bit of raw honey can not only be effective at soothing cough symptoms, it worked better than some of the most popular over the counter cough medications.
A few words of caution
Never give any honey to a child under the age of one. Raw honey is, as the name suggests, a raw product and kids under one year of age are more susceptible to infection from harmful bacteria. Basically, raw honey can pose a botulism (Clostridium botulinum) risk for young babies. Always consult a medical professional before giving honey to your young child.
Raw honey is still loaded with sugar and is thus loaded with calories. It is a natural sugar, not refined like granulated sugar or corn syrup, but it is still a sugar none-the-less. Make sure to consume honey in moderation.
Also, keep in mind that some companies dilute their honey with refined sugar and corn syrup. Make sure to read your labels carefully to be sure you are buying real, all-natural, raw honey.
As you can see all-natural raw honey offers some unique advantages that can have a lasting impact on your body’s overall health… as long as you consume in moderation.
What are your favorite ways to eat honey?
Let us know in the comments below!
