You might be used to drizzling it over your breakfast, but honey has amazing healing properties that go way beyond its dietary benefits.
Scientists have developed a way to put tiny amounts of Manuka honey between layers of surgical mesh during operations, to help protect the body from infection. The research was conducted by scientists at the universities of Ulster and Newcastle, drawing on ancient wisdom around honey’s bacteria-fighting properties.
Manuka is a more expensive honey produced largely by bees in New Zealand, but pure honey of all varieties has a surprising number of benefits, and for your entire body too.
It’s the perfect remedy for a sore throat
When you have a sore throat half your time is spent waiting for the honey to finish dripping off the spoon
— leena (@SohaibLeena) December 4, 2019
When you’ve got a sore throat, your first response might be to reach for throat lozenges. However, you could do better opting for some honey first. In 2018, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and Public Health England (PHE) said that honey and certain cough medicines can help relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of a sore throat, and only if your cough persists should you seek antibiotics.
Children under the age of one shouldn’t be administered honey, but for everyone else it can be incredibly soothing – particularly if drunk with hot water and lemon.
It’s full of antioxidants
Manuka honey has so many antioxidants pic.twitter.com/GzHLVpLr9k
— Tamy (@tamyrose50) November 28, 2019
Blueberries and kale are beloved for being full of antioxidants, but did you know honey is too? If you really want to boost your antioxidant levels, take the advice of this study and opt for darker honeys.
Antioxidant properties also mean honey can help reduce or prevent damage done to cells by free radicals (often caused by environmental factors like pollution and sunlight). This cell damage can contribute to causing various diseases, including cancer, diabetes and Parkinson’s.
It’s amazing for your skin
Beyond just eating it, the bacteria in raw honey can help reduce inflammation and redness when applied topically to your skin, making it particularly useful for acne sufferers.
You can make your own honey-based products at home – for instance by mixing honey, yoghurt and cinnamon for a face mask – but there are also plenty of suitable products you can buy if you don’t fancy some DIY.
It’s a good alternative to sweeteners and added sugar
Honey is still high in sugar, but it’s a more natural alternative to the white stuff or high-fructose corn syrup. Sugar also has a higher glycaemic index than honey, meaning it raises blood glucose more quickly.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you should overload on honey, but if it’s an available option when it comes to sweetening up your porridge, why not consider it first?
It can soothe your stomach
The antibacterial properties of honey, which help fight infection, have multiple benefits. Studies have shown that honey can help ease diarrhoea, and it’s also said to help improve your gut microbial balance, potentially having prebiotic effects.
Are you a fan of honey? Did you know it can be good for your body? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Honey is the healthiest sweetener and may be good for your heart
– With PA
