Eat Me: Hangover relief, fights diabetes… Eight reasons to adore honey

Even King Solomon, in the Bible, said, “My son, eat thou honey, for it is good”.

Honey is one of the oldest sweeteners on earth, enriched with many health benefits and uses.

It is produced from the sugary secretions of plants or insects, such as floral nectar or aphid honeydew. It is however generally known to be produced by bees.

It contains many nutrients including vitamins, trace enzymes, amino acids, and minerals like calcium, iron, sodium chlorine, magnesium, phosphate, and potassium.

Here are 8 health benefits.

Prevents cancer and heart disease

It contains flavonoids, antioxidants which help reduce the risk of some cancers and heart disease.

Serves as anti-bacterial and anti-fungal.

“All honey is antibacterial, because the bees add an enzyme that makes hydrogen peroxide,” said Peter Molan from the University of Waikato in New Zealand.

Good source of energy

Because of its high carbohydrate load, honey is a wonderful source of unprocessed sugar energy. The glucose and fructose hit the bloodstream quickly, which gives you the boost you need to get moving.

Ancient Olympic athletes ate honey and dried figs to enhance their performance.

Reduces cough and throat irritation

Honey is an old-fashioned cough remedy that is filled with many health benefits. The honey coats the throat and keeps it calm by soothing the nerve endings that protect the throat.

Some doctors believe that two tablespoons of honey are just as effective as cough suppressants.

Helps regulate blood sugar

Even though honey contains simple sugars, it is not the same as white sugar or artificial sweeteners. Its exact combination of fructose and glucose actually helps the body regulate blood sugar levels.

Boosts the immune system

The immune system is very important for good health because it wards off sickness and disease.

Regular consumption can give your immune system a wonderful boost because it has anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties.

Weight management

Research studies have linked honey consumption with weight loss.

A San Diego State University study found that replacing sugar with honey can actually help prevent gaining extra pounds.

Fights diabetes

Consumption of honey can reduce the risk of developing diabetes and help aid medication used to treat diabetes.

The combination of raw honey and cinnamon can be especially beneficial to healthy blood sugar management, as well as many other health concerns like gingivitis and acne.

Relieves hangover

When you get a hangover from drinking too much alcohol, honey will ease your discomfort.

It is gentle on the stomach and contains a mix of natural sugars which speed up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver, acting as a ‘sobering’ agent.