Sweet Gold: 7 Health Benefits of Honey That Could Heal

Your Whole Body

Honey contains a treasure chest of hidden nutritional and medicinal value for centuries.
The sweet golden liquid from the beehive is a popular kitchen staple loaded with
antibacterial and antifungal properties that has been used since the early days of
Egyptian tombs.
Typically, honey is sweet but can be cruel to infants. Spores of Clostridium
botulinum bacteria found in dirt and dust, which can contaminate honey may lead
to infant botulism and produce a toxin inside the body that can cause muscle weakness
and breathing problems. The Mayo recommends waiting until after 12 months of age to
give infants honey; consumption is safe for older adults and kids, since they have a
mature digestive system that can handle the spores.
Consume honey responsibly and reap the numerous health benefits of this sweet gold.

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1. Alleviates Allergies

Honeys anti-inflammatory effects and ability to soothe coughs has led to the belief it
can also reduce seasonal allergy symptoms. Although there are no clinical studies
proving its efficacy, Dr. Matthew Bernice, a board certified naturopathic doctor practicing
at the Rocky Mountain Wellness Center in Fort Collins, Colo., told Medical Daily in an
email, "A common theory is that honey acts like a natural vaccine." It contains small
amounts of pollen, which if the body is exposed to small amounts of it, it can trigger an
immune response that produces antibodies to the pollen. "After repeated exposure, you
should build up these antibodies and the body should become accustomed to their
presence so that less histamine is released, resulting in a lesser allergic response."

2. All-Natural Energy Drink

Honey is an excellent source of all-natural energy at just 17 grams of carbohydrates per
tablespoon. This natural unprocessed sugar fructose and glucose directly enter
the bloodstream and can deliver a quick boost of energy. The rise in blood sugar acts

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as a short-term energy source for your workout, especially in longer endurance

exercises.
Brennecke said there is a con to adding honey to your workout. If your goal in
exercising is to increase muscle mass, working out on an empty stomach first thing in
the morning is the way to go. When your body is in starvation mode (upon waking in
morning), and you start exercising, you release insulin-like growthfactor-1 (IGF-1),
which will help you build bulk, he said. Brennecke does warn this only works when
blood sugars are low.

3. Boosts Memory
The sweet nectar is loaded in antioxidants that may help prevent cellular damage and
loss within the brain. A 2011 study published in Menopause found a daily spoonful of
Malaysian honey may boost postmenopausal womens memory, which can provide an
alternative therapy for the hormone-related intellectual decline. After four months of
taking 20 grams of honey a day, the women were more likely to have better short-term
memory than their counterparts who took hormone pills.

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4. Cough Suppressant

Honey can be the all-natural cure when it comes to pesky colds. A persistent cough that
wont go away can easily be remedied with two teaspoons of honey, according to a
2012 study published in the journal Pediatrics. Children between the ages of 1 and 5
with nighttime cough due to colds coughed less frequently when they received two
teaspoons of honey 30 minutes before bed.
The golden liquids thick consistency helps coat the throat while the sweet taste is
believed to trigger nerve endings that protect the throat from incessant coughing. Honey
is believed to be as effective as the common cough suppressant ingredient
dextromethorphan. It can be used in treating upper respiratory tract infections.

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5. Sleep Aid
Honey can be a health aid for sleepless nights. Similar to sugar, honey can cause a rise
in insulin and release serotonin a neurotransmitter that improves mood and
happiness. The body converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that
regulates the length and the quality of sleep, Moreover, honey also contains several
amino acids, including tryptophan that is commonly associated with turkey. Honeys
steady rise in insulin, according to Brennecke, causes the tryptophan in honey to enter
the brain, where its then converted into serotonin and then into melatonin, which is a
sleep aid. This hormone is responsible for regulating sleep and wake cycles.

6. Treats Dandruff
Honey

can

bring

temporary

relief

to

the

scalp

by

targeting

dandruff.

2001 study published in the European Journal of Medical Research found applying
honey diluted with 10 percent warm water to problem areas and leaving it on for three
hours before rinsing led to itch relief and no scaling within a week. Skin lesions healed
within two weeks and patients even showed an improvement in hair loss.

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7. Treats Wounds and Burns

Honey is a natural antibiotic that can act both internally and externally. It can be used as
a conventional treatment for wounds and burns by disinfecting wounds and sores from
major species of bacteria such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
A 2005 study published in the British Journal of Surgery found all but one of patients
who suffered from wounds and leg ulcers showed remarkable improvement after
applying a topical application of honey.
Dr. Diane Radford, a breast surgical oncologist in St. Louis, Mo., told Medical Daily in
an email, Manuka honey has antibacterial properties for wound healing. The precursor
for the active antibacterial agent methylglyoxal (MGO) comes from the nectar of
mnuka trees. A specialized research unit at the University of Waikato is looking into
the conversion to the active product, she said.Honey has been utilized for its medicinal
properties for over 2,000 years and continues its legacy as a multipurpose health aid.

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