Top 10 Amazing Benefits and Uses Of Raw Honey
Honey naturally contains nutrients and enzymes that have a variety of health benefits and medical uses. Perhaps that’s why it has been used as a folk remedy throughout history. Today, honey is still a popular food and is even used in some hospitals as a medical treatment for wounds. However, these health benefits are specific to unpasteurized honey.
Manufacturers process most of the honey you find in grocery stores. Heating the honey helps improve the color and texture, and removes any unwanted crystallization. Many of the beneficial antioxidants and bacteria are also removed or destroyed in the process.
If you’re going to use honey, it’s best to go raw. Regular honey has been processed and filtered so many times that it loses its antioxidants and nutrients. Raw honey tastes just as sweet as the regular variety and aids your body – so go raw!
Here are 10 amazing benefits and uses of raw honey:
1. Source of Antioxidants
Free radicals damage our cells. Antioxidants slow the aging process. That means raw honey can help fight aging and chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
2. Source of Phytonutrients
Phytonutrients are compounds from plants that protect them from insects and UV radiation. Phytonutrients help humans stay healthy by providing anti-inflammatory benefits.
3. Soothes Sore Throat
It’s common folklore that honey heals a sore throat. But it’s true! There is research to back it up. Honey has similar benefits to dextromethorphan, an ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicine. It’s suggested that 1-2 teaspoons of honey alone, or with hot tea and lemon, helps to relieve a sore throat.
4. Helps Digestion
Honey can relieve diarrhea, constipation, and upset stomachs. Research shows that it also helps treat stomach ulcers. Eat 1-2 teaspoons on an empty stomach to help digestive issues.
5. Rich in Nutrients
There are up to 80 different substances in raw honey that are vital to human nutrition. These include B-complex, A, C, D, E, and K vitamins, magnesium, sulfur, phosphorus, iron, calcium, chlorine, potassium, iodine, sodium, copper, and manganese…to name a few!
6. Moisturizes
Raw honey can be used in DIY face masks to soften skin. Smooth some honey over your skin and let it sit for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water and your skin will be soft and supple in no time!
7. Heals
Honey heals rashes, burns, and cuts. Create an all-natural bandage by applying honey to a wound. Coat the honey with cornstarch to prevent sticking.
8. Healthy Alternative to Sugar & Artificial Sweeteners
Like agave syrup, honey tastes sweet and can replace sugar and artificial sweeteners in drinks and cooking. White sugar is widely used as a sweetener, but it lacks the minerals and vitamins in honey. Honey is a safe and sweet alternative for anyone going clean.
9. May Help Prevent Allergies
If you have seasonal allergies, honey may help prevent them. Because it contains pollen from plants, honey works as a vaccine by introducing your body to the allergen in a small amount. Your immune system learns how to naturally defend against larger amounts in the future. Buy honey from local farmers since their bees are exposed to the same plants as you.
10. Beauty Ingredient
Because of its skin-healing benefits, raw honey is a great beauty product. It helps with acne, enlarged pores, rosacea, eczema, and hyperpigmentation.
