how many properties and benefits of honey? It has been used for centuries by the ancients as a natural remedy to cure multiple ailments. It is a highly appreciated food, it does not need preservatives to keep its nutritional principles intact, and Pythagoras considered it an “elixir of life”.
Honey is a sugary substance produced by bees, its taste is particularly sweet, and the color varies from bright white to amber with green or red reflections depending on the type.
In this regard, there is a wide variety of honey, each one is characterized by a different aroma, flavor, and color. Among the best known we include: acacia honey, wildflower honey, chestnut, honeydew, thistle, eucalyptus, sunflower, lime, bramble, thyme, dandelion, and so on …
Each one is distinguished from one another also because of the properties and benefits it brings to our organization.
However, there are some properties that are the same for all types of honey just mentioned. But let’s see them in more detail.
The 13 Properties And Benefits Of Honey
1. Energizing Properties
In case of sports or excessive fatigue, consuming a teaspoon of honey a day helps to reinvigorate by providing the right energy to the body.
In the case of intense physical activity, there are some types of honey such as wildflower or honeydew that are rich in minerals, therefore essential, to be introduced before, during, and after resistance training.
It represents a valid alternative to energy drinks as they are rich in carbohydrates.
2. Beneficial For The Intestinal Tract
In the treatment of gastrointestinal infections caused by bacteria and rotaviruses, such as gastritis, gastric ulcer, or duodenitis, honey in this regard performs a protective action on the stomach. In particular, it repairs the damaged intestinal mucosa and acts as an anti-inflammatory.
In addition, it has been shown that honey being rich in potassium is able to counteract bacterial gastroenteritis.
3. Beneficial Properties For Weight Control
Compared to common sugar, honey certainly has a greater sweetening power, but a lower caloric intake. To clarify what has been said, the calories per 100 grams of the product are equal to 304, against 392 for traditional sugar and 362 for cane sugar.
So consuming a teaspoon a day to sweeten drinks does not increase the weight.
4. Beneficial Properties For The Heart
According to a recent study, quality natural honey has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, especially in high-risk individuals. Furthermore, for diabetics or for those suffering from triglycerides or high cholesterol, it has been confirmed that the aforementioned product reduces blood fats and homocysteine levels.
5. Antibiotic Properties
Our grandmothers have always known this, and for some time there has also been confirmation from some scientific studies, that is, honey performs an antibiotic action as it acts as a bactericide, destroying the bacteria present in the body, especially pathogenic ones. In particular, thyme and eucalyptus honey are excellent from this point of view.
But there was another interesting discovery: natural honey diluted in a water solution is able to fight some bacteria responsible for some urinary infections.
6. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
In the case of insect bites, especially mosquito bites, it acts as an anti-inflammatory, since it allows to relieve itching and redness.
7. Antioxidant Properties
Rich in polyphenols, this natural ingredient helps slow down the cellular aging process. In practice, honey is capable of carrying out a protective action against free radicals, the main cause of skin aging.
8. Beneficial Properties For The Inflammatory Conditions Of The Skin Caused By Acne
According to some recent discoveries, the product in question could benefit the skin, especially the one affected by acne. The reason for this could lie in the fact that it has antibacterial properties.
9. Sedative Properties Of Cough
Thanks to the many properties of which it is characterized, this product can be considered a real substitute for common cough syrups. Just take a teaspoon of honey in the evening before going to bed to quell the much-hated cough overnight.
10. Beneficial Properties For Wounds
Applying honey directly to the wounds accelerates the healing process, eliminates the infection and on the other hand, regenerates the tissues by reducing inflammation.
But other studies have been carried out on the beneficial effects it brings. In fact, by applying it every week some ailments can greatly improve.
11. Calming Properties
This natural product also acts as a calming agent, in fact in case of insomnia, stress, or restless sleep, it is advisable to take a teaspoon of thyme honey preferably before bedtime.
12. Restorative Properties
Taking a teaspoon a day prevents some ailments such as the flu, but is also able to counteract allergies. For example, if the respiratory system is very delicate, honey, especially eucalyptus honey, is a good adjuvant.
13. Purifying Properties
Honey as a purifier can also be used as a cosmetic mask for the face or hair, in order to nourish and polish them as well as lighten them.
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