Honey and its Health Benefits

Honey and its Health Benefits

Honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by several bees, the best-known of which are honey bees. Honey is made and stored to nourish bee colonies. Bees produce honey by gathering and then refining the sugary secretions of plants or the secretions of other insects, like the honeydew of aphids.

Health Benefits

Fights Metabolic Syndrome

Honey may help people with metabolic syndrome (MetS). Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes.

Prevents Artery Hardening

Honey may have the ability to combat artery hardening, also known as atherosclerosis. 

Nutrition

Honey contains specific nutrients that can make it a healthful addition to the diet.

Antibacterial action

Honey is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent. It contains hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase and has a low pH level, which means it can kill harmful bacteria and fungi.

Wound healing

Numerous studies have suggested that honey works well as a wound healing dressing.

Relieving coughs

Several studies have suggested that honey may be as or more effective than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines. Many cough medicines are not safe for younger children to take, so honey may be a good alternative for children over one year of age.

Protecting the brain

Some evidence suggests that honey may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory powers that can benefit the brain.

Sources:medicalnewstoday.com, Wikipedia, .health.com