Honey is a gift of nature to mankind. It serves the human palate and also finds utility as a natural remedy for a wide range of ailments and complaints ranging from acne to cancer.
Honey has been satisfying the human palate since it was first discovered as edible. However most people are unaware that some communities have been using natural honey as a home remedy for a wide range of ailments and complaints ranging from sore throat to cancer. In recent times, research has substantiated this medicinal property of honey.
Curative benefits
Honey has antiseptic, antioxidant, and cleansing properties that prevents the growth of certain bacteria.This is useful for the cure of many diseases and disorders.
When applied, honey releases Hydrogen Peroxide that absorbs moisture from the air and kills the germs or bacteria. For this reason, honey is widely applied on wounds to keep wounds clean and free from infection. The anti-microbial property of honey also helps to cure diseases like eye conjunctivitis, sore throat and athlete foot, among others.
Honey is gentle on the stomach and helps to correct digestive disorders like diarrhea, indigestion, stomach ulcers, gastroenteritis, yeast infection and other disorders.
Honey treats minor acne by attacking the bacteria that cause the outbreaks. This same property also helps in the rejuvenation of broken skin.
Preventive Benefits
Research has proven that honey has properties that if consumed prevents the occurrence of many diseases.
Honey is an effective immune system booster. The natural antioxidant properties of honey destroy biologically destructive chemical agents linked to many diseases such as cancer.
Natural honey speeds up the fat-burning metabolism process and easing stress hormones .This is an effective cure for insomnia.
Honey contains a mix of natural sugars such fructose, which speeds up the oxidation of alcohol by the liver. Honey thus helps in prevention of hangover caused by the intake of alcohol.
Other Benefits
The benefits of regular intake of honey is not limited to the cure or prevention of diseases and disorders. There are also some general benefits.
Honey is a great source of carbohydrates, which provide strength and energy to the body. Intake of honey leads to instant enhancement in performance and endurance, and many sportsmen and athletes take honey prior to their performance.
Honey contains a wide variety of vitamins, including vitamins B6, B1, B2 and B5, and minerals such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, sodium and zinc. All these minerals and vital for the human body and helps in keeping the body healthy and strong.
References and Disclaimer
PE Lusby, A Coombes, JM Wilkinson, FET GradDip - Journal of Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nursing, 2002 - jwocnonline.com
NS Al-Waili - Journal of Medicinal Food, 2004 - liebertonline.com
SE Efem - Br J Surg, 1988 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
JD Evans - Journal of Invertebrate Pathology, 2006 - Elsevier
JW White Jr - Adv Food Res, 1978 - ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
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