Often when we think of honey, we think of it as an alternative to sugar. This sweet and delicious nectar is a perfect addition to tea and cakes, even being used as a central flavor in many things (such as yogurt). However, there is so much more to honey than its ability to sweeten our beverages and add flavor to our dairy products.
In fact, honey has a rather rich history that dates back to Ancient Egypt, when it was relied on to not only sweeten beverages, but was also added to cakes that were offered to the gods. Records even show the Ancient Egyptians using honey as one of the ingredients in embalming fluid, according to The Honey Association.
Even the Greeks and Romans used honey in their every day lives, with honey being considered a "healing medicine." Whether as an offering to their own gods, or incorporating it into the foods they made, honey has always been a major part of civilization.
Now, you may be wondering why all of this is important, well really it’s because honey has a history of being beneficial to people who incorporate it into their diets. With a long and storied history to fall back on, there are a great deal of benefits to adding raw honey into one’s diet.
We have compiled a list of benefits that come from raw honey so you can decide if you are going to join with the Anciet Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans in enhancing your health.
Benefits of Raw Honey
Provides a Boost of Energy
Raw honey can actually be used to provide a boost of energy, according to Food Facts, which can actually be a great way to get a pre-workout boost. In fact, raw honey has been recommended to athletes as a way to give an extended boost of energy over the course of their day. With its ability to be easily absorbed, while also offering a time-release of energy, it makes sense that this would be a great treat for people looking for a boost.
Treating Wounds
Much like cinnamon is said to be antibacterial and antifungal, raw honey also has properties that make it antifungal, antibacterial, and even antioxidant. It is because of this that one can actually use raw honey in the treatment of wounds.
Research has shown that natural, unprocessed honey can help heal both ulcers and wounds. It has also been used to treat bacterial infections, such as those associated with MRSA, although this was done during clinical trials only.
Ultimately ths means that if you find yourself getting a small cut or wound, you could use unprocessed honey as a topical treatment in order to help improve healing.
Combatting Acne
Much like how it is used to treat small wounds, honey can also be used to treat acne. Honey can actually target the source of breakouts and because of its antbacterial and antifungal properties, it can help to clear up acne.
Weight Management Tool
Honey can be used as a tool in weight management. According to Dr. Axe, a study has shown a link between incorporating honey into one’s diet and lowering blood sugar, which in turn helps to limit the weight one puts on when eating. Honey has also been shown to reduce hunger and curb a person’s appetite. Overall, raw honey is a great way to not only promote weight loss, but also help someone maintain their weight once they have dropped the pounds.
Helps Promote Sleep
Consuming raw honey can trigger the natural release of melatonin in your body. At the same time, having a little honey before bed can prevent the brain from worrying about hunger. This is important because when your brain thinks it is hungry, it can lead to problems sleeping, as your body goes through an apparent crisis searching for fuel to function.
Acts as a Diabetic Aid
It has been shown that incorporating raw honey into your diet can actually lower your chances of developing diabetes. One study even showed honey reducing glucose levels in people already living with diabetes. "Raw honey increases insulin and decreases hyperglycemia."
Boosts the Immune System
Raw honey also helps to boost our immune systems, which means that adding this to your diet can bring about better health as it boosts the antioxidant levels in your body. By adding about four tablespoons of raw honey to your diet every day, you could be combatting things like heart disease and even the common cold.
Image Credit: Pixabay