Honey is a natural sweetener that has been valued for its culinary and medicinal uses for centuries. But what makes honey so special and why should you make it a part of your lifestyle? Here are some of the reasons why honey can enhance your health and well-being.
Honey provides various nutrients and antioxidants:
Honey is mainly composed of sugar, with no fat and very little protein and fiber. However, it also contains small amounts of some vitamins and minerals, such as riboflavin and copper. More importantly, honey is rich in health-promoting plant compounds known as polyphenols, which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Antioxidants help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, which can contribute to aging, diabetes and heart disease. Darker varieties of honey tend to have more antioxidants than lighter ones.
Honey may help regulate blood sugar levels and manage diabetes:
Also Read: 10 Refreshing Desi Drinks to Cool Down This Summer (With Recipes)
Although honey also raises blood sugar levels like other types of sugar, it may be better for diabetics than refined sugar in some situations. Honey’s lower glycemic index (GI) than ordinary sugar indicates that it results in a slower rise in blood sugar levels. In addition to glucose, honey also includes fructose, which may lessen the post-meal spike in insulin levels. Additionally, adiponectin, a hormone that lowers inflammation and enhances blood sugar management, may be increased by honey. There is evidence that those with type 2 diabetes who consume honey regularly may have better fasting blood sugar levels. Diabetes sufferers should still take honey in moderation and closely monitor their blood sugar levels.
Honey strengthens your immune system:
Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for various ailments, such as coughs, colds, wounds and skin conditions. This is partly because honey has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can inhibit the growth of harmful microorganisms. Honey also stimulates the production of immune cells that fight infections. One type of honey that has been extensively studied for its medicinal properties is Manuka honey, which comes from the nectar and pollen of the Manuka bush in New Zealand. Manuka honey has been shown to contain high levels of methylglyoxal (MGO), a compound that gives it potent antibacterial activity against many strains of bacteria, including antibiotic-resistant ones. Manuka honey is also rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory effects. It is traditionally used topically to treat burns, cuts and sores.
Honey improves your skin health:
Honey is not only good for your internal health, but also for your external beauty. Honey can moisturize your skin, reduce inflammation, prevent acne and promote wound healing. Honey can also act as a natural exfoliant, removing dead skin cells and revealing a smoother and brighter complexion. You can use honey as a facial mask, a cleanser or a toner by applying it directly to your skin or mixing it with other ingredients, such as yogurt, lemon juice or oatmeal. Honey can also nourish your hair and scalp, prevent dandruff and add shine to your locks.
How to use honey in your lifestyle?
There are many ways you can incorporate honey into your lifestyle. Here are some tips:
- Use honey as a natural sweetener for your tea, coffee, oatmeal, yogurt or smoothies. You can also drizzle it over pancakes, waffles, toast or fruit salads.
- Use honey as a substitute for refined sugar in your baking, sauces and dressings. You can also use it to make homemade granola bars, energy balls or candies.
- Use honey as a marinade or glaze for your meat, poultry or seafood dishes. You can also add it to your soups, stews or curries for a touch of sweetness and flavor.
- Use honey as a natural remedy for your coughs, colds or sore throats. You can mix it with warm water, lemon juice or ginger for a soothing drink. You can also gargle with it or take a spoonful before bed.
- Use honey as a topical treatment for your skin or hair problems. You can apply it directly to your affected areas or make your own DIY masks, scrubs or rinses.
How to choose the best honey?
Not all honey is created equal. Some types of honey are more processed than others, which may affect their quality and benefits. Here are some things to look for when buying honey:
Choose raw honey over pasteurized honey:
Raw honey comes straight from the hive and is the least processed. It retains more of its nutrients and antioxidants than pasteurized honey, which has been heated and filtered to remove impurities and extend its shelf life. However, raw honey may also contain some impurities such as pollen, wax or bee parts.
Choose organic honey over conventional honey:
Organic honey is produced by bees that feed on organic flowers and are not exposed to pesticides or antibiotics. Conventional honey may contain traces of these chemicals or other contaminants that can affect its quality and safety.
Choose local honey over imported honey:
Local honey is produced by bees that live in your area and pollinate the plants that grow there. Local honey may have more health benefits than imported honey because it contains pollen that can help you build immunity against local allergens. Local honey may also be fresher and more flavourful than imported honey.
Choose dark honey over light honey:
Dark honey tends to have more antioxidants than light honey because it comes from plants that produce more flavonoids. Dark honey also has less water and more minerals than light honey. Some examples of dark honeys are buckwheat, chestnut and manuka.
Conclusion:
Honey is a natural sweetener that offers many benefits for your health and well-being. It contains various nutrients and antioxidants that can help regulate your blood sugar levels, strengthen your immune system function, improve your skin health and appearance. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties that can fight infections and heal wounds. You can use honey in many ways in your lifestyle: as a sweetener for your foods and drinks; as an ingredient for your cooking and baking; as a remedy for your ailments; or as a treatment for your skin or hair problems. To get the most out of honey’s benefits, choose raw, organic, local and dark varieties whenever possible.
