7 ways honey can improve your health that you mightn’t have realised

Honey is one of the oldest home remedies out there, with its benefits dating back of 5,000 years. Better yet, a jar of the natural stuff can last for ever.

Sure, it’s a great sweetener, but honey can improve your health in ways you mightn’t have realised.

It truly is liquid gold! Take a look at our top 7 benefits of honey:

1. Cancer and heart disease prevention

Honey contains carcinogen-preventing and anti-tumour properties, and scientists have found floral flavonoids in honey. These tiny traces of bioflavonoids, commonly referred to as antioxidants, are strong in defending the body’s cells.

2. Reduces ulcers and other gastrointestinal disorders

Honey is also an antimicrobial agent, due mainly to an enzyme produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, meaning it can relieve some forms of gastritis. Types of honey differ greatly in their antimicrobial potency, but the Manuka bush of New Zealand is said be the most potent. It is easily digested and absorbed even in the most sensitive stomachs, making it perfect for stimulating the metabolism in the tissues and eases defecation.

3. Anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal

Honey can help relieve pain and help in healing tissues in all kinds of injuries because of its incredible anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-fungal properties. It is also a good moisturiser for the skin and helps in rejuvenating skin and reducing wrinkles.

4. Blood sugar regulation

Honey’s exact combination of fructose and glucose helps the body regulate blood sugar levels. Some honeys have a low hypoglycemic index, so they don’t jolt your blood sugar. Be sure not to directly replace your intake of granulated sugar with the same amount of honey. Honey is very sweet and you need only use a very small amount to see the benefits.

5. Control dandruff 

Honey diluted with a bit of warm water has been shown to significantly improve seborrheic dermatitis, which is a scalp condition that causes dandruff and itching. After applying the solution every other day for four weeks, “all of the patients responded markedly”, according to the researchers.

Honey can also bring temporary relief to the scalp by targeting dandruff. Simply wet your hair and apply diluted raw honey (90% honey and 10% water). Massage into scalp for 2-3 minutes, then let it sit for an hour, then rinse. Repeat every second down for two weeks to see a reduction.

6. Help boost your energy

A healthy, diet and enough sleep is the best recipe for energy, but if you’re looking for a quick energy boost, honey can suffice. Simply add it to your coffee or even have some on bread for an uplift.

7. Reduce allergy symptoms

Locally produced honey introduces a small amount of allergen into your system. Studies show this can activate your immune system and over time can build up your natural immunity against it.

Tell us, do you love honey? What benefits have you seen from using it?