The Many Benefits of Honey

Honey has been a food and health product for thousands of years. Not only does it taste delicious, honey has many medicinal benefits that people rely on for a variety of concerns. From healing wounds to soothing sore throats, honey can do it all! But, not all honey will have the health benefits you are looking for. Most honey you find in the store is processed and lacking in much of the good stuff that makes honey so beneficial. 

In this article, we are going to discover more about some different types of honey and how it can be used for common health concerns. 

Different Types of Honey

Processed 

Processed honey is usually pasteurized and filtered. The pasteurization process applies high levels of heat to the honey to increase its shelf life and create the smooth consistency that we love. Filtering results in honey that is stripped of beeswax, pollen and other solid materials. This process also prevents the natural process of crystallization from occurring. The pasteurization and filtering that much of our store-bought honey goes through removes the beneficial nutrients and enzymes that make honey such a healthy and medicinal substance. 

Raw 

If you are looking for the health benefits of honey, you will want to find raw honey. Raw honey is not pasteurized or filtered, so it will remain close to its original state. This also means that it will still contain the beneficial nutrients and enzymes that we want. Raw honey should be purchased from a beekeeper or other vendor that uses sanitary practices. Raw honey is a potent substance that can be harmful for children under the age of one, so be sure to keep the product out of their reach. 

Top Health Benefits of Raw Honey 

Helps heal wounds. 

There are many different kinds of honey. One in particular, manuka honey, has been shown to heal skin conditions and wounds. Some of the benefits of manuka honey include: 

• Regenerates skin tissues 
• Kills germs 
• Reduce infection
• Speed up healing time 

Soothes digestive issues. 

If you suffer from digestive issues, you know that it can have a significant impact on your way of life. Raw honey is a prebiotic, which means that it helps grow the good bacteria in your gut. Honey has also been shown to soothe indigestion and ulcers, although much of this evidence is anecdotal. Some people use honey to relieve symptoms associated with diarrhea, although this has not been proven by medical professionals. 

Calms a sore throat. 

When you have a cough or cold that is accompanied by a sore throat, honey lozenges and teas can help soothe your pain. Honey has also been used in sore throat products to suppress coughs. Many people swear by swallowing a teaspoon of honey when they are feeling a cold coming on. 

Boosts your antioxidants. 

Some varieties of honey contain high levels of antioxidants. Antioxidants are chemicals that help fight cell damage that can cause premature aging or chronic disease. By consuming foods that are high in antioxidants, such as honey, fruits and vegetables, you can reverse the signs of aging and preserve your health. 

Honey is a magical substance in so many ways. From the way it is produced to the benefits it has for our health, honey can be a highly positive addition to your daily diet. To gain the maximum benefit, be sure to choose raw honey from a local beekeeper. If you have more questions about the honey-making process or the health benefits of honey, we recommend that you contact a beekeeper in your area to guide you.