You've probably heard that honey has a multitude of properties, for example fighting throat irritation or for skin care, but did you know that honey has a large number of benefits for our health and that many of them are still unknown to most of us?
Honey is a gift from nature that has been valued for centuries for its flavour, but also for its incredible medicinal and therapeutic properties.
It is well known that honey is a nectar produced by bees from the nectar of flowers, and it is thanks to its composition that it is so beneficial.
Do you want to know how honey can help you? We will tell you about some of its unknown benefits and how you can take advantage of them:
The first benefit we highlight is that honey is rich in antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help protect our body against damage caused by free radicals.
And if you're wondering what free radicals are, they are unstable molecules that can damage our cells and contribute to premature aging, as well as chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
You can consume honey regularly to help reduce this oxidative damage and promote better health in the long term, a good way to do this is by sweetening your breakfast coffee with it, which will also help combat throat irritation.
One of the most unknown properties of honey is its ability to fight bacteria and fungi. We tend to think of chemicals when we seek to fight these organisms, but we forget that honey is an equally effective natural solution.
This is mainly due to the presence of hydrogen peroxide and its high sugar content, which creates a hostile environment for microorganisms. In addition, honey has an acidic pH that inhibits bacterial growth. These antibacterial benefits are particularly noticeable in Manuka honey, which is known for its potent antimicrobial activity and is used to treat infections, wounds and burns.
So the next time you are looking to eliminate bacteria or fungi from your home, remember that you can use the honey jar in your kitchen to help you out.
You've probably never thought about taking honey before your workouts, but the truth is that it's very beneficial as a pre-workout because of its energy contribution.
It's a natural source of fast and sustained energy, thanks to its composition rich in simple sugars such as glucose and fructose.
These sugars are easily metabolized by the body, providing an immediate energy boost, making it an excellent option for athletes or anyone who needs a quick "shot" of energy during the day.
Unlike refined sugar, honey offers a more balanced release of energy, since glucose is absorbed quickly, providing immediate energy, while fructose is absorbed more slowly, providing a prolonged and constant source of energy.
In addition, honey contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that contribute to energy metabolism, improving physical performance and endurance. This makes it a nutritional supplement to support intense physical activities and improve recovery after exercise.
The anti-inflammatory properties of honey make it very effective in relieving many health problems.
For example, it has traditionally been used to soothe sore throats and reduce coughing. In fact, several studies have shown that honey is as effective, or even more so, than some commercially available cough syrups. In addition, its soothing properties help relieve irritation and inflammation of the respiratory tract, relieving the annoying itching of the throat.
We recommend taking it diluted in a glass of warm milk, since these two foods will act as enhancers when combined, achieving even greater relief from sore throat.
Consuming honey also benefits the digestive system. Honey has prebiotic properties, meaning it helps stimulate the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut, such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria.
These bacteria are essential for healthy digestion and maintaining a proper microbial balance in the gut. Additionally, honey can help relieve digestive problems such as acid reflux and indigestion, thanks to its ability to coat the stomach lining.
Perhaps it is one of its most unknown uses, but honey is an excellent natural ingredient for the care of our skin thanks to its moisturizing, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It works as a natural moisturizer, attracting and retaining moisture and preserving it for longer in the skin, making it an ideal option for dry or dehydrated skin.
In addition, its antibacterial properties help fight acne, reducing the presence of bacteria and clearing clogged pores. The antioxidants present in honey protect the skin from free radical damage, delaying the signs of aging, while its anti-inflammatory effects calm irritations, redness and help in the healing of wounds and minor burns, leaving the skin soft, radiant and healthy.
Have we convinced you to include this miraculous ingredient in your routine yet?
Although more research is still needed in this area, some preliminary studies suggest that honey may have anti-cancer properties.
Certain compounds present in honey have been found to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce inflammation, which is often linked to the development of cancer.
However, on its own, it is not a treatment for cancer, but rather a natural supplement that can support a healthier lifestyle.
After all this explanation of its main benefits for our health, we hope to have convinced you that honey is a food that also protects and nourishes our body in various ways.
By incorporating raw, unprocessed honey into your diet and daily routine, you will be taking advantage of one of nature's gifts, contributing to your health in a comprehensive way. So the next time you need to sweeten your coffee, remember to choose honey and enjoy all its benefits.
