Natural Energy Booster: Honey is a great source of carbohydrates, providing 17 grams of natural sugars per tablespoon. These sugars — fructose and glucose — are quickly absorbed by the body and can provide an immediate energy boost. This makes honey an excellent quick-energy source before or after workouts.
Rich in Antioxidants: High-quality honey is rich in powerful antioxidants, including phenolic compounds like flavonoids. Antioxidants help to protect your body against inflammation and free radicals, which are linked to various chronic health conditions.
Cough Suppressant: Honey is an effective remedy for a cough. It helps to soothe the throat and can minimize coughing, particularly in children. The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes honey as a demulcent, which means it forms a protective film over the throat, reducing the irritation that causes coughing.
Wound Healing: Honey is used in medicinal practices to treat wounds because it naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. Its effectiveness as a wound healer comes from its antibacterial properties, as well as its ability to maintain a moist wound environment and provide a protective barrier against infection.
Promotes Better Sleep: Consuming honey can trigger a small spike in insulin levels, which stimulates the release of tryptophan in the brain. Tryptophan is then converted into serotonin, which in turn is converted into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the quality and length of sleep.
Supports Digestive Health: Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhea, though there is more evidence to support its use in treating ulcers. It is believed to help with the reduction of inflammation and irritation of the gut due to its antimicrobial properties.
Soothes a Sore Throat: Honey is an old sore throat remedy. Add it to hot tea with lemon when a cold virus strikes, and it might help you recover faster. Honey is an effective wound healer, which means it might also help speed healing for sore throats.
Natural Sweetener: Honey is a healthier alternative to refined sugars and artificial sweeteners. Its sweet flavor makes it an ideal natural sweetener in foods, drinks, and desserts. Because honey is sweeter than sugar, you might use a smaller amount to achieve the desired sweetness.