Science Proves That Honey Is Good For Your Health
The use of honey by humans can be traced back some 8000 years as depicted by a variety of Stone Age paintings. The ancient Egyptians and the Greeks used honey for its healing qualities, particularly when treating open wounds and preventing infections. They also used honey for other problems like stomach ailments and fevers. But what, if any, of these uses have been proved by science and is honey beneficial to your health?
Antibacterial ability
Just as the ancients used honey to kill off bacteria, studies have actually proved they were right. Certain types of honey have been shown to have antibacterial activities for various strains of bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella. The antimicrobial activity in most honeys is due to the production of hydrogen peroxide and the fact that it is naturally acidic. In additional, honey’s healing properties are also due to the fact that it has a high viscosity and helps provide a protective barrier to prevent infections.
Honey is rich in antioxidants
Honey contains many important antioxidants The organic acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids are what contribute to honey’s antioxidant qualities. Some studies have shown that buckwheat honey actually contains the same level of antioxidant has our blood. So, as antioxidants are known to help reduce blood pressure as well as the risk of heart attacks, honey really is good for you.
Honey can reduce cholesterol
Cholesterol has an important function in our bodies, including producing a number of hormones. It’s the bad cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL) that we need to be careful of. This type of cholesterol can raise blood pressure and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Studies have shown that honey can reduce bad cholesterol by up to 8%. Just by adding a little in your diet everyday can help keep your cholesterol at safe levels.
How to add honey to your diet
Breakfast is a great place to include a daily dose of honey. Spread some on your toast or add to some plain yoghurt for a healthy and energising start to the day. As you continue through your day, use honey instead of sugar in your tea or coffee to sweeten it up or add some flavour. Honey can be a great addition to marinades and other dressings. Adding honey to a marinade can make meat more succulent and adding it to salad dressings can sweeten those salads up nicely.
Science seems to have proved the ancients correct. Honey certainly does have a variety of health benefits. Like anything, however, it is best used in moderation and if you’re ever in doubt about medical conditions or worried about certain symptoms, always check with your doctor first.
