15 benefits of honey that will make you see it with different eyes

Made from the nectar of plants, honey carries numerous medicinal, nutritional and cosmetic properties. This rich food has antimicrobial, probiotic, antioxidant and energetic actions, in addition to vitamins and minerals. Check out the health benefits of honey and ask your questions about its contraindications and forms of consumption.

15 benefits of honey to sweeten your life

Often used as a sweetener, honey has powerful functions that go beyond sweetness. Nutritionist Carolina Siqueira (CRN 2992), specialist in diabetes, nutrition and clinical metabolism lists the benefits of this food, see:

1. Probiotic

The inclusion of foods such as honey in the diet alters the intestinal flora by stimulating the development of beneficial bacteria in the intestine.

2. Relief from stomach pain

Honey has properties capable of protecting the gastric mucosa, in addition to having anti-inflammatory action, which helps in the treatment of diseases and discomforts in the stomach.

3. Antibacterial activity

Foods such as honey can act to fight bacteria that cause diseases such as sore throat.

4. Prevents Osteoporosis

Because it contains calcium in its structure, a mineral that is easily absorbed by the body, honey can minimize the risk of osteoporosis.

5. Lower calorie

On a low-calorie diet, honey can be quite a helper, as 1 tablespoon of white sugar has 93 kcal and brown sugar 73 kcal, while the same amount of honey has only 59 kcal.

6. Vitamin C

One of the many vitamins found in honey is vitamin C, an excellent agent for cell renewal.

7. Iron

Another component of this food is iron. It helps to reduce the risk of iron deficiency anemia.

8. Indirect aid in weight loss

Honey is not an active food for weight loss, but its action takes place indirectly, as it helps in cellular disinflammation and contributes to a balanced diet.

9. Physical activity

Honey is an excellent source of simple carbohydrates, so it provides the body with energy quickly. Its consumption is recommended for training or long competitions (lasting more than 1 hour), in order to provide energy more easily to the body.

10. Combating eye diseases

Honey can be effective in treating eye diseases such as cataracts and corneal inflammation, however, just consuming the food is not enough; it is necessary to make the correct treatment of these diseases according to medical prescription.

11. Combating diseases of the mouth

It also acts in the control of bacteria that cause diseases of the throat and mouth, such as pharyngitis and caries.

12. Treatment of Candidiasis

Honey has an active role in the treatment of candidiasis, due to its antifungal action.

13. Rich in minerals

It is possible to find several minerals such as selenium, manganese, zinc and aluminum, which promote essential functions in the body.

14. Assistance in post-surgical treatment

Its antimicrobial activity helps in the treatment of post-surgical wounds, ulcers and in the preservation of skin grafts.

15. Immunity

Honey helps improve immunity by having a natural antibiotic and antiseptic action.

The nutritionist explains that the ideal amount of daily consumption of honey will depend on each person’s caloric needs. For those who have a balanced diet, ingesting 1 tablespoon (15 g) per day is recommended.

Forms of use and consumption

Honey can work both alone and in combination with other foods. See the best suggestions for consuming or using honey and enjoying all its benefits:

honey for hair

Honey helps in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, the famous scalp dandruff. Its use consists of diluting a small amount of honey in warm water and applying it to the hair before shampooing. Consult a dermatologist before starting this form of use, as it can cause irritation.

honey for the skin

Honey can also be a great homemade moisturizer, as well as healing acne-prone skin and helping to treat wounds and burns. Also, its antioxidant property guarantees a youthful and preserved skin. Apply after bathing, massaging the body and face. Let it act for 20 minutes and rinse. The result will be nourished and glowing skin.

honey with milk

Having trouble sleeping at night? Know that the consumption of honey with milk can be excellent in combating insomnia. Include a cup of warm milk with a spoon of honey in your nighttime routine.

honey with lemon

The mixture of honey and lemon can be a great help against cough caused by the flu or cold. They bring soothing action to the airways and throat region, which lessens your irritation during coughing. In addition, honey has anti-inflammatory properties. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey to 1 cup of boiled water. Once dissolved, squeeze 1 lemon and drink the tea.

honey with cinnamon

Honey with cinnamon is a super duo with antifungal and antibacterial action. Together, they help treat gastrointestinal tract problems, in addition to relieving joint pain, caused by diseases such as arthritis, for example.

Honey combined with these and other foods can yield great natural medicines and help fight fungi and bacteria.

Contraindications and warnings about honey

Faced with numerous benefits, honey can also bring risks, mainly linked to its exaggerated consumption. Carolina Siqueira listed cases in which honey is not indicated:

• Excessive consumption: Excessive honey intake causes an increase in blood glucose (excess blood sugar), which favors weight gain and affects pancreatic functions in the long term.
• For those who suffer from intestinal problems: honey can cause dysfunction in the intestinal flora (diarrhea) due to its high concentration of sugars.
• For children under 1 year: the greatest risk of honey consumption for this group is botulism, diseases caused by bacteria that can be found in containers that store honey. The complications of this pathology can lead to death.

The consumption of this food should be done in a balanced way and according to the caloric need of each one. Consult a nutritionist and learn more about how to introduce honey into your menu.

Nutritional information

In the total composition of honey, we find essential minerals for our body, in addition to vitamins, carotenoids, anthocyanins and flavones. Check out the complete distribution of nutrients present in honey and be surprised by its power:

The properties we find in honey can vary depending on climate, soil conditions and bee species. Either way, it’s a food worth including in your food routine. Also discover how to make a hydration with honey to renew your hair!

The information contained on this page is for informational purposes only. They do not replace the advice and follow-up of doctors, nutritionists, psychologists, physical education professionals and other specialists.