How to Stay Healthy With the Amazing Powers of Honey

You may be aware of honey’s sweet flavor and how it enhances our favorite dishes, but did you know that it also serves a therapeutic purpose? It’s true, and the amazing powers of honey are too good to miss out on!

Honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for ailments ranging from coughs and colds to skin troubles. In recent years, research has revealed even more ways that honey can help us stay healthy. From the wonders of Manuka honey to the health benefits of raw honey, it turns out there’s no limit to what this superfood can do for us.

In this article, I’ll share some of the lesser-known ways that you can use honey to stay healthy. Let’s start with why honey is good for us in the first place…

What Makes Honey a Superfood?

You may already be aware of the sweet, sticky liquid that can be found in almost every kitchen pantry – but did you know that it is also an incredibly nutritious and powerful superfood? Honey has been a favorite of humankind for centuries, but only recently are we truly unlocking its potential to support our health and wellness.

So what exactly makes honey a superfood? Well for starters, honey is jam-packed with antioxidants and vitamins like Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Potassium, and Phosphorous. Plus, it has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties which can help to fight off disease-causing bacteria while still protecting your body’s natural flora balance. And not to mention its many healing benefits – from calming coughs to reducing inflammation.

How to Stay Healthy With the Amazing Powers of Honey

With so many beneficial qualities packed into one food source, it’s no wonder that honey has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for countless ailments. So why not take advantage of its amazing powers by adding it to your diet today?

Health Benefits of Raw Honey

When it comes to honey, you’re doing yourself a favor by always choosing the raw variety. Raw honey is unprocessed and therefore retains essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are lost when filtered or pasteurized. That’s why it’s a true powerhouse of health benefits, with the potential to reduce inflammation, boost immunity and even lessen symptoms of allergies.

Here are some of the health benefits raw honey offers:

Antioxidants: Honey contains powerful antioxidants that may protect against damage from environmental toxins.
Immunity Boost: Raw honey naturally contains small amounts of enzymes, vitamin C, and other beneficial compounds that contribute to a strong immune system.
Inflammation Reducer: Studies have found that raw honey may be effective in reducing inflammation and treating skin conditions such as eczema.
Allergy Relief: If you suffer from seasonal allergies, research shows that consuming locally produced raw honey may help reduce your sensitivity to certain allergens.

The next time you reach for an ingredient to sweeten your food or drink—or add a bit of nutrition—consider the amazing powers of raw honey!

How to Use Honey for Healthier Skin and Hair

When it comes to your skin and hair, honey can be a great friend. Honey is packed with antioxidants and vitamins, so when used as part of a skincare or haircare routine, it can do wonders for your look.

It’s best to use raw, unprocessed honey for all of these health benefits; it hasn’t been heated or processed in any way, so all the goodness is still inside. Here are some ways you can use honey to get healthier skin and hair:

Honey Mask

A honey mask is one of the simplest ways to use honey on your skin. Just mix three tablespoons of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon, then apply it to your face, leave on for 10 minutes, and wash off with warm water. This simple mask helps reduce redness and keep acne away.

Creamy Hair Conditioner

Mix one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of honey together in a bowl until they become creamy. Run this mixture through clean hair from root to tip and let sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing out with cool water. Not only will this leave your hair feeling soft and smooth, but also help to stimulate growth!

Honey as Cleanser

Honey isn’t just good for masks or conditioners; you can use it as a cleanser too! Mix equal parts honey and milk together and massage into your face in circular motions. Let sit for two or three minutes then rinse off with warm water. The antibacterial properties in the honey help clear away dirt from pores while the milk helps keep skin moisturized.

How to Choose the Right Kind of Honey

It’s important to know the different kinds of honey available so that you can best choose what type suits your needs. Generally, there are four primary types of honey you’ll find in stores:

Raw honey is raw, natural and unprocessed honey. It’s minimally filtered, and still contains some pollen, wax and propolis. Raw honey is considered to have health benefits because it’s fuller of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants — however, it’s not pasteurized, meaning it could contain small amounts of bacteria like botulism spores.

Organic honey is honey that’s certified organic by an accredited third-party agency. It’s held to the same standards as organic produce from a grocery store — free from pesticides, hormones and other contaminants. This type of honey may have been processed more than raw honey.

Manuka Honey is produced by bees foraging on the Manuka flower in New Zealand. Manuka has been found to contain antimicrobial activity that has a unique antibacterial quality which helps with wound healing, infections and skin issues like eczema or psoriasis — yet still tastes amazing!

Pasteurized Honey is heated to kill any bacteria or spores which can extend its shelf life. While this might seem like a good thing, unfortunately some beneficial elements found in raw or organic honey can also be killed during this heating process — so if your aim is antioxidants and enzymes, pasteurized won’t cut it.

Conclusion

To sum it up, honey is an amazing natural health tonic with incredible powers and benefits. From its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties to its ability to provide energy, boost immunity, aid in digestion, and so much more, honey has a lot to offer when it comes to health and wellness.

Though honey should be consumed in moderation due to its high sugar content, it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from being added to teas and smoothies to being used as a natural sweetener in baking recipes. Incorporating honey into your diet can help to boost your overall health and wellness, so why not give it a try today?