10 Surprising Health Benefits of Honey
Since ancient times, honey has been used as both a food and a medicine.It’s very high in beneficial plant compounds and offers several health benefits. Honey is particularly healthy when used instead of refined sugar, which is 100% empty calories.
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Honey Is “Less Bad” Than Sugar for Diabetics
1: On one hand, it can reduce several risk factors for heart disease common in people with type 2 diabetes. 2: While honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should still be consumed with caution. 3: In fact, people with diabetes may do best by minimizing all high-carb foods.
Honey Contains Some Nutrients.
1: Nutritionally, 1 tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories and 17 grams of sugar, including fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose. 2: It contains virtually no fiber, fat or protein. 3: Where honey shines is in its content of bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants. Darker types tend to be even higher in these compounds than lighter types
High-Quality Honey Is Rich in Antioxidants
1: High-quality honey contains many important antioxidants. These include organic acids and phenolic compounds like flavonoids. 2: Scientists believe that the combination of these compounds gives honey its antioxidant power. 3: Antioxidants have been linked to reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and some types of cancer. They may also promote eye health.
The Antioxidants in It Can Help Lower Blood Pressure
1: Blood pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease, and honey may help lower it. 2: This is because it contains antioxidant compounds that have been linked to lower blood pressure. 3: Studies in humans have shown modest reductions in blood pressure from consuming honey.
Honey Also Helps Improve Cholesterol
1: High LDL cholesterol levels is a strong risk factor for heart disease. 2: This type of cholesterol plays a major role in atherosclerosis, the fatty buildup in your arteries that can lead to heart attacks and strokes. 3: Interestingly, several studies show that honey may improve your cholesterol levels.
Honey Can Lower Triglycerides
1: Elevated blood triglycerides are another risk factor for heart disease. 2: Triglyceride levels tend to increase on a diet high in sugar and refined carbs. 3: Interestingly, multiple studies have linked regular honey consumption with lower triglyceride levels, especially when it is used to replace sugar.
The Antioxidants in It Are Linked to Other Beneficial Effects on Heart Health
1: Again, honey is a rich source of phenols and other antioxidant compounds. Many of these have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease. 2: They may help the arteries in your heart dilate, increasing blood flow to your heart. 3: They may also help prevent blood clot formation, which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
Honey Promotes Burn and Wound Healing
1: Topical honey treatment has been used to heal wounds and burns since ancient Egypt and is still common today. 2: Honey is also an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers, which are serious complications that can lead to amputation. 3: One study reported a 43.3% success rate with honey as a wound treatment. In another study, topical honey healed a whopping 97% of patients’ diabetic ulcers.
Honey Can Help Suppress Coughs in Children
1: Coughing is a common problem for children with upper respiratory infections. 2: These infections can affect sleep and quality of life for both children and parents. 3: One study found that honey worked better than two common cough medications.
It’s Delicious, But Still High in Calories and Sugar
1: Honey is a delicious, healthier alternative to sugar. 2: Make sure to choose a high-quality brand, because some lower-quality ones may be mixed with syrup. 3: Keep in mind that honey should only be consumed in moderation, as it is still high in calories and sugar.