Why should honey be a must-have in your diet?

Honey has been used as a food and medicine since ancient times. It is known as one of the greatest all-natural healers and has been used in home remedies for thousands of years. Honey is also used as a natural way to sweeten foods apart from having health benefits too.

It is particularly healthy when used instead of refined sugar as it is rich in beneficial plant compounds. Honey is available in the pasteurized form, raw form and in a variety of colours. There are several antioxidants, minerals and enzymes found in honey that prove to be valuable for us.

Fights against free radicals

Honey is rich in powerful antioxidants that protect your body from the damages caused by free radicals. Free radicals damage is linked with inflammatory disorders, ageing and diseases like cancer. These antioxidants fight against cell damage.

Anti-ageing properties

Honey has excellent anti-ageing properties. The probiotics, nutrients, enzymes and antioxidants in honey function together to plump and nourish the skin. It also helps in making skin visibly brighter. Studies also support honey as a factor that reduces heart disease risks and blood pressure.

Soothes a sore throat and cough

Drinking honey tea or warm water with honey to calm a sore throat and cough isn’t just old wives’ tales. Sufficient research has proven that as little as 2.5 ml of it can be more effective to cure cough than any cough medicine. Thanks to its anti-bacterial anti-inflammatory powers. Its thick consistency covers the throat providing it with a soothing effect.

Promotes oral health

Regularly consuming honey results in better oral health. It reduces the risk of gum bleeding and plaque. Even though it is sugary in nature, it has numerous anti-bacterial benefits that are more likely to prevent tooth decaying and cavities.

Helps in better digestion

Raw honey has been known as a prebiotic food, meaning it nurtures the good bacteria in your gut. It helps line the oesophagus and the stomach reducing the upward flow of stomach acid and undigested food. Thus, helps in preventing acid reflux. It also has a positive effect on cholesterol levels. Needless to say, it is much better than refined sugar and promotes weight loss as well.

Helps in better sleep

Eating a spoon of honey before bedtime has proven to provide better sleep. It supports the production of serotonin and melatonin in your body that would help you fall asleep more effortlessly than any sleep-inducing medicines.