Honey is the only substance found on the planet which has a chemical composition very similar to that of human blood. Just a swarm of bees making this precious food substance by using nectar from flowers. Isn’t that a wonder?
Honey production and its use date back to ancient times. It has been used as medicine for more than 5000 years. Its color, taste, and texture differ greatly depending on the type of flower they extract nectar from.
Humans have been using it as a home remedy over the years because of its nutritional value and benefits, health concerns that it can address, and types of it that have different impacts.
Importance and its uses:
Honey is considered important due to various reasons. Since its chemical framework is close to human blood, it works wonders for the heart and brain. It also enhances your physical well-being and stabilizes mental health.
It is one of the most common items used in Indian households because of its multiple uses. Not only can it be consumed, but also can be used on the skin for burns, wounds, or any other skin-related health.
There are many types of honey mentioned in Ayurveda. Every kind differs and “Makshika” is given the most importance medicinally. In general, every kind has immense uses in medicinal, cosmetic, and general purposes.
When it is consumed raw or with warm water or with cold water, each has a different kind of impact on your well-being.
Warm water honey helps people to lose excess weight, whereas cold water honey helps to gain weight. Although there are other benefits as well, these two are primary because body mass index (BMI) is really important for a person’s overall well-being.
Benefits of honey:
1) Rich in antioxidants:
Organic or high-quality honey has more antioxidants which have been linked to having a lower risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain types of cancer. It also promotes eye health and helps in lowering blood pressure.
2) Works as antibacterial:
It has been claimed that it kills unwanted bacteria and fungus. It contains hydrogen peroxide which has the ability to work as an antiseptic.
3) Helps in cold and cough sickness:
Drinking warm lemon water with honey is one of the best ways to treat a sore throat. Consuming it, in the same way, can also help a runny nose. It is a traditional remedy.
4) Promotes burn and wound healing:
It actually helps boost healing time and reduce infection. Tropical honey treatment has been used to deal with wounds and burns since ancient Egypt.
Manuka honey is widely used as an effective treatment for burn wounds. It also helps other skin conditions such as psoriasis and herpes.
5) Prevents acid reflux:
The upward movement of stomach acid leads to inflammation, acid reflux, or heartburn. Honey may prevent acid reflux by helping the esophagus tract, possibly defending the upward flow of stomach acid.
6) Keeps check on blood glucose levels:
Honey is relatively low in glycemic index (GI), levels of GI happen to impact glucose levels. But in this case, honey is sweet but is not much of a concern as sugar is. People with type 2 diabetes can enjoy it once in a while.
7) Helps to heal oral diseases:
Study shows that sugary substances aren’t considered suitable for oral health, however, honey which has antibacterial properties proves otherwise. It holds off gingivitis and other gum diseases.
8) Boosts immune system:
Since it is rich in antioxidants and other antibacterial properties, it can easily promote one’s immunity.
9) Promotes digestive health:
Raw honey is considered a type of food that nurtures the good bacteria in your gut. It helps in increasing the number of good bacteria in the colon, thereby, helping with the digestion process and also preventing stomach-related ulcers.