Named liquid gold with good reason, honey is considered a miracle food, and is probably one of the healthiest, most delicious and sought after natural ingredients on the planet. So how exactly does honey heal or benefit us on consumption? Experts give explanations as to why this valuable ingredient could transform your health.
Kripa Jalan, specialist In Sports Nutrition says that compared to refined sugar, which causes a sudden spike, honey comprises more fructose than glucose, causing a lower blood sugar spike. Honey also contains antioxidant properties that may regulate cholesterol levels. Jalan recommends choosing your honey carefully, and go for the one that’s minimally processed and has a darker shade.
Jalan also reminds us that in any food, miracle or not, moderation is key. So just use a drizzle of honey on your tea, avoiding spoonfuls, because, at the end of the day, honey is just a pseudonym for sugar. However, Nutrition Coach, Pooja Bhargava explains that although honey, in fact, contains the same amount of calories as that of sugar, these are not empty calories, as they come with various health benefits, The Free Press Journal reports.
So even though it could be sweeter than table sugar, due to its high fructose content, honey is a delicious natural sweetener that does not wreak havoc on your health. The healthiest way to consume honey is in its raw form as well as combining it with other healthy foods like greens and herbal teas. It becomes less healthy when honey reaches a high temperature because some of the nutrients are lost.
Aside from being a healthy substitute for sugar, included in honey's surprising health benefits is that it can be used as an energy booster after a grueling workout. Adding small amounts into your tea or cereals in the morning can boost your energy throughout the day. Honey also has antimicrobial properties, which deodorize wounds, stimulate wound tissues, and speeding up the healing process, in scars, scrapes, and burns, the Cooking Detective reports.
Honey can also be an excellent skin moisturizer, which can be added to shampoo, conditioners, moisturizers, or use it on its own. Honey also contain the antioxidants polyphenols which can rid the body of toxins and help the cleansing process. Polyphenols are known to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.
A surprising health benefit of honey is that it may boost memory and cognitive function through its antioxidant properties. Honey may also aid insomniacs, helping in the release of serotonin, which improves sleep. Finally, you can also use this miracle food as a cure for hangover as it soothes the stomach and quickens the oxidation process of alcohol.