Sweet and natural: 7 Health benefits of raw honey

Raw honey is a healthier and more natural alternative to regular store-bought honey. Most commercial brands of honey go through extensive processing and pasteurization, which eliminates many of the beneficial nutrients found in raw honey. Processed honey is only a modern invention whereas raw honey has been used in traditional medicine for hundreds of years. Here are seven excellent reasons why you should start using raw honey.

Raw honey contains essential nutrients

Who knew something so sweet could also be so nutritious? Raw honey naturally contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals, including:

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Potassium
• Phosphorus
• Copper
• Zinc
• Selenium
• Niacin
• Riboflavin
• Folate
• Betaine
• Pantothenic acid

This impressive nutritional profile makes raw honey a healthier substitute to sugar, artificial sweeteners, or even pasteurized honey.

Raw honey is a good source of antioxidants

Raw honey is naturally rich in powerful phytonutrients which give honey its antioxidant properties. Other natural antioxidants you can find in raw honey include polyphenols, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid — all of which protect your body against oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to an increased risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart disease. You can reduce your risk of these illnesses and other chronic health conditions by consuming raw honey and other antioxidant-rich foods.

Raw honey possesses powerful anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties

As a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, raw honey contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic which can kill unwanted bacteria and fungi. In fact, raw honey is so effective at eliminating bacteria that it can even kill off antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It also has a low pH level that helps inhibit the growth of yeast, bacteria, and fungi. (Related: Honey is medicine: 4 Scientifically proven perks to using Nature’s sweetener.)

Raw honey can promote the healing of wounds and burns

Due to its antibacterial properties, raw honey has been traditionally used in wound dressings to prevent infection and promote the growth and nourishment of new skin tissue. Studies show that raw honey is more effective at sterilizing and healing burns than over the counter (OTC) antibiotic medications. In hospitals, medical-grade honey is typically applied to minor cuts and burns before the wound is bandaged. Manuka honey is often considered the best kind of raw honey for wound care.

Raw honey promotes healthy brain function

Research indicates that raw honey contains health-promoting ingredients that can help fight inflammation in the hippocampus. The potent antioxidant properties of raw honey can also protect the brain from damage caused by harmful free radicals.

Raw honey can soothe coughs and sore throats

Reducing the severity of coughs and sore throat is another thing raw honey can do better than OTC medications. For an effective sore throat remedy, simply add a teaspoon of raw honey to a cup of hot tea with lemon, or you can just swallow the teaspoonful directly and allow the honey to coat your throat.

Raw honey can relieve diarrhea and other digestive issues

Did you know that raw honey can support healthy digestion? As a potent prebiotic, it can nourish the friendly bacteria that live in your gut. If you have mild diarrhea, you can take a small amount of raw honey to alleviate the symptoms. Take care to limit the amount to a single teaspoon or the extra sugar might worsen your diarrhea. Studies show that raw honey, combined with an oral rehydration solution, can serve as an effective treatment for gastroenteritis.

Raw honey is a versatile superfood that can provide a healthy way to indulge your sweet tooth. Use it to sweeten your tea, pancakes, baked goods, and other snacks to enjoy its amazing health benefits.

Sources include:

MedicalNewsToday.com

Organic.org

Healthline.com