Honey is an all-natural and easily accessible treatment for upper respiratory tract infection (URI) symptoms. Several studies have shown that honey has considerable health benefits—the sweet treat known as liquid gold.
Know The Health Benefits of Honey
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections are treated (URI)
The researchers discovered that honey reduced cough frequency and intensity when compared to standard therapies such as over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and antibiotics. The study was spurred by concerns about antimicrobial resistance, which has been related to the overuse of antibiotics for URIs.
According to a recent study, antimicrobial resistance arises when viruses, bacteria, or fungi stop responding to treatments (such as antibiotics) for treatment. This is a major worry because it reduces therapy options for URIs and other infections.
Battles Metabolic Syndrome
People suffering from metabolic syndrome may benefit from honey (MetS). A metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. It includes high blood pressure, high triglyceride (a type of fat) levels in the blood, and high blood sugar. The goal of metabolic syndrome treatment is to reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes by controlling the associated problematic health conditions.
Lowers Blood Sugar Levels
Honey has a low glycemic index, so it doesn’t cause an increase in blood sugar and insulin levels and helps improve insulin sensitivity. Honey has also been proven to help people lose weight. But honey actually has slightly more carbohydrates and more calories a teaspoon than does granulated sugar. So any calories and carbohydrates you save will be minimal. If you prefer the taste of honey, go ahead and use it.
But only use honey in moderation. Be sure to count the carbohydrates in honey as part of your diabetes eating plan.
Enhances Lipid Metabolism
Metabolic syndrome is a constellation of five risk factors comprising central obesity, hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, and hypertension, which predispose a person to cardiometabolic diseases. Many studies reported the beneficial effects of honey in reversing metabolic syndrome through its antiobesity, hypoglycaemic, hypolipidaemic, and hypotensive actions.
Honey decreases blood triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol while boosting HDL cholesterol. According to a new study, cholesterol is a chemical in your body. Too much cholesterol can accumulate and cause heart problems.
Lowers Oxidative Stress
Honey’s antioxidative capabilities, according to a recent study, also assist lower oxidative stress, a factor in metabolic syndrome. In a nutshell, oxidative stress is a mismatch between the body’s ability to combat the destructive effects of free radicals on cells. Honey is a natural insect-derived product with therapeutic, medicinal and nutritional values.
Antioxidant properties of honey quench biologically circulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and counter oxidative stress while restoring the cellular antioxidant defense system. The antioxidant properties of honey may complement its nootropic effects to reduce cognitive aging.
Avoids Artery Hardening
Honey has the potential to fight arterial stiffening, often known as atherosclerosis. It includes around 180 compounds, including natural sugars and several vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals, according to recent research in Nutrients. Honey’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, in addition to its ability to combat oxidative stress, are the primary elements responsible for its anti-artery hardening properties.
Promotes Healthy Gut
Honey has a long history of use for the treatment of digestive ailments. Certain honey types have well-established bioactive properties including antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. According to a recent study, honey has prebiotic characteristics. Prebiotics aid in the fermentation of beneficial gut bacteria such as bifidobacterial and lactobacilli.
The researchers attribute this transition to improved immunological function and emotional well-being.
Helps in Burn and Wound Healing
Honey can also be used to heal diabetic foot ulcers, which are serious consequences that can lead to amputation. One study including persons with diabetes-related foot ulcers found that honey as a wound therapy had a 43.3% success rate. In another trial, topical honey cured 97% of diabetes-related ulcers in patients. Honey’s therapeutic properties, according to researchers, stem from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Simple to Incorporate Into Your Diet
Honey is simple to incorporate into your diet. It can be used in any way that sugar is used to get a little boost of antioxidants. It tastes great on plain yogurt, coffee, or tea. It can be applied directly to minor burns or wounds as a home cure, or taken orally for coughing. Use honey to sweeten your dressings or marinades. Stir honey into coffee or tea. Drizzle honey on top of toast or pancakes. Mix honey into yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal for a more natural sweetener
References:
- Adebolu TT. Effect of natural honey on local isolates of diarrhea-causing bacteria in Southwestern Nigeria. Afr J Biotechnol.
- Ashrafi S, Mastronikolas S, Wu CD. Use of Honey in Treatment of Aphthous Ulcers IADR/AADR/CADR 83rd General Session.Baltimore, MD., USA: 2005.
- Hassapidou M, Fotiadou E, Maglara E, Papadopoulou SK. Energy intake, diet composition, energy expenditure, and body fatness of adolescents in Northern Greece. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2006
