10 Little-Known Benefits Of Honey For The Skin, Body, & Brain

[LoShiNi]

Everyone likes sweets. Some prefer it multiple times per day, some just once in a while. Even if you are not a fan of candies, sweets, and treats, know that a small daily amount of sugar can make all the difference for your mood.

Of course, eating too much sugar, especially refined and artificial one, is not good for anyone’s health. However, there are excellent natural alternatives.

Among them (and the best of them) is honey. It is already known that honey, provided by friendly bees, has been used by humans for thousands of years. Whether to flavor dishes, both sweet and salty, to ferment alcoholic drinks, or to use as a medicine, it has always been around. There are caverns with paintings of people eating honey, dating back to eight thousand years ago. Honey is as old as the benefits it provides.

As it is smooth and sweet, honey goes well in juices, teas, sauces, fruits, and many other complements. In moderation, the consumption of honey will give you numerous health benefits. Some are not well known, like its ability to strengthen memory.

See below for other wonderful things that honey does. And, try to leave your white sugar behind!


Benefit #1: Curbs allergies and colds

Honey has anti-inflammatory properties that help to reduce the symptoms of allergies and colds.


Try to eat local honey, produced in your city or region with pollen from nearby flowers. This will help your body to grow accustomed to the pollen in your environment, increasing resistance to allergic reactions and colds alike.


When winter arrives, or in other cooler seasons, fuel yourself with cups of tea with a generous amount of honey.


Benefit #2: Gets rid of coughs and sore throats

Honey, particularly from buckwheat, is great for sick throats.

If your throat is bothering you, especially at night, try two tablespoons of local honey. Whether on its own or in chamomile tea, your night’s sleep will surely be even deeper. A good spoonful of honey creates a kind of protective barrier on the throat, calming sensitive areas that can cause coughing.


Benefit #3: Strengthens memory

Honey is full of antioxidants that protect damaged cells and help with functions of the brain.
A recent study in the US showed that the habit of eating honey daily can positively impact memory preservation. This was especially true among women who are post-menopausal.

However, how does it do it? Honey helps the body absorb calcium, and calcium is a crucial element for a healthy, functioning brain.


Benefit #4: Prevents dandruff

Honey has antibacterial properties that relieve irritated scalp skin.

To take advantage of its effects, dilute a little bit of honey in warm water and apply the mixture to dry hair down to the roots. Let it sit for three hours before rinsing.


Benefit #5: Cleans and disinfects wounds

As mentioned above, honey is antibacterial, and consequently, it is a natural astringent. This helps reduce the size of the wound and keep them clean.

It is worthwhile to remember that the typical use of honey has been around for millennia. However, its effects are not the same on very serious cuts and burns.


Benefit #6: Helps with sleeping

There are serious reasons that we like sugar: it provides an increase of insulin and serotonin in the body — hormones intimately linked with humor and a sense of pleasure.

Our body converts serotonin into melatonin in the pineal gland, which controls deep, regular sleep patterns. And, honey has other influences too. It contains tryptophan — an amino acid that promotes sleep.

Want a good night’s rest? Tea with honey is the best solution.


Benefit #7: Mid-day stimulant

Honey helps with falling asleep and staying awake? Can that be right?

It seems like a joke, but it’s true. Honey has a large amount of carbohydrates (thanks to its unprocessed sugar), which has the effect of a short-term energizer.

Thus, if you feel tired and sleepy in the afternoon, try adding a spoonful of honey into a cup of tea or coffee, or on a piece of fruit. It can be invigorating!


Benefit #8: Calms the gastrointestinal system

Just as honey can help relieve irritations outside of the body, it can also soothe within it. Some studies have shown that gastrointestinal problems can be reduced when honey is incorporated into a person’s regular diet.

Why? The sweet liquid contains “good bacterias” (known as probiotics) that help with the digestion process.


Benefit #9: Great for the skin

Yes, honey can also make a great cosmetic. Once again, because of its antibacterial qualities, it cleans, hydrates, and relaxes the skin. This is together with its antioxidants that protect the cells from free radicals (that accelerate aging). Nonetheless, there’s more: honey works very well on marks and blemishes on the face.


Benefit #10: Helps your “good cells“

Honey is packed with healthy bacteria, such as bifidobacterium and lactobacillus. Both improve digestion and contribute to overall health in the body.

Sweeten your yogurt with a little bit of honey and get the perfect bacteria into your intestines!