The 10 Scientifically Proven Benefits of Honey.
Have you ever noticed the number of grandma's remedies that call for honey?
It's not for nothing: the healing properties of honey are recognized and used since antiquity.
But did you know that several studies have looked at the benefits of honey and its use as a medicine?
We have selected for you 10 benefits of honey that are scientifically proven. Look :
1. Honey relieves coughs
Researchers at Pennsylvania State University analyzed the effects of honey on children's coughs.
In the study, researchers compared the effectiveness of honey to that of dextromethorphan, one of the most widely used cough medications.
The result ? Honey is still more efficient as dextromethorphan to calm nighttime coughs in children.
In addition, researchers have also found that children who take honey have a better quality of sleep.
Another study, published in the American medical journal Pediatrics, was interested in the benefits of honey on coughs.
The researchers examined 270 children with colds, ages 1 to 5, who all exhibited the symptoms of a nighttime cough.
Researchers found that children who were given 2 teaspoons of honey before bed had coughing fits less frequent and less acute (compared to children who are not given honey).
On the other hand, children who take honey are less likely to have disturbed sleep.
To discover : 9 Amazing Grandma's Cough Remedies.
2. Improves memory
Researchers looked at the effects of 3 different treatments on 102 healthy women who have reached menopausal age.
These women received either honey treatment (20 g of honey per day), hormone replacement therapy (estrogen and progesterone based) or no treatment at all.
After 4 months, the researchers gave them a short-term memory test.
Out of 15 new words to learn, women who undergo honey or hormone therapy remember an additional word.
However, one can criticize the scientific validity of this study because of the small sample size and its short duration. Nevertheless, the results of this study are promising.
To discover : 6 Effective Tips to Boost Memory and Concentration.
3. Heals small wounds
Several studies highlight the effectiveness of honey for treating wounds.
Norwegian researchers are interested in the benefits of 2 varieties of honey: medihoney (a therapeutic honey from New Zealand subjected to specific purification processes) and honey from the Norwegian forests.
Result: the 2 honeys eliminate all strains of bacteria that develop in wounds.
In another study, 59 people with leg sores and ulcers (80% of whom had not cured with conventional medicine) received treatment with unprocessed honey.
The result: a simple topical application of honey has healed wounds and ulcers in 58 of these 59 people!
More specifically, the sterilized wounds remained sterile. The infected wounds and ulcers were sterilized after only 1 week of topical application of honey.
In addition, honey is frequently used in hospitals to treat burns, either by topical application or as a dressing.
Dressings are changed every 24-48 hours.
When applied topically, between 15 and 30 ml of honey is used on the affected area, which is changed every 12-48 h. Honey is covered with a sterile gauze pad or polyurethane bandage.
To discover : 20 Natural Painkillers You Already Have In Your Kitchen.
4. Provides many nutrients
According to a study by National Honey Board, honey contains an incredible diversity of vitamins and minerals : niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium and zinc.
Therefore, consider replacing sugar with honey to sweeten foods and drinks.
Why ? Because it will bring you more nutrients and less calories.
To discover : The 3 Clever Ingredients for Making Cakes WITHOUT Sugar.
5. Strengthens white blood cells
Honey is a promising and affordable treatment for lowering white blood cell counts following chemotherapy.
In one study, researchers gave honey (2 teaspoons each day during chemotherapy treatment) to cancer patients who were at high risk of neutropenia (a disorder characterized by having too low a white blood cell count).
The result: 40% of patients no longer had no episode neutropenia.
Obviously, these studies need to be confirmed by others, but honey has enormous potential in the treatment of neutropenia.
To discover : 11 Foods To Strengthen Your Immune System and Improve Your Health.
6. Relieves seasonal allergies
Many people use honey to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergy.
This is not surprising when you take into account its powerful properties anti-inflammatory and his soothing power against coughing fits.
However, researchers have yet to find scientific evidence that would confirm the effectiveness of honey against symptoms of seasonal allergy.
Although studies have not yet fully confirmed that honey is an effective allergy remedy, never underestimate the healing power of the placebo effect!
To discover : 6 Tips for Naturally Fighting Spring Allergies.
7. Eliminates antibiotic resistant bacteria
According to several studies, medical grade honey eliminates pathogens foods such as E. coli (E. coli) and salmonella.
In addition, honey is also effective in eliminating Staphylococcus aureus and Pyocyaninus bacillus, which are commonly found in hospitals and doctors' waiting rooms.
Impressive, because these 2 pathogens are resistant to methicillin!
8. Helps the body to eliminate alcohol
Here is a benefit that may be of interest to occasional drinkers.
According to NYU Langone Medical Center, honey "increases the body's ability to metabolize alcohol. Therefore, it helps limit intoxication and helps reduce blood alcohol levels."
Come on, a mead tour for everyone! :-)
To discover : 11 Miracle Hangover Cures.
9. Recharges the batteries after a workout
More and more athletes are consuming energy drinks, which are literally packed with sugar.
These drinks provide them with energy before and during physical exertion. And they also help regenerate muscles.
With its 17 g of carbohydrates per teaspoon, honey is an excellent source of100% natural energy unlike those energy drinks.
In addition, honey is much superior to conventional energizers, since it has many other essential nutrients.
To have more energy during your training sessions, the National Honey Board recommends adding honey to your water bottle.
You can also snack on a honey-based cereal bar before and after a workout.
To discover : Plank Exercise: The 7 Incredible Benefits For Your Body.
10. Relieves itchy scalp and eliminates dandruff
Researchers studied the effect of a honey treatment on patients with seborrheic dermatitis and of dandruff.
For treatment, patients applied honey (diluted with 10% lukewarm water) to the affected areas of their scalp. Then, they let it act for 3 hours before rinsing it off with lukewarm water.
The results are surprising. After 1 week of this treatment, the itching and red patches had disappeared in all patients.
After 2 weeks of treatment, the skin lesions were completely healed and the patients exhibited a reduction in hair loss.
With weekly application for the next 6 months, none of the patients showed any signs of relapse.
To discover : 11 Natural Remedies To Get Rid of Dandruff.
Conclusion
There are 2 important things to remember about honey:
1. On the one hand, it is not because honey has extraordinary healing properties that one should ignore its caloric intake. Indeed, 1 tablespoon still contains 64 calories.
2. Besides, honey is not not suitable for babies less than 12 months, because it contains bacteria that can cause botulism!
Where to find good honey?
Like us, are you convinced by the benefits of honey? And you don't have honey at home?
Then we recommend this natural lavender honey which is delicious.
Do you like this trick ? Share it with your friends on Facebook.
Also to discover:
12 Grandmother's Honey-Based Remedies.
10 Surprising Uses of Honey. Don't Miss Number 9!
