Honey is a sweet treat, and is very likely the world's most ancient sweetener. But htat is only the tip of the ice-berg. Honey's popularity and versatility is evident from the variety of uses it has enjoyed throughout history. Honey's rich nutrient, enzyme and antioxidant content combined with its ability to thwart infection makes it a potent healer. Since ancient times, honey has also been used as a natural beauty agent.
Honey contains vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, and is a wonderful beauty aid that nourishes the skin and the hair.
Honey has the ability to attract water, which makes it a good moisturizing agent. Honey is also a naturals cleanser and is used in many skin-cleansing formulations. It increases exfoliation, or renewal of the skin cells, and can give skin a younger, more vibrant look. Its anti-inflammatory actions also render it useful in treating a sore throat.
Recent research has shown that intake of honey is associated with enhanced calcium uptake in laboratory animals. While trials in humans are pending, these results show that honey can be beneficial in cases of osteoporosis.
It is well known that carbohydrate consumption prior to, during and after exercise improves performance and speeds the recovery of muscles. Honey is a natural source of readily available carbohydrates, providing 17 grams of carbohydrates per tablespoon and may serve as an inexpensive alternative to commercial sports gels.
Honey also acts as an excellent prebiotic substance in that it increases the growth and activity of good bacteria in the gut. Results from recent studies have shown that adding honey to dairy product such as yogurt can enhance the growth, activity and viability of bifidobacteria.
Consumption of honey was found to increase antioxidant agents, serum iron, blood indices and trace elements, while decreasing immunoglobulin E, liver and muscle enzymes, and fasting blood sugar in healthy subject.
Honey helps diabetics too. In another study involving diabetic patients, honey compared with dextrose caused a significantly lower rise of plasma glucose level (PGL). Honey has been shown to reduce blood lipids, homocysteine, and C-reactive protein in normal and hyperlipidaemic subjects. Given that honey has a gentler effect on blood sugar levels on a per gram basis, and tastes sweeter than sucrose so that fewer grams would be consumed, it would seem prudent to recommend honey over sucrose.
So the next time you want to perk up your sweet tooth, go on and scoop out a spoonful of honey - it will rev up your health too.
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