Honey can cause a rise in insulin and release serotonin — a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body then converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep. The natural antibiotics in honey can work both internally and externally.
Studies suggest that honey might offer antidepressant, anticonvulsant and anti-anxiety benefits. In some studies, honey has been shown to help prevent memory disorders.
Although honey is a sugar, which isn't exactly your body's best friend, honey is packed with anti-inflammatories and can increase the spread of serotonin and dopamine throughout the brain. That should certainly make you happier!
Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that can affect mood. Eating foods that contain the essential amino acid known as tryptophan can help the body to produce more serotonin. Foods, including salmon, eggs, spinach, and seeds are among those that help boost serotonin naturally.
Certain drugs and substances such as caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, NutraSweet, antidepressants, and some cholesterol-lowering medications deplete serotonin and other neurotransmitter levels. Hormone changes cause low levels of serotonin and neurotransmitter imbalances.
Honey and Anxiety
Its magical properties relieve you from anxiety and stress, and gives you complete peace of mind. Honey is good for anxiety and is the easiest way you can throw anxiety and stress out of your body.
Also, keep in mind that honey is a type of sugar, so consuming it will cause your blood sugar levels to rise ( 20 , 21 ). Plus, eating large quantities of honey, especially consistently over a long period, can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
Research suggests that honey supplementation can have protect from neuroinflammation, reduce oxidative stress, and increase brain-derived neurotrophic factors. On a cognitive level, honey has been shown to improve memory and learning, slow down cognitive decline associated with aging and reduce anxiety.
The following fruits had a high serotonin concentration (mean +/- SEM) expressed in micrograms/g weight: plantain 30.3 +/- 7.5; pineapple 17.0 +/- 5.1; banana 15.0 +/- 2.4; Kiwi fruit 5.8 +/- 0.9; plums 4.7 +/- 0.8; and tomatoes 3.2 +/- 0.6.
Exercise, spending time outdoors and getting a good night's sleep can help boost serotonin. Endorphins: Most commonly linked with exercise, endorphins are associated with "runner's high." "Cardiovascular exercise is one of the best ways to increase endorphins," Dr. Fatima says.
Try an anti-anxiety elixir of 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground ginger, and a half teaspoon of honey, taken 3 times per day.
Additionally, honey may promote melatonin formation due to its possible tryptophan content (a precursor to melatonin) that both helps to initiate sleep as well as promote release of hormones that facilitate whole body recovery during sleep.
Honey is still a form of sugar and intake should be moderate. The American Heart Association recommends that women get no more than 100 calories a day from added sugars; men no more than 150 calories a day. This is a little over two tablespoons for women and three tablespoons for men.
Improves Heart Health
Research has found that the natural sugar contained in honey can reduce artery plaque by 30%. The honey sugar, called trehalose, includes a protein that activates your immune cells to remove the stored fatty plaque from your arteries.
Children: Honey is likely safe when taken by mouth in children who are at least one year old. Honey is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth by children less than 12 months old. Do not use honey in infants under 12 months old. Botulism poisoning is a risk at this age.
Raw honey possesses anxiolytic, antinociceptive, anticonvulsant, and antidepressant effects and improves the oxidative status of the brain. Several honey supplementation studies suggest that honey polyphenols have neuroprotective and nootropic effects.
A study in 2014 stated that honey has anxiolytic properties, meaning that it contains compounds (such as an antioxidant flavonoids called chrysin and gallic acid) that are capable of reducing anxiety.
When dealing with stressful days or nervous situations, you may be tempted to have a glass of wine or a beer to calm your nerves. However, drinking alcohol, especially heavily and over a long period of time, can actually increase your anxiety.
Serotonin helps regulate the body's internal clock, including the ability to feel sleepy, remain asleep, enter rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and wake in the morning. People with chronic insomnia, unusual sleep patterns, chronic fatigue, or consistently vivid dreams may have serotonin deficiency.
The serotonin test measures the level of serotonin in the blood. Blood is drawn from a vein (venipuncture), usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. Preparation may vary depending on the specific test.
Getting enough sleep, exercising, listening to music, meditating, and spending time in the sun can all boost dopamine levels. Overall, a balanced diet and lifestyle can go a long way in increasing your body's natural production of dopamine and helping your brain function at its best.