In addition to its use as a natural sweetener, honey is used as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial agent. People commonly use honey orally to treat coughs and topically to treat burns and promote wound healing.
The Bottom Line. A new study out of the University of Toronto found that consuming approximately 2 tablespoons of honey daily alongside an already-healthy diet may help lower inflammation and improve cholesterol levels—key factors contributing to cardiometabolic health.
Daily consumption of honey has a beneficial effect on the level of antioxidant compounds in the body that can fight excess cholesterol. Research shows that the antioxidants contained in honey can prevent arteries from narrowing.
“Thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory properties, manuka honey can offer relief from a sore throat,” says Flora. “Mix about two tablespoons of manuka honey with a warm glass of water or tea.” The honey can help with inflammation and fight against the bacteria that cause pain.
From a calorie and sugar content perspective, the differences between sugar and honey are minimal, however, overall, honey contains slightly more health benefits than table sugar from its potential antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties.
It is very rare, but some people do have allergic reactions to honey, which can cause inflammation. It is estimated that less than 0.001% of the population is allergic to honey [4]. Allergic reactions to honey range from cough to anaphylaxis after its consumption [5] and is more common in children than adults.
Honey and cinnamon are typically known as sweet additions to recipes and warm beverages, but they may offer more than just great taste. Because honey and cinnamon have antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, they may also be able to help people with arthritis.
Indian spices have long been used as a medicine but you may be surprised to read that raw honey and curcumin, the active compound found in turmeric, together contain powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
A maximum of two teaspoons a day (15g) is a good portion size of manuka honey, as while it has many impressive health benefits, it is still high in sugar. If you are using manuka honey as part of a balanced diet, try drizzling it over porridge, overnight oats or natural yogurt.
Morning is the best time to eat honey for boosting energy levels and staying all charged up. Having honey in the morning is not just good for your skin but has ample health benefits including: Helps you shed those extra kilos. Improves your digestive system.
Manuka honey has an anti-inflammatory action that can help easepain and inflammation.
Active principles in plant-based foods, especially staple fruits, such as bananas and plantains, possess inter-related anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, antioxidative, and neuromodulatory activities.
The studies found that curcumin decreased pain significantly compared to placebo and that it was comparable to ibuprofen and diclofenac in decreasing pain and stiffness. Side effects of curcumin included sore throat, gastrointestinal bloating, swelling around the eyes and itching.
Honey and turmeric are a magical combination for various health purposes. They are full of medicinal properties that keep you away from the doctor. Worth trying! Both contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to help combat various diseases by increasing your immune defensive system.
“The available research suggests that turmeric's antioxidant effects can be felt between 4-8 weeks.”
Adding half a teaspoon of either (or both) to a warm honey drink or tea twice a day will give you the recommended daily amount in a quick and easy way and could help significantly reduce the pain of sore inflamed joints.
Apple cider vinegar is a strong anti-inflammatory so it can help decrease pain associated with an inflammatory condition, such as the multiple types of Arthritis. It also prevents lactic acid buildup in the muscles, which not only keeps energy high but also decreases soreness and achiness in the muscles.
Bananas and Plantains are high in magnesium and potassium that can increase bone density. Magnesium may also alleviate arthritis symptoms.
Avoid giving honey — even a tiny taste — to babies under the age of 1 year. Honey can cause a rare but serious gastrointestinal condition (infant botulism) caused by exposure to Clostridium botulinum spores. Bacteria from the spores can grow and multiply in a baby's intestines, producing a dangerous toxin.
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. But this is not a danger for older children or adults.
Honey has emollient and humectant properties that add moisture to the hair follicles. This naturally smooths the hair shaft and restores shine and luster to frizzy, dry, curly, or dull hair. Its natural humectant properties seal in moisture to prevent future moisture loss, too.