Honey-Uses,Benefits And Nutrition Facts
Hello All!!
I wonder why people call their dear ones ‘honey’. Maybe it is due to the way it sounds. No, this post is not about relationships, it is about Honey and its health benefits!
Honey-Uses,Benefits And Nutrition Facts
What is honey made up of?
This nature’s food is made by honey bees with the help of nectar. It comprises of the following:
Fructose, glucose and minerals like iron, phosphate, calcium, sodium, magnesium, chlorine, potassium.
Have a detailed look below:
- Fructose: 38.2%
- Glucose: 31.3%
- Maltose: 7.1%
- Sucrose: 1.3%
- Water: 17.2%
- Higher sugars: 1.5%
- Ash: 0.2%
- Other: 3.2%
Uses
Honey can be used in several ways. It can be included in your daily life by replacing sugar in tea, milk or coffee. Your breakfast cereal can also be sweetened with honey. It can also be added to desserts like custard, fruit salad and ice cream toppings.
Nutrition facts of honey
Net carbs- 82.2 g
Source: USDA
Benefits of honey
Keeps skin healthy
Honey can replace your usual face cleanser due to its anti-microbial property. It heals clean the facial skin without stripping away its natural oils.
Increases immunity
Honey when ingested can boost one’s immunity. It has polyphenols that are a type of antioxidant and antioxidants are known to protect the body’s cells from free radical damage. If you are already suffering from cough, honey may provide relief from cough occurring at night.
Helps in digestion
Honey is known to be helpful in treating acid reflux and indigestion. Taking 1-2 tbsps of honey prior to a heavy meal is the best way to ward off indigestion and if you feel that you have eaten too much, you can move all the food down the digestive tract by drinking warm water with honey and lemon.
Enhances athletic performance
You would be surprised to know that honey is a good energy booster for those who are into intense training. It can be used as a good carb replacement when one does endurance exercise.
Controls Diabetes
Honey has natural sugars like fructose, glucose and essential vitamins and minerals. Honey provides energy and is a better option when compared to white sugar. Diabetics can consume honey instead of refined sugar as long as their blood sugar levels are monitored closely and they have honey in moderation. However, if you are diabetic, it is always advised to check with your doctor before you add honey to your diet as the type of diabetes and its level may be different for different people.
Reduces risk of heart trouble
Honey helps in maintaining a healthy heart by improving the circulation of blood and preventing clogging of arteries. Honey reduces the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) and at the same time increases the level of good cholesterol (HDL) in the blood. It helps in removing cholesterol from the blood vessels’ wall and prevents plaque build-up.
Drinking honey mixed with cinnamon reduces the chances of a heart attack. To warm water, add 1-2 tbsp of honey and 1/3 tsp of cinnamon and have on a regular basis to reduce the risk of heart troubles.
Helps in weight loss
For weight loss, most diet and detox programs suggest drinking warm water with honey and a dash of lemon on an empty stomach. Honey consumed this way, cleanses the liver and flushes out toxins from the body. Be careful if you happen to replace sugar with honey as just one tablespoon of honey has 63 calories.
A Natural Healer
Being anti-bacterial in nature, honey is effective on burns and wounds when applied topically. Raw and pure honey can treat a lot of wounds due to the presence of one particular compound. Unfortunately that compound is lost once the honey is pasteurized.
I am sure you would love honey more now after knowing its health benefits!
You may also like reading-
- Top 7 Essential Oils And Their Stress Beating Benefits
- Nutrition facts and health benefits of Aloe Vera
- Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts of Green Vs Yellow Moong Dal
- Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts Of Fresh Tomato Vs Tomato Puree
- Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts Of Strawberry And Raspberry
- Benefits Of Consuming Coffee Before A Workout
- Health Benefits And Nutrition Facts Of Raw And Ripe Mango
- Stevia–Health Benefits of The Natural Sweetener