Dominique Bowen

– We all know that a few drops of honey can help sooth a cough or sore throat.

– However, honey can also be used to aid in digestion, as a natural healing balm, and more.

Originally published on Clicks by Click’s Health blog.

1. Honey is a natural energy booster

Honey is a healthier alternative to refined sugar, because its glycaemic index (GI) is slightly lower than that of sugar. This means that the energy release and impact on blood sugar levels is more gradual. Plus, since bees add enzymes to the honey you eat, the sugars it contains are already partially broken down, making it gentler on your digestive system.

2. It’s a great source of minerals

Sugar and honey both contain fructose and glucose, but these only make up a total of 70% of honey’s composition, compared to 100% in sugar. The rest is water, pollen, and minerals like magnesium (essential for the production of energy and DNA in your body) and potassium (what your muscles and heart need to work in tip-top shape). A drizzle of honey can also help meet your daily iron and calcium requirements.

3. Honey has healing properties

Used topically, the propolis in honey has been shown to help heal wounds and other ailments such as ulcers and acne. Propolis is mostly made up of resin, wax and essential oils, and is able to promote collagen synthesis while fighting off free radicals. Propolis is powerful beyond the skin, too, and has proven effective in the treatment of viral infections. 

4. Honey is good for digestion

You may have reached for the honey when brewing a cup of tea that’s gentle enough for an upset stomach, but beyond its comforting taste, the honey you added is hard at work fighting off infections. A study published in the African Journal of Biotechnology found that honey can kill bacteria, including those associated with salmonella poisoning.

5. Honey could help with cell damage

A review published in Nutrition Research Reviews claims that honey is able to modulate oxidative stress (an imbalance at cellular level that can cause damage to the body’s cells). When left unchecked, long-term oxidative stress can damage your body’s DNA, which ultimately puts you at an increased risk for cancer.