First off, since everyone usually kicks up up a stink about unrealistic and untasty diets that health professionals sometimes demand, here's something we all like. Honey!
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| Honey has been around thousands of years, with even ancient cultures apparently aware of its health benefits. |
Here is a typical honey profile, according to BeeSource:
- Fructose: 38.2%
- Glucose: 31.3%
- Maltose: 7.1%
- Sucrose: 1.3%
- Water: 17.2%
- Higher sugars: 1.5%
- Ash: 0.2%
- Other/undetermined: 3.2%
The slightly acidic pH level of honey (between 3.2 and 4.5) is what helps prevent the growth of bacteria, while its antioxidants get rid of free radicals.
So how can honey help?
- There is anecdotal evidence of its efficacy in treating burns and wounds.
- Alleviating allergies - one conducted study showed that it was significantly more effective than a placebo at alleviating ocular allergy.
- A study published in the journal Microbiology revealed that Manuka honey is effective at treating chronic wound infections and may even prevent them from developing in the first place.
- A study published in the journal Pediatrics, which compared honey to placebo in helping children with cough during night time, found that honey was superior.
- Honey is great for your skin and can be used to smooth and remove skin impurities.
- Honey is all natural and a healthier dietary option than synthesised, artificial spreads.Other articles in our Staying Healthy series:
