Honey is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and can play a role in diabetes management as part of a balanced diet.
The product also has several potential health benefits and plays a role in many home remedies and alternative medicine treatments.
Here are unique health benefits of honey.
1. CONTAINS A VARIETY OF NUTRIENTS
One tablespoon, or 20 grams (g), of honey contains:
• Calories: 61
• Fat: 0 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Carbs: 17 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Riboflavin: 1% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Copper: 1% DV
Honey is essentially pure sugar, with no fat and only trace amounts of protein and fiber. It contains small amounts of some nutrients, but most people typically don’t consume enough honey for it to be a significant dietary source of vitamins and minerals.
2. RICH IN ANTIOXIDANTS
Minimally-processed honey contains many important bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Darker varieties tend to offer more antioxidants than lighter varieties.
Antioxidants help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in your body, which can build up in cells and cause damage. This damage can contribute to conditions like premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. As such, many of honey’s health benefits are attributed to its antioxidant content.
3. BETTER FOR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS THAN REGULAR SUGAR
Regarding blood sugar management, honey may offer some slight benefits over regular sugar.
Although honey raises your blood sugar level just like other types of sugar do, the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that honey may increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation.
There’s also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
4. MAY IMPROVE HEART HEALTH
Honey may also help prevent heart disease. According to one review, honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate your heartbeat and prevent the death of healthy cells — all factors that can improve your heart function and health.
5. MAY HELP SUPPRESS COUGHING IN CHILDREN
Coughing is a common problem for children with upper respiratory infections. These infections can affect sleep and quality of life for children and parents.
One review of several studies on honey and cough in children found that honey appears more effective than diphenhydramine for cough symptoms. It may also help reduce cough duration.
Another review noted that it may also improve sleep quality among children with coughs, as well as their parents. Further, unlike some cough medicines, honey doesn’t have any side effects.
However, never give honey to children under one year of age due to the risk of botulism.
