Health benefits of Honey

Honey has become a bit of a health and beauty buzzword in recent years, and for good reason.

Touted as a remedy for infections, inflammation, stress and eczema – honey has some amazing proven health benefits, particularly when taken internally.

What kind of honey should I look for?

Ideally, you want to look out for ‘raw’ honey – which is honey that hasn’t been repeatedly pasturised, heated and thinned.

Unfortunately, most of the honey lining supermarket shelves has been heavily processed, so it has little, if no, nutritional value.

However, good quality raw honey contains a huge array of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids, including:

-Vitamin C & B

-Antioxidants

-Live Enzymes

-Proteins

-Calcium

-Fluroide

-Selenium

-Manganese

-Copper

-Zinc

-Potassium

-Sodium

-Iron

-Magnesium

-Phosphorous

Raw honey also has anti-inflammatory properties and may help boost immune defenses, whilst also being antibacterial and anti-fungal.

As if that’s not enough, the high levels of enzymes in honey can act as a natural probiotic – helping to promote good bacteria in the gut.

The powerful anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties within honey can also help fight internal infections – which is why a teaspoon of honey is so soothing on a sore throat.

What to look out for

As a general rule – the darker the honey, the more potent its antibacterial and antioxidant power.

For a double health boost, look out for raw local honey.

Supplementing your diet with a local honey can relieve seasonal allergies in a similar way to bee pollen. (link)

You’d think getting your hands on honey that has been pollinated in your area would be tricky if you’re in a city – but you’ll be surprised!

Take a look at this Time Out guide to find honey in your area.

Honey on the skin

Whilst the majority of health benefits come from ingesting honey, there is some benefit to applying honey topically.

Using honey as a face mask is a fail-safe, albeit very messy skin pick-me-up!

Do you have any honey health or beauty tips?