Honey is a sweet food made by bees using nectar from flowers. It has been popular since the ancient time because of its many uses. It contains minerals and vitamins that make it irresistible for consumption. Honey serves many purposes ranging from cooking, baking, as spread on bread to sweetener for several beverages such as tea.
Health Benefits of Honey
Honey is a natural energy booster; it is a great natural source of carbohydrates which provide strength and energy to our body. It is also known for its effectiveness in instantly boosting the performance, and reducing muscle fatigue of athletes. Its natural sugars play an important role in preventing fatigue during exercise – the glucose in honey is absorbed by the body quickly and gives an immediate energy boost, while the fructose is absorbed more slowly providing sustained energy.
Useful tips
Before you go for a workout, take a spoon of honey to enable you to go the extra mile. If you are feeling low in the morning, rather than going for a can of carbonated energy drink, try honey; replace the sugar in your tea with it for a refreshing surge of energy.
Body builder
Amongst the many health benefits of honey, what is most impressive is that honey can be a powerful immune system booster. Its antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties can help improve digestive system, help you fight diseases and stay healthy. Start every new day with this cleansing tonic.
For sore throat
One of the better known health benefits of honey is that it is able to help treat sore throats due to its antimicrobial properties. It does not only soothe throats but can also kill certain bacteria that cause the infection.
Useful tip
Take a spoonful of honey to soothe the inflammation or gargle with a mixture of two tablespoons of honey, four tablespoons of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.
Beauty benefits of honey
Beyond its nutritional and health values, honey is also useful in the production of cosmetic products. it is widely used in the manufacture of soap, creams and scrub because of its emollient and humectants nature which makes it possible to draw in moisture.
Prevents ageing
A spoonful of honey taken regularly is considered an effective anti-ageing remedy. Honey can combat the effect of ageing and it can replenish the moisture of skin.
Natural skin cleanser
Honey is an excellent skin cleanser and widely used in skin cleansing formulations. It can magically exfoliate the skin and bring out smooth and soft skin to the surface.
Glowing skin
Blend together honey and tomato to make a thick paste. Dab over the face and wash away with warm water after 15 min. Glowing skin can be yours for others to envy. Result is amazing, instant glow in just few minutes.
Reduces weight
Honey is a natural sweetener and can be helpful in weight loss as it doesn’t cause an increase in the blood sugar level. It is good for a diabetic patient.
Honey body scrub
Honey is used as additive ingredients in the preparation of body scrub. Add six tablespoons honey to six teaspoons of sugar; mix properly. Massage gently into the body in a circular motion. Wash off after about five minutes. The instance effect on the skin is sweet and silky.
Moisturising facial mask
Honey mixed with milk can also be used as a facial mask. Mix two tablespoons honey and two tablespoons powdered milk. Apply on the face and leave for five to 10 minutes before rinsing.
Honey shiny hair
If you want a more lustrous, silky and healthy hair, you definitely need to try this out. Mix one teaspoon of honey and a squeeze of lemon and one quart of warm water. Aftershampooing, pour thorough hair. You don’t have to rinse it off.
You can also add honey to your bath, the feeling is refreshing.
Note: Honey contains bacteria that can be harmful particularly to infants, therefore should not be given to babies.