Oh Honey Honey!

You know I love natural, “God-created” products that help with a variety of issues. I have discussed cinnamon, vinegar, tea tree oil, green tea, etc.. and I will continue to add more along the way because I think it is great to use natural products when possible. We just never know the future effects of all of these crazy chemicals that are in everything! So, here are the top 10 things you need to know about honey! (side note: the article I found really liked the word "hence"- but a quote is a quote- so enjoy! :)

1) Sweetener: “Sugar can be substituted with honey in many food and drinks. Honey contains about 69% glucose and fructose enabling it to be used as a sweetener.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

2) Energy Source: “According to USDA, honey contains about 64 calories per tablespoon. Hence honey is also used by many as a source of energy. On the other hand, one tablespoon of sugar will give you about 15 calories. Further the carbohydrates in the honey can be easily converted into glucose by even the most sensitive stomachs. Hence it is very easy to digest honey.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

3) Weight Loss: “Though honey has more calories than sugar, honey when consumed with warm water helps in digesting the fat stored in your body. Similarly honey and lemon juice and honey and cinnamon help in reducing weight.” Read more about benefits of honey in weight loss. (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

4) Improving Athletic Performance: “Recent research has shown that honey is an excellent ergogenic aid and helps in boosting the performance of athletes. Honey facilitates in maintaining blood sugar levels, muscle recuperation and glycogen restoration after a workout.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

5) Source of Vitamins and Minerals: “Honey contains a variety of vitamins and minerals. The type of vitamins and minerals and their quantity depends on the type of flowers used for apiculture. Commonly, honey contains Vitamin C, Calcium and Iron. Check for the vitamin and mineral content in sugar from any source, you will find it to be either nil or miniscule.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

6) Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties: “Honey has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and hence it can be used as a natural antiseptic.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

7) Antioxidants: “Honey contains nutraceuticals, which are effective in removing free radicals from our body. As a result, our body immunity is improved.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

8) Skin Care with Milk and Honey: “Milk and honey are often served together as both these ingredients help in getting a smooth soothing skin. Hence consuming milk and honey daily in the morning is a common practice in many countries.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html) 

Cucumber Honey Eye Nourisher

Sweethearts' Chocolate Honey Scrub

Green Honey Glow Mask

Aloha Honey Hawaiian Delight

(recipes from honey.com)

9) Honey in Wound Management: “Significant research is being carried out to study the benefits of honey in treating wounds. Nursing Standard provides some of these benefits in the document - The benefits of honey in wound management. 1. Honey possesses antimicrobial properties. 2. It helps in promoting autolytic debridement. 3. It deodorizes malodorous wounds. 4. It speeds up the healing process by stimulating wound tissues. 5. It helps in initiating the healing process in dormant wounds. 6. Honey also helps in promoting moist wound healing.” (http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-animal-products/organic-honey/health-benefits-of-honey.html)

10) Cough Suppressant: Use honey to soothe coughs. Honey is an effective natural cough suppressant; however, do not give honey to children younger than 1 year of age. Mix 1 to 2 tsp. of honey into tea or into a glass of juice or warm water. Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to boost the effectiveness. A dash of white pepper in the honey solution will help clear mucous. Read more: How to Soothe a Toddler's Cough Without Medicine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5072685_soothe-toddler_s-cough-medicine.html#ixzz1HwjGfgwn
NOTE: Never give honey to children younger than 1 year of age. Honey contains bacteria that produce botulism toxin, which can affect the baby's nervous system and may lead to death. Cough drops or lozenges can cause choking hazards in children younger than 3 years old. (How to Soothe a Toddler's Cough Without Medicine | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_5072685_soothe-toddler_s-cough-medicine.html#ixzz1HwjGfgwn)