The Health Benefits of Raw Honey – 5 Proven Facts
The uses of honey are endless. This superfood has been used throughout the centuries for a number of different health aliments. The health benefits of raw honey are incomparable to any other food on the planet!
In fact, it’s well documented that bee keepers tend to live longer lives than those who do not keep bees. Raw honey is the perfect food for increasing health and promoting longevity.
Many following a low sugar diet or low carbohydrate diet often ask the question “is honey healthy?” The answer, YES! The sugars found in honey do not spike glucose levels in the body and are actually beneficial for those with diabetes (1).
With that said, the health benefits of honey far outweigh its small sugar content. Various tribes all over the world prized honey for its life giving properties and would frequently go “honey hunting.” These tribes were extremely healthy despite their frequent indulgences in a myriad of raw honeys.
So, stop asking the question “is honey healthy,” and start reading below all the amazing health benefits of raw honey!
Honey for Weight Loss
Those looking to lose weight, or speed up the weight loss process, should consider eating more raw honey. Raw honey is full of beneficial enzymes that help the breakdown of food more fully. When food is broken down more completely, we are naturally less hungry because we are receiving more vitamins and minerals from the food in which we are eating.
Researchers have found that honey promotes weight loss and helps prevent unwanted weight gain in the body (2).
Furthermore, since raw honey is already jam packed of highly bio-available vitamins and minerals, hunger levels will naturally decline in the body.
A study published in Pharmacognosy Research showed that raw honey contains high levels of vitamins, and minerals and contains all 9 of the essential amino acids (3).
The uses of honey are endless for those following a weight loss diet. Simply add it to your favorite superfood shake, tea, water, or eat by the spoon!
Natural Treatment for IBD
There are numerous studies showing that raw honey is extremely beneficial for those suffering from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome all fall under the category of IBD. Fortunately, those suffering from any of these aliments can find relief by consuming a raw honey daily.
Research published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity found that patients experiencing severe diarrhea or constipation, bloating, and stomach discomfort were successfully treated with a raw Manuka honey on an empty stomach (4).
For those unaware, Manuka honey is a special honey produced by worker bees pollinating the Manuka bush in New Zealand.
In fact, honey is one of the only sweeteners that have been shown to be safe in those suffering from an IBD condition (5).
Honey Antibiotic and SIBO
It’s well known that many bacteria and viruses are now becoming resistant to various forms of antibiotics. Luckily, raw honey contains natural antibiotic properties that bacteria and viruses have shown to have no resistant to.
A study published in Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal revealed that various forms of raw honey inhibit the growth of H.pylori due to their antimicrobial properties (6).
This is excellent news for those wishing to protect themselves from various pathogens while taking a more natural approach. It’s a proven fact that antibiotics wipe out the good bacteria in your gut which can then lead to various health problems.
In fact, it has been shown that the health of our immune system is highly dependent on the health of our gut (7). Those who use antibiotics frequently are more at risk for developing an auto immune condition due to a gut dysbiosis.
Raw Honey can also combat small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) by inhibiting the growth of pathogenic yeasts such as candida (8).
Tooth Infection and Raw Honey
The benefits of honey when it comes to tooth infections are amazing. In fact, raw honey can be used as a natural treatment for those suffering from painful tooth aches.
A study published in Contemporary Clinical Dentistry found that Manuka honey has a therapeutic role in the treatment of gingivitis and stops the formation of plaque buildup on teeth (9).
You can make your own natural antibacterial mouthwash at home by mixing raw honey in water and swishing in your mouth as you would with mouthwash. This will discourage the growth of any pathogenic bacteria that may be residing in the mouth.
Raw honey and the Flu
With more and more people catching the flu each year, many are seeking both natural and medical solutions in order to protect themselves. However, the benefits of honey when it comes to preventing and fighting the flu are well documented.
Researchers have found that honey, in general, and particularly Manuka honey, has potent inhibitory activity against the flu virus making it a great natural medicinal remedy (10).
Also, unlike many conventional methods for preventing the flu virus, honey has been proven to be safe and effective throughout many centuries of use.
Leave a Reply