Honey is a syrupy liquid that honeybees make from plant nectar. Loved worldwide for its sweetness and depth of flavor, it’s used in many foods and recipes. Honey has a number of potential health benefits and plays a role in many home remedies and alternative medicine treatments.
Benefits Of Honey
- Useful in weight management
- Strengthens immune system
- Nourishes your skin and face
- Boosts your memory
- Home remedy for cough
- Used for healing wounds
- Acts as a natural sleeping aid
- Eases sinus issues
- Helps with gum diseases
- Natural energy drink
- Prevents and help control Eczema
Nutritional Facts of Honey
Honey contains some vitamins and minerals in trace quantities, including small amounts of:
- Iron
- Zinc
- Potassium
Raw honey is not superior to processed honey in nutrition or health benefits. Researchers found that processing does not affect honey’s nutritional value or antioxidant levels.
Risks of Honey
Infant botulism: Honey may contain spores of Clostridium botulinum, a bacterium that can cause a serious form of food poisoning known as infant botulism in infants under 1 year of age. These spores can grow and produce toxins in the immature digestive tract of infants, leading to muscle weakness, poor feeding, constipation, and even death.
Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to honey or bee pollen, which can cause symptoms such as hives, itching, swelling, wheezing, and anaphylaxis in severe cases.
Blood sugar levels: Honey is high in natural sugars and can cause a rapid rise in blood glucose levels, especially in people with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Tooth decay: Honey is a source of fermentable carbohydrates that can promote the growth of bacteria in the mouth and lead to tooth decay and cavities.
Contamination: Honey can be contaminated with bacteria, fungi, antibiotics, or pesticides if it is not processed, stored, or handled properly.
