Raw honey has been used throughout history as folk medicine and has several health benefits and medicinal applications. It's also used as a remedy for wounds in some hospitals.
In grocery stores, much of the honey you find is pasteurized. The high heat destroys unwanted yeast, can enhance the color and texture, prevents any crystallization, and increases the shelf life. In the process, many of the beneficial nutrients are also lost.
Purchase it from a reputable local producer if you're interested in trying raw honey. Here are some health advantages that raw honey must offer:
A sufficient source of antioxidant substances
Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that serve as antioxidants. There are as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables in certain kinds of honey. Because of free radicals, antioxidants help protect the body from cell harm.
Free radicals contribute to the process of aging and can also contribute to the growth of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Research shows that antioxidant compounds called polyphenols in honey can play a role in heart disease prevention.
Antibacterial and antifungal properties
Research has shown that unwanted bacteria and fungus can be destroyed by raw honey. Hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic, naturally contains it. Depending on the honey, its usefulness as an antibacterial or antifungal varies, but it's more than a folk remedy for these kinds of infections.
Heal wounds
Manuka honey is used to treat wounds in medical settings since it is a powerful germ killer and helps in tissue regeneration as well.
Studies show that honey from Manuka will increase healing time and decrease infection. Bear in mind that medical-grade is the honey used in hospital settings, meaning it is inspected and sterile. It's not a good idea to treat cuts you buy with honey you buy from a store.
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Powerhouse with phytonutrients
Compounds found in plants that help protect the plant from harm are phytonutrients. Some keep insects away, for instance, or protect the plant from ultraviolet radiation.
The phytonutrients in honey, as well as their antibacterial and antifungal capacity, are responsible for their antioxidant properties. They're also suspected to be the reason why raw honey has shown benefits for immune-boosting and anticancer. These valuable nutrients are destroyed by heavy processing.
Help for digestion
Honey is often used to treat stomach problems such as diarrhea, but there is not much study to demonstrate that it works. However, as a common cause of stomach ulcers, it is beneficial as a treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria.
It is also a strong prebiotic, which means it nourishes the healthy bacteria that live in the intestines, which are crucial not only for digestion but overall health.
6. Calm a sore throat
Got a cold? Try a honey spoonful. Honey is an old cure for sore throats. When a cold virus hits you, add it to hot tea with lemon.
It acts as a cough suppressant as well. Honey is as strong as dextromethorphan, a common ingredient in over-the-counter cough medicine, research has indicated. Just take a teaspoonful of one or two, straight out.
Any threats are there?
Raw honey can also hold dangerous bacteria such as Clostridium botulinum, in addition to helpful prebiotics and nutrients. For infants, this is especially harmful. An infant less than a year old should never be given raw honey.
Botulism poisoning symptoms in infants can include:
constipation
slow breathing
sagging eyelids
absence of gagging
loss of head control
paralysis that spreads downward
poor feeding
lethargy
weak cry
Symptoms may include an initial brief phase of diarrhea and vomiting in adults, followed by constipation and more serious symptoms, such as blurred vision and weakness of the muscles. If you experience any of these symptoms after consuming, see a doctor after eating raw honey.
