Honey and Health

Benefits of Honey

During the last decades scientific research has brought to light many beneficial properties of a food product used in large quantities by the Greeks, because of the abundance of production in our country. Most use it as a sweetener in breakfast with milk, coffee or tea, or as a spread on bread and toast.

The benefits of honey bears on humans are summarized in the following:

• Reduces the harmful effects of chemotherapy in cancer patients
• Improves oral health
• Is a Healthy food preservative
• Strengthens antioxidant system
• Improves athletic performance

A thorough study of the most recent scientific research shows that honey can procrastinate the oxidation of various food, especially meat, for several days, making it a food preservative of high quality. Additionally, honey was shown to contain similar amounts of antioxidant ingredients as fruits, so it is an essential ingredient against harmful free radicals in our body. Honey protects us from cancer, heart disease, while it is one of thefoods that fights ageing.

Regarding physical performance, scientific studies have shown that consuming honey directly provides us with carbohydrates, which improves our resistance, as carbohydrate drinks or gels that are widely used during various sport activities. Moreover, the consumption of honey in combination with a protein supplement after exercise, helps to faster transport of the protein in the muscle groups, resulting in better muscle restoration. The daily consumption of a small amount of honey helps to maintain stable blood glucose values . Antioxidants and some other ingredients of honey also seem to have antibacterial action, that is why honey helps fighting against peptic ulcers, infections and inflammation.
In conclusion, honey is a sweetener with significant advantages compared to sugar, thus, we have to include it in our diet. Use honey as much as possible and reduce daily sugar consumption.

Source: www.iatronet.gr

Healing Properties Of Honey

Antibacterial activity: honey has healing properties. Is antiseptic and germicide because of its hydrogen peroxide content, the acidity and high concentration of sugar. It helps
wounds healing, stops blood on the wounds and trauma and provides sterility. Its antibiotic and alkaline properties help to disinfect the mouth and prevents dental caries.

Metabolism: Honey fights obesity caused by defective metabolism, hyperinsulinism and water retention in tissues.

Heart-Circulatory: Constant consumption of honey by people suffering from heart disorders, has resulted in the improvement of their situation. Honey sugars, particularly glucose, is necessary for the contractions of heart muscle and also give heart the necessary energy. Sugar and acetylcholine contribute in blood vessels dilation and lower blood pressure.

Anemia: The consumption of honey increases the percentage of hemoglobin, particularly in children, mainly due to the iron and copper content.

Stomach and intestine diseases: Honey has great mineral salts content and reduces acidity in stomach. Additionally, honey helps treatment of peptic ulcer and duodenum. Finally, honey is considered as one of the best natural light laxatives.

Liver: The glucose in honey completes the reserves of glycogen in liver. The liver is body’s “factory” where useful substances for human body are produced and harmful substances such as toxins are decomposed. The presence of glycogen enhances liver’s work and increases body’s resistance to infections.

Kidney: Honey contains very little protein and almost no salt, substances forbidden to people who suffer from kidney diseases. Besides honey, is a hypertonic glucose solution, thus strengthens and enhances the body. It is also diuretic.

Finally, honey due to its high fructose content, in combination with enzymes, restores sobriety to drunk people, especially if dissolved in lemon juice.

Source: www.diet-net.gr