Golden Cure: 3 Little-Known Health Benefits of Honey

In Singapore and in many other countries in Southeast Asia, honey is most frequently used and understood to only be food-related. Like for marinating or for mixing with water to make an ice honey drink as an answer to the hot climate. Not many people know about its amazing benefits. Here are only some of the many:

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1. Honey can help heal wounds and burns

The application of honey has been shown to be effective as conventional treatment to healing wounds.  It is being considered that the effects of healthy sugars from the body and honey’s properties combine to create this effect.Its antibacterial nature prevents infection and functions as agent for reducing inflammation, swelling, pain, and even scarring. Manuka honey, specifically, is used in the field of medicine because it is an effective germ killer. But, this honey has been tested medically, meaning it is sterile and safe to use. So remember not to expect to treat wounds simply with honey bought from the grocery.

For treatment of burns, honey is applied directly on the affected area or on a dressing that is changed every 1 to 2 days.

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• Honey promotes sleep

Having eight hours of sleep is extremely important for our well-being and not having enough sleep could put our health in various risks. Typically, the process that prevents us from falling asleep has to do with liver glycogen. The lack of liver glycogen causes the liver to stop glucose formation, which then triggers the brain to search for fuel, eventually waking us up. Taking a tablespoon of honey before going to bed refuels the liver glycogen therefore helping us sleep with ease.  

Taking honey also supports the release of melatonin, a natural hormone that helps with sleep. Honey’s sweetness causes our insulin levels to rise, which then releases serotonin. Serotonin, then, is converted by the body to produce melatonin. Amino acids in honey also contribute to the production of tryptophan, which is also eventually converted to melatonin.

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• Helps control cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of lipid or fat produced by the liver to help the body digest fat. Cholesterol levels are important, but too much of is not good for our health. High cholesterol is an alarming health problem that should be dealt adequately. Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL) or simply, bad cholesterol, can clog the blood vessels and later narrow the arteries that supply the organs like the heart, intestines, and even the brain.

Paying attention to how much meat, eggs, and dairy products we consume is important considering our body is already naturally producing cholesterol. Honey, being free of cholesterol, could keep cholesterol levels balanced. With nutrients such as calcium, potassium, and B vitamins, it lowers the cholesterol in our blood. Honey also has anti-oxidants that prevents cholesterol from moving into the lining of blood vessels.