14 Benefits of Raw Honey

This is a blog post from My Honey Crate.

Since ancient times, honey is one of the best folk remedy known to mankind. This golden liquid has tremendous health and medical benefits. We can use this heavenly liquid with a bread slice,  milk, or in a variety of herbal teas and drinks. It is an effective energy booster, antiseptic skin toner, doctor for respiratory problems, and an immunity enhancer.

What is Raw Honey?

Honeybees collect nectar from different flowers and convert them into a sweet sticky golden liquid called honey. Raw honey comes straight from honeycombs without any pasteurization and processing. Therefore, it serves as the perfect blend of all essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and other nutritional compounds. {1}

How to Identify Raw Honey

Check out the label carefully before buying it. Words like raw, natural, organic are more reliable. Raw honey is thick and sticky and caramelizes quickly upon heating. It never leaves the spot and forms a lump inside the water.{2}

Here we have enlisted some top benefits of raw honey…

1. Best Antioxidant

Phytochemicals and polyphenols are powerful antioxidants present in raw honey. These compounds effectively reduce oxidative stress and help in clearing free radicals inside. Accumulation of free radicals may cause serious health problems like cancer, diabetes and heart diseases, etc. Using antioxidant substances such as honey can help us in getting rid of these damaging free radicals.{3}{4}

2. Anti-pathogenic In Nature

One of the most important benefits of raw honey is that it can kill a variety of bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. Its high viscosity helps in protection against microbes. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic present in honey. It naturally boosts our immune system against bacterial and fungal infections and keeps us healthy.{5} {6} 

3. Brain Booster

Raw honey is full of phytonutrients and polyphenols that improves memory and act as brain boosters. Its constant use increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors(BDNF) and reduces oxidative stress. Pinocembrin is a potent antioxidant present in raw honey and is well-known for its neuroprotective functions. It helps in treating dementia and other neuroinflammatory diseases.{7}{8}

4. House of Phytonutrients

Phytonutrients are powerful substances found in plants and help them to fight against bacterial and fungal infections. They also protect them against ultraviolet radiation. Raw honey, unlike regular honey, has an abundant amount of these compounds and provide a strong defense against pathogens.{9}{10}

5. Helps In Wound Healing

Due to its amazing anti-microbial activities and anti-inflammatory properties, it is well-known for its magical wound healing properties. Its acidic and sugar enrich composition helps in the removal of water from the wound and encourages tissue regeneration.{11}

6. Cough Suppressant

Honey quickly soothes a sour throat and can be used as an old remedy for relieving cough. Adding it in a hot cup of tea or taking it with black pepper is the best option for instant relief. However, Clostridium botulinum present in honey can cause health issues in babies. {12}

7. Bee Pollen – A Nutrient-Rich Compound

 Bee pollen is an incredibly healthy and nutritious compound present in raw honey. It includes a  variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals,  and proteins. Being a  rich source of carotenoids and bioflavonoids, it helps in maintaining good cardiovascular health.{13}{14}

8. Improves Digestion

Powerful ingredients of honey aids in digestion and soothes bowel movements. It neutralizes metabolic gases and maintains a neutral alkaline balance of the body. Regular use of honey is very effective against protection from Helicobacter Pylori bacteria. Moreover, enzymes present in raw honey act as catalysts in the process of digestion and heal peptic ulcers.{15}

9. Skin Treatments

Raw honey is packed with healthy skin components that hold onto water and keeps skin well-hydrated and oil-free. Due to these properties, it serves as a skin moisturizer and anti-bacterial toner that slows down aging. Enzymes of raw honey act as an exfoliator, remove off dead skin cells, and give a radiant glow to the skin.{16}

10. Raw honey as a Hair Moisturizer

This sweet sticky syrup is also well known for its enormous hair benefits. Emollient properties of honey make it a natural moisturizer that nourishes hair properly. It helps in repairing hair damage, improves hair growth, and maintains a healthy scalp.

11. Instant Energy Source

Sweet lovers are always in search of something that can fulfill their craving. Processed sugars accelerate aging and cause an imbalance in blood sugar levels. Natural sugars present in honey tastes good and provide a healthy energy boost to the brain. One tablespoon of honey gives 17grams of carbs with zero fats and regulates blood sugar levels. It regulates blood cholesterol levels by lowering the levels of bad “LDL” cholesterol and raising good “HDL” cholesterol.{17}{18}

12. Treating Insomnia 

A tablespoon of honey is effective in treating insomnia. This quick remedy restocks the liver’s glycogen and prevents hunger crises from the brain. Raw honey is far more nutritious than processed one as it makes 22 %  more liver glycogen and helps in enjoying sound sleep. Moreover, raw honey slightly raises insulin levels and helps tryptophan to enter the brain cells. Tryptophan contributes to the production of a relax hormone called serotonin that helps in sleeping.

13. Can Help in Weight Loss

Taking honey along with milk and turmeric before bedtime can help the body burn more calories during sleep. Raw honey contains essential hormones that curb appetite and helps in healthy weight loss.{19}

14. Anti-Cancerous Properties

Honey is also known as “Drop of heaven” due to its miraculous anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial and anti-viral properties. Recent researches have shown that phytochemicals, antioxidants, and flavonoids found in honey reduce oxidative stress. The potential antioxidative property of raw honey makes it anti-cancerous by boosting the immune system and preventing the accumulation of damaging radicals inside.{20}

In a nutshell list of health benefits of raw honey never ends. It is one of the best additions to our daily diet to boost our immunity naturally. But some people may have an intolerance to this super sweet syrup,  ask your doctor if you are on specific medications or have any other medical issues. Stay tuned for getting more information about honey and beekeeping.