Honey: The Wonder Potion

Interesting Facts About Honey

• It has indefinite shelf-life and has no expiry date.

• Presence of honey dates back 10 to 20 million years ago.

• It takes over 50,000 bees to make 500 pounds of honey in one year.

• It is the only insect-made product that humans eat.

• The color and flavor of honey differs and depends on the bee’s nectar source.

Various ways to imbibe the goodness of honey are as follows:

As a Sweetener
Honey can be used as a substitute for sugar in food and drinks as it contains similar form of glucose and fructose as found in granulated sugar.

As an Energy Source
It also proves to be an instant source of energy when we need some. One tablespoon of honey contains about 64 calories, whereas same amount of sugar has only 50 calories.

Also, the sugar in honey is easily converted into glucose even by sensitive stomachs; hence it is a preferred choice for week digestive systems.

Helps in Weight Loss
You might find it little amusing and counter-intuitive, but it is true. No doubt honey has more calories than sugar but when it is consumed with lukewarm water on a regular basis, the stored fat in the body gets absorbed, leading to visible weight loss.

Improves Athletic Performance
Researches have shown that honey is an excellent ergogenic (anything that enhances physical performance) aid and helps in boosting the performance of athletes. Honey facilitates in maintaining blood sugar levels, muscle recuperation, and glycogen restoration after a workout.

For athletes, honey is doubly useful as it works in two stages. When needed, the glucose in it is absorbed by the body quickly and gives instant energy boost. On the other hand, the fructose is absorbed slowly by the body and provides sustained release of energy.

Full of Minerals and Vitamins
Honey is a rich source of minerals and vitamin such as vitamin C, niacin, riboflavin, and potassium.

But the content and quantity of these depend totally on the type of flowers used for apiculture.

Skin Care with Honey
Honey in addition with milk work wonders for all skin types. It is a very good humectant (substance that promotes retention of moisture). On application over the skin, it brings out the moisture from the inner layers of dermis to the surface.

The lactic acid in milk clears the skin tone. Hence, the combined effect of both is a smooth and glowing skin.

Wound Management
Honey has been used for healing and treating wounds from time immemorial.

It is a known antimicrobial, and therefore helps in treating the infections of wounds, cuts, ulcers, scalds, and other abrasions. Researches are being carried out to document its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties as well.

Antiseptic Properties
Honey has potent anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties, which makes it a natural antiseptic formulation.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are known for improving our immunity. Honey contains nutraceuticals, which remove free radicals from our body. As a result, our body’s resistance for infection is improved.

A Word of Caution
Honey should not be given to infants below the age of one. It may contain bacterial spores called clostridium botulinum. These spores can cause a rare medical condition known as infant botulism. As the baby grows, the digestive system matures and has less chances of falling prey to this serious illness.

So, having read all the benefits of this wonderful golden potion, go ahead and enjoy its goodness in all possible ways.