Honey, a sweet liquid that is produced by honey bees, is a common part of the kitchen. Ancient Greeks, Roman and Islam civilizations have been using honey for many health benefits. There are many healing properties of honey that are worthy to be recognized even in the 21st century. It is a liquid with high amounts of monosaccharides, fructose and glucose which gives it its sweet test. In fact, it possesses antiseptic properties like its ability to kill bacteria, virus and even fungi.
About 4,000 years ago, the first documented use of honey for medicinal purposes has been in traditional ayurvedic medicine, where it was claimed to be effective at treating material imbalances in the body. Furthermore, Egyptian medicine has been using honey to treat superficial wounds.
Honey contains many components including glucose, fructose, and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chlorine, potassium, magnesium. These are its properties which render it effective in treating many diseases as well as preventing serious illnesses. One health benefit of honey is reducing gastric influx and preventing the formation of ulcers.
As a matter of fact, a study published in British Medical Journal by Professor Mahantayya V. Math, revealed that honey can treat GERD or reflux disease because it is 25.9 more viscous than distilled water at 37 celsius (body temperature). Also, honey has long been used as a topical agent for treating minor wounds and burns. A patient with diabetes and recurring cellulitis tried all sorts of antibiotics to treat his infections and wounds for months, but to no avail. He was then suggested to apply topical honey and soon after, the patient began to recover and feel better. A new study published in The Cochrane Library revealed that honey can treat minor burns. It was discovered that topical honey is cheaper and equally effective than burn ointments.
Another study by scientists from the Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam reported that honey has the ability to kill bacteria because of a protein called defesin-1.5. They found out that manuka honey can kill bacteria and viruses. It is also effective in treating MRSA infections, which are hard to treat with antibiotics.
Lastly, honey is effective in preventing all types of cancer. Honey contains flavonoids that are natural antioxidants that are potent in killing free radicals that cause cancer. Honey is a normal part of the American diet. It is rich in vitamins and minerals to keep the body healthy and at the same time, prevent and treat certain illnesses naturally.
