7 Impressive Health Benefits of Honey

It’s what you call your significant other and a staple for keeping your inside and outside healthy and happy.

Since ancient times, honey has been used as a sweetener, for candle-making, and even as embalming fluid. The list could go on, but let’s focus on the health benefits of this remarkable sweet treat. Here are seven health benefits of honey:

1. It has anti-inflammatory properties

Do you constantly experience joint pain, low energy, or poor digestion? These are signs of chronic inflammation. Luckily for you, honey is rich in antioxidants, which have been proven to help fight and prevent inflammation.

2. It can help you run a marathon

Studies show that it can help improve athletic performance—so, it just might be the secret to cutting a few minutes off your marathon time, or even just sustaining your energy during exercise.

3. Your heart loves it

Honey could be your heart’s saving grace. Its antioxidants can lower your blood pressure, improve your cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease.

4. It’s a diabetic’s best friend

Studies are beginning to show that honey doesn’t raise your blood sugar as quickly as refined sugar does. So, spreading it on your morning toast instead of your favorite jelly might be a good option for diabetics. However, it should be eaten in moderation because of its carb content.

5. Your skin and hair will thank you for it

If you have a burn, rash, or skin wound, honey can miraculously speed the healing process. Also, if you’re experiencing hair loss due to dandruff, research shows that honey might be the answer to improving the condition of your scalp.

6. It’s a cough killer

Because it can fight inflammation, honey has been used as a medicine to reduce coughing in those with the common cold. It’s also been proven that it can be just as effective as over-the-counter cough medicines. Thank you, bees!

7. It can lower the number on the scale

Honey can help you meet your weight goals in a variety of ways. It can be a good substitute for sugar in many healthy recipes, improves digestion, jumpstarts your body’s metabolism, and much more!

Needless to say, honey is much more than just a sticky substance made by bees. So, don’t take those honeybees for granted. Without them, we’d lose one of the most versatile and beneficial substances in the world.

What’s your favorite way to use honey? Tell us on Facebook—we’d love to hear from you. And while you’re here, check out our other articles on healthy living. For information on our medical and dental plans, visit selecthealth.org/plans.