Honey, a common staple in kitchen cabinets, is not just sweet and tasty but also has numerous benefits when consumed and used topically. As National Honey Month approaches, it’s a good time to explore the variety of benefits that honey has to offer for overall health and well-being.
Is Honey Good for You?
Honey can be beneficial for your health due to its various nutrients, antioxidants and antibacterial properties. With its natural sweetening properties and potential health benefits, incorporating honey into your diet may be a good choice for overall well-being.
Health Benefits of Consuming Honey:
- Boosts Energy: Honey is mostly made up of glucose and fructose, which are simple sugars that can be easily utilized by the body for energy.
- Contains Antioxidants: Honey is high in antioxidants which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals.
- Helps Soothe Cough and Sore Throat: Honey has been shown to be effective in reducing coughing and soothing sore throat symptoms.
- Promotes Digestive Health: Honey contains prebiotics, which can help promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut.
Is Honey Good for Your Skin?
Honey is considered beneficial for the skin due to its various properties and potential benefits. It may have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging and wound-healing properties. When applied topically, raw honey can help reduce bacteria, exfoliate the skin and speed up healing. Honey is also believed to aid in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
Topical Benefits of Using Honey:
- Moisturizes the Skin: Honey has natural properties that can help attract and retain moisture in the skin, keeping it hydrated and nourished.
- Has Antibacterial Properties: Honey has been shown to be effective in killing certain types of bacteria, making it useful in treating skin infections or wounds.
- May Help with Acne: Applying honey to the skin may help reduce acne by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria.
- Can Help Soothe Burns: Honey has been used for centuries to soothe burns and promote healing due to its natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Face Mask Using Honey:
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of raw honey
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils (such as lavender or tea tree oil) or a pinch of cinnamon for added benefits
Instructions:
- Start with a clean face.
- Spread a thin layer of raw honey onto your skin, avoiding the eye area.
- Leave the honey on for about 15-20 minutes.
- Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry.
