Honey is no doubt one of the sweetest things on earth. Perfect to include in your beverages and recipes as a healthier substitute for sugar, do you know that this golden sweet liquid made from the nectars of flowers also has wound-healing properties that are used to combat bacteria since over five thousand years ago?
So, what are the health benefits of honey?
CAN HELP HEAL WOUNDS AND BURNS
There are already a lot of studies that show how effective honey is in healing wounds. One of those is the research done by the experts at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. Through the study, experts discovered that honey wasn't just able to heal the wounds quicker, but it can also help cover the wound against bacteria and infection, and control its odor, according to Advanced Tissue.
CAN BE USED TO TREAT DIARRHEA
Because of the ability of honey to block the actions of pathogens, the sweet liquid can be very effective in combating diarrhea especially in shortening the duration and severity of it. A hundred grams of honey also have enough Potassium, about 52 mg, which is perfect to replace the loss of potassium in people suffering from the digestive problem. Mix about four tablespoons of honey in a cup of hot water, let it cool and drink it. You will surely be healed from diarrhea in no time.
CAN FIGHT INFECTIONS
Not all types of honey are effective to kill a specific bacteria. Experts who researched in the European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases revealed that a honey variant named Manuka is very effective in kicking off a certain bacteria called Clostridium difficile, which can cause severe diarrhea, from the body. Other studies also claim how this honey can effectively treat MRSA infections about 63% and MSSA infection by 82%.
Unfortunately, no matter how good honey is to your health, there are but two things you have to remember: do not overeat it and do not let your infants taste it, as posted by Live Strong.
Honey has the same chemical backbone as sugar, so it is better to not consume so much of it. About 10 tablespoon of it is already too much. Always remember to apply this tip or there will be negative side effects.
Short-term side effects include bloating, upset stomach and your body will not be able to absorb the nutrients from the food you ate until the honey has already been taken out of your system. Long-term side effects, on the other hand, include acid reflux, unhealthy teeth, erosion of the lining of the stomach, intestines, and esophagus, and acidity.
Since the liquid has botulism spores, honey is also not good for infants. The infants' digestive tract hasn't completely matured yet, so these botulism spores are too much for them to handle. This, unfortunately, can lead to poisoning, muscle paralysis and eventually death.
