Nutritional and Medicinal Benefits of Honey

A Natural Remedy and Source of Minerals, Vitamins and Sugars

© Nita Mukherjee

May 25, 2009

Honey is one food that can last for centuries, as seen by its presence in Egyptian tombs. A reference in the Bible to “the land of olive trees and honey” points to its importance in ancient times. Moreover, it has been an ingredient for ingenious medicines in India for centuries. Honey is widely used even today because of its natural composition and many benefits.

Composition and Nutritional Benefits of Honey

• Honey contains small quantities of the different minerals needed by the human body: iron, copper, manganese, silica, chlorine, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, magnesium and aluminium. The darker the honey, the richer it is in iron, copper and manganese.

• Honey also contains vitamins, specially of the B complex group. These include riboflavin, biotin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, pyro-doxin and nicotinic acid. The large amounts of pollen in honey are rich in vitamin C.

• Honey contains sugars: glucose, fructose and sucrose. Therefore, it is absorbed very quickly by the bloodstream, provides ready energy and increases stamina. Even a small amount boosts energy, due to the high caloric content, so it is the most effective remedy for tiredness. The glucose restores the oxygen which is replaced by lactic acid during fatigue. It also produces a feeling of warmth.

• Though the calories in honey provide energy, it also helps in weight control, since the calories are considerably less compared to sugar.

• Honey is a common ingredient in cough mixtures, because it has strong antibiotic properties, and alleviates throat infection and irritation.

• Research has shown that the antibiotic quality is enhanced when honey is diluted with water. This improves immunity, and also helps to reduce allergies, like hay fever.

• It is supposed to have anti-tumor properties, and prevents colon cancer.

• Honey is a very effective treatment for stomach problems, as it encourages healthy functioning of the intestine and kidneys. Anyone can digest honey easily, because its sugar molecules convert into other, simpler sugars. Therefore, it does not irritate the digestive tract lining, and is soothing for the stomach.

• Honey decreases and balances the over production of hydrochloric acid. Therefore, it prevents heartburn, nausea and vomiting. It also increases the appetite.

• Honey acts as a laxative, and cures constipation. On the other hand, it arrests diarrhea and dysentery by destroying bacteria.

• The brain consumes large amounts of sugar, so the free sugar molecules of honey help it to function more efficiently.

• Honey cleanses the blood, boosts its formation and circulation and prevents arteriosclerosis. This is because it fights cholesterol, which leads to hardening of arteries. Moreover, it is effective in controlling blood pressure, and preventing strokes.

• Since its mineral content (iron, copper and manganese) builds up hemoglobin, honey can prevent anemia. Moreover, copper helps in the absorption of iron, which maintains the right balance of hemoglobin in the body.

• Honey acts as a nerve tonic, and is thus effective in insomnia and stress related conditions.

• Honey helps in utilization of calcium, and so prevents osteoporosis. The potassium in honey provides relief in painful arthritis.

• Honey helps to control and prevent asthma.

• A popular belief is that sweet things are bad for the teeth. However, honey, though sweet, prevents the growth of plaque forming bacteria by reducing acid formation.

• Honey is considered an effective home remedy against headaches and migraine. It also negates eye strain, and even improves vision.

• Honey is commonly used in conjunction with other items. A spoonful of honey with lemon juice (diluted with water) can alleviate acidity, constipation, and stomach ache. A combination of honey and ginger alleviates respiratory problems.

Honey is considered a natural tonic with essential nutrients, which have medicinal benefits for the digestive, circulatory and other systems. Due to its effectiveness in preventing and treating different health conditions, it has remained a popular food item and natural remedy through the ages.

(Caution: This is for information only; even natural remedies should be used only after consultation with a medical practitioner.)

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