Honey has been used since time immemorial as both a food and a medicine. The benefits of honey, which contains beneficial plant compounds, include lowering blood pressure, regulating cholesterol, healing burns and wounds, and improving cough in children.
Nutritional Value of Honey
It is a sweet, thick liquid obtained from honey bees. Bees collect the sugar-rich nectar of flowers in their environment. The smell, color and taste of honey depend on the type of flowers from which bees collect their nectar. The nutritional value of 1 tablespoon (21 grams) of honey is as follows;
Calories: 64
Sugar (fructose, glucose, maltose and sucrose): 17 grams
It contains virtually no fiber, fat, or protein.
It also contains various vitamins and minerals in very small amounts.
Brightly colored honey contains bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants. Darker colored ones are richer in these compounds.
Benefits of Honey
benefits of honey
Rich in antioxidants
Quality honey contains many antioxidants. These; compounds such as phenols, enzymes, flavonoids and organic acids. These compounds provide the antioxidant power of honey.
AntioxidantsIt reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and some types of cancer. It also improves eye health.
Effect on diabetics
The results of studies on honey and diabetes are somewhat mixed. On the one hand, it reduces the risk factors of some diseases that are common in diabetics. For example, it lowers bad cholesterol, triglycerides and inflammation, and raises good cholesterol.
However, some studies have found that it can raise blood sugar, although not as much as refined sugar. Although honey is less bad for diabetics than sugar, it is still a food that diabetics should eat with caution.
Helps to lower blood pressure
High blood pressure is an important risk factor for heart disease. One of the benefits of honey is that it lowers blood pressure. This is because it contains antioxidant compounds linked to blood pressure-lowering effects.
Regulates cholesterol
High bad cholesterol is an important risk factor for heart disease. Studies have shown that honey regulates cholesterol levels. It significantly raises good cholesterol while reducing total and bad cholesterol.
Decreases triglycerides
High blood triglycerides is another major risk factor for heart disease. Moreoverinsulin resistanceIt is also a sign of Triglyceride levels increase when sugar and refined carbohydrates are consumed. Honey lowers triglycerides.
Helps heal burns and wounds
Applying honey to the skin has been used since ancient Egypt to heal wounds and burns. This practice continues today. The healing of burns and wounds is due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of honey. Moreover, pearl,hemorrhoid and supports the treatment of other skin conditions such as herpes lesions.
Suppresses cough in children
Cough is a common problem in children with upper respiratory tract infections. Honey is as effective as cough medicines and improves sleep quality by suppressing cough in children. However, honey should never be given to children under the age of 1 due to the risk of botulism.
Improves heart health
Antioxidants in honey protect the heart. Honey also reduces the formation of conjugated dienes, which are compounds formed through oxidation and associated with bad cholesterol in the blood. This improves heart health. Honey also reduces the buildup of plaque that narrows the arteries and causes heart attacks.
Fighting cancer
Phenolic compounds in honey have been found to have anticancer properties and may help prevent various types of cancer. It is also one of the best foods to prevent cancer due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It also has antiproliferative properties that prevent the spread of cancer. It destroys cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Acid relieves reflux
It relieves acid reflux as it is rich in antioxidants and destroys free radicals. Honey also works to treat inflammation in the esophagus. Honey has been found to promote faster recovery in patients with oral mucositis. It also relieves sore throat.
Heals stomach problems
The antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of honey support the treatment of stomach problems. For this, you can drink by mixing warm water, honey and lemon juice.
a spoonful of rawHoney prevents excessive stomach gas. Honey also improves gut health by inhibiting the harmful effects of mycotoxins (toxic substances produced by fungi).
Treat allergies
It has been suggested that consuming honey is similar to ingesting pollen. This makes the person less sensitive to pollen. As a result, allergy symptoms are relieved.
Fights infections
The antibacterial activity of honey is effective in the treatment of infections. Its high viscosity provides a protective barrier that prevents infection.
Gives energy
Pure honey gives energy. The sugars in honey give more energy and are healthier than artificial sweeteners. One study determined that honey is more effective than glucose for replenishing energy levels during physical exercise.
Strengthens immunity
Honey contains methylglyoxal, the compound responsible for its antibacterial activity. This compound contributes to the strengthening of immunity.
Relieves tonsillitis
In particular, manuka honey is seen as a promising treatment for tonsillitis. This is due to its high methylglyoxal content, which kills the Streptococcus bacteria responsible for tonsillitis. Drinking warm water with honey is a good cure for tonsillitis.
Mixing lemon juice with honey relieves nausea and prevents vomiting. Before going to bed, drink a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with honey by mixing it with cold water.
Improves hoof health
According to one study, honey improves nail health andtoenail fungusHelps to cure.
Treats asthma
Honey helps treat cough and associated wheezing during asthma. It even relaxes the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract.
Relieves anxiety
Research shows that drinking warm tea with honey before bed can help relieve anxiety. The nutrients in honey create a calming effect, especially when taken in significant quantities. In addition to reducing anxiety, eating honey also improves spatial memory in middle age.
Reduces the harmful effects of smoking
One study found that eating honey can reduce testicular damage caused by smoking. It also fights the resulting oxidative stress. Some experts state that honey can also help quit smoking.
Skin Benefits of Honey
Honey is a super moisturizer. It is a natural remedy for dry skin. The benefits of honey for the skin are:
It is moisturizing
Honey is an excellent moisturizer that traps moisture in the skin and softens it.
Relieves skin problems
Eczema vepsoriasis Some conditions cause dry skin. In addition to these skin problems, honey is used in the treatment of problems such as burns, cuts, wounds and inflammation.
Has antibacterial properties
Natural unprocessed honey has antibacterial properties. It has an inhibitory effect on about 60 types of bacteria and prevents infection.
Removes wrinkles
Honey has anti-aging properties. It slows down the formation of wrinkles and removes fine lines. It keeps the skin young. It also maintains the pH balance of the skin. Soothes dry and irritated skin.
Removes acne
Honey absorbs impurities in the skin pores and acts as a cleansing agent. As it is a natural antiseptic, it soothes and heals the skin. It removes acne if it is caused by bacterial infections.
Softens chapped lips
Before going to bed, apply some honey on your lips and leave it overnight. Honey is absorbed by the skin and with daily application it makes your lips smooth and supple. Honey is alsochapped lipsit also works.
Cleanses skin
Honey helps remove dirt from the skin. And it does this without stripping the natural oils.
Eliminates warts
Manuka honey is effective for this purpose. It is enough to apply a thick layer of honey on the wart and wait 24 hours.
Helps whiten the skin
Honey, It helps skin whitening in various ways. Its antibacterial property soothes inflammation and protects the skin from germs. It also moisturizes the skin.
How to Use Honey on Skin?
For the solution of some skin problems, you can prepare and use a honey mask by mixing honey with other ingredients. Honey mask recipes that can be used for different skin problems are as follows:
moisturizing honey mask
This mask, which is beneficial for skin problems, has a moisturizing effect. It gives a youthful glow to the skin.
Make a paste by mixing 1 tablespoon of organic honey, half a teaspoon of turmeric powder, and half a teaspoon of glycerin in a glass bowl.
Apply this on the face and neck. After drying, wash with cold water.
After crushing 1 tablespoon of avocado, mix it with 1 teaspoon of yogurt and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass bowl.
Apply the mixture on your face.
After drying, wash with cold water.
Aloe vera and honey mask
Aloe veraAlong with honey, it nourishes the skin and has moisturizing properties.
Mix 2 teaspoons of honey with a teaspoon of fresh aloe vera gel extracted from the plant.
Apply the mask on your face. Wash it off with cold water after waiting for half an hour.
Face cream with manuka honey
Now you can easily make the face cream yourself at home, the recipe of which I will give you. It has sunscreen properties. Moisturizes and softens the skin.
Melt half a cup of shea butter and mix with 3 tablespoons of rose water, 3 tablespoons of aloe vera gel and 1 teaspoon of Manuka honey.
Transfer the mixture to a glass bowl and let it cool.
Whisk the mixture until you get a creamy texture.
You can use it as a daily moisturizer or as a night cream.
Use and finish the cream within three or four months.
body oil with honey
Melt one and a half cups of coconut oil and let it cool.
Add 3 tablespoons of honey and 2 tablespoons of essential oil to the oil. You can use orange oil, lemon oil or bergamot oil as essential oil.
Whisk until the mixture has a creamy texture. Take it in a glass jar.
Use the mixture as a body oil after bathing.
Facial tonic with honey and lavender
After heating half a glass of water, add half a tablespoon of honey into it.
Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the mixture.
After the water has cooled, add 3 drops of lavender oil and mix.
A lip balm made with honey softens and plumps the lips.
Take a cup of sweet almond oil and half a cup of beeswax in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat the beeswax in the microwave until it melts.
After removing, add 2 tablespoons of honey.
Pour the mixture into a small lip balm container and let it cool.
Your lip balm is ready!
Honey mask for washing the face
Both honey andmilk It moisturizes the skin and inhibits acne-causing bacteria. In this way, it helps to keep the skin healthy and clean.
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 2 tablespoons of milk in a bowl until you get a creamy consistency.
Dip a cotton pad into the mixture and apply it to your face in circular motions.
Leave the mixture on your face for 10 minutes.
Wash your face with cold water and massage gently.
Dry your skin and then apply a moisturizer.
Milk and honey mask
Milk and honey mask helps to soothe your skin. Both ingredients have moisturizing properties. This mask is especially beneficial for those with dry skin. But it can also be used for all skin types.
Mix 1 tablespoon of raw honey and 1 tablespoon of milk in a bowl until you get a thick consistency.
Put the bowl in the microwave and heat for a few seconds. The mixture should not be too hot to the touch.
Use the brush or your fingers to spread the mask over your skin.
Leave the mask on for at least 15 minutes.
Wash your face with cold water.
Apply moisturizer.
Benefits of Honey for Hair
Honey is emollient. It locks in moisture and adds shine to the hair.
It gives excellent results for those with naturally curly hair or dry hair.
It prevents hair loss and promotes hair growth.
It has antioxidant capacity that prevents damage to the hair.
Honey, which has moisturizing properties and contains protein, minerals and vitamins, strengthens the hair follicles.
Honey has antibacterial properties. It prevents scalp infections and relieves problems such as dandruff and eczema.
How to Use Honey on Hair?
Honey mask to protect hair
Coconut oil nourishes the hair from within. When used with honey, it strengthens the hair.
Mix half a glass of coconut oil with half a glass of honey.
Massage your hair with it.
After waiting for 15 minutes, wash with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply the mask once a week.
Nourishing egg and honey mask
Eggs provide the protein that hair needs for growth. This mask provides the nutrients necessary for hair growth.
Beat 2 eggs and add half a glass of honey. Blend until you get a smooth consistency.
Apply it to your hair from the roots to the ends.
Cover your hair with a cap and wait 20 minutes.
Wash off the mask with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply it three times a month.
Apple cider vinegar and honey mask for split ends
Apple cider vinegar cleanses the hair. Reduces split ends, hair loss, dandruff, lice, scalp acne.
Mix 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of water and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
After waiting for 15 minutes, wash with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply once a week.
Avocado and honey mask to repair hair damage
Mix half a glass of honey with a ripe avocado.
Apply this mixture evenly to coat your hair.
Wait about 15 to 20 minutes. Wash with shampoo and water.
You can apply once a week.
Yogurt and honey mask to increase the thickness of the hair
Yogurt increases hair thickness. It is used to treat hair damage and hair loss.
Mix 1 cup of sour yogurt with half a cup of honey until you get a smooth mixture.
Start applying the mixture to your hair from the roots to the ends.
Put on the cap and wait 15 minutes.
Wash with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply once a week.
Banana and honey mask to soften hair
Banana softens the hair and makes it smooth.
Mix 2 bananas, half a glass of honey and a quarter of a glass of olive oil until you get a smooth mixture.
Apply this mixture evenly on your hair and scalp.
Put on the cap and wait 20 minutes.
Then wash with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply it every 2 weeks.
Honey mask to nourish curly hair
In a bowl, dilute one tablespoon of honey with 9 tablespoons of water and mix well.
Massage into your scalp and apply from root to tip.
Let the honey stay in your hair for 3 hours. You can wear a cap.
Wash off the mask with warm water and shampoo.
You can apply once a week.
Aloe vera and honey mask for dandruff
Aloe vera prevents the formation of dandruff. This mask also soothes the scalp and balances the pH.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of aloe vera gel, 2 tablespoons of yogurt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil until you get a smooth paste.
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
After waiting for 15-20 minutes, wash with warm water and shampoo.
Castor oil and honey mask that relieves scalp infections
Indian Oil It is anti-fungal and fights scalp infections.
Mix 1 tablespoon of honey, 2 tablespoons of castor oil and 1 egg in a bowl until you get a smooth mixture.
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
Wash it off after 1 hours.
You can apply it 2 to 3 times a week.
Honey mask that moisturizes dry hair
This mask is recommended for those with dry hair type.
Extract the juice of a potato and add 1 egg yolk and 1 tablespoon of honey to it.
Blend until you get a smooth mixture.
Apply the mask to your hair and scalp.
Wash it off after half an hour.
You can apply once a week.
Types of Honey
Manuka Honey
Manuka honeyIt is produced by bees that feed on the flowers of the New Zealand Manuka bush (Leptospermum scoparium). It contains high concentrations of methylglyoxal (MGO) and dihydroxyacetone, which may be responsible for its antibacterial activity.
Applying Manuka honey to wounds stimulates the formation of new blood cells. It supports the growth of fibroblast and epithelial cells. It is rich in vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5 and B6 and amino acids lysine, proline, arginine and tyrosine. It also contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc and sodium.
Eucalyptus Honey
Unifloral honey obtained from eucalyptus flowers (Eucalyptus rostrata) contains luteolin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin and ellagic acid. This honey acts as a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Eucalyptus honey contains sodium, potassium, manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc. Eucalyptus honey is especially useful for children with weakened immunity.
Acacia Honey
Acacia honeyis a pale, liquid glass-like honey produced by bees that feed on acacia flowers. It contains vitamins A, C and E, flavonoids and essential oil and amino acids. Oral and topical application of acacia provides healing of wounds. Heals corneal injuries.
Buckwheat Honey
Honey from buckwheat has bactericidal properties. Kills multi-drug resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other nasty pathogens.
Buckwheat honey protects the body and DNA from chemical or oxidative stress due to its antioxidant properties and abundant micro and macronutrients.
Clover Honey
Clover honeyhas unique phenolic compounds as well as bee-derived antimicrobial peptides. They show antioxidant and antimicrobial activity against Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Staphylococcus species.
Sage Honey
Sage honey, which is one of the dark-colored, viscous types of honey, is sweeter and is known for its antioxidant properties. It has antibacterial, antioxidant, expectorant and digestive properties.
Lavender Honey
Lavender honey is rich in phenolic compounds, amino acids, sugars and essential enzymes. Thanks to these bioactive elements, it has strong antifungal activity against Candida species. Although not as high as Manuka honey, lavender honey also has antioxidant capacity due to vitamin C, catalase and flavonoids. It is used to treat foot ulcers and other fungal infections on the skin.
Rosemary Honey
Rosemary honey is produced from Rosmarinus officinalis and is widely used in European countries. It is rich in kaempferol, an antioxidant. Rosemary honey is used as a natural moisturizer with high therapeutic value due to its physicochemical properties.
Harms of Honey
It can cause weight gain
1 tablespoon of honey is 64 calories. It contains a large amount of sugar. If consumed excessively, it will cause weight gain.
May cause allergies
People who are allergic to pollen may also be allergic to honey. A honey allergy can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms such as skin rash, facial swelling, nausea, vomiting, wheezing, cough, headache, dizziness, fatigue and shock are seen.
May cause infant botulism
Infant botulism occurs when a baby gets a spore of a toxin-producing bacteria inside the body. This is due to the presence of a type of bacteria, C botulinum, in honey.Studies suggest not giving honey to babies younger than 1 year old.
May cause high blood sugar
Honey is a good alternative to sugar. Studies indicate that people with diabetes should consume honey with caution.Long-term consumption of honey can increase hemoglobin A1C (glucose-bound hemoglobin) levels in the blood, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels.
May cause diarrhea
Honey can cause diarrhea. It contains more fructose than glucose. This leads to incomplete absorption of fructose in the body, potentially causing diarrhea.
May cause tooth decay
Honey contains sugar and is sticky. This can cause tooth decay in the long run if you do not rinse your mouth properly after consuming honey.
