Raw honey is one of the most delicious substances out there. People stir it into tea, enjoy it on toast, and use it to create tasty baked goods. You can even make your own infused honey!
But did you know that raw honey also has a ton of health benefits? That's right: This sticky sweetener is actually really good for you.
Throughout history, people have used honey in a number of ways — it has many health and medical uses.
Before you start using honey for your health, though, you need understand the differences between raw and pasteurized honey. Raw honey comes directly from the honeycomb. Pasteurized honey, on the other hand, undergoes heat treatment to remove crystallization, extend shelf life, and improve texture and color. Unfortunately, pasteurization also gets rid of many of honey's natural nutrients.
To find good-quality raw honey, make sure to buy it from a trusted source (you can often find unpasteurized honey at farmers markets or local health food stores).
Health Benefits of Raw Honey
Raw honey has been used for centuries — both as a sweetening agent for food and as a medical substance.
According to CNN, ancient societies (like the Romans, Greeks, and Chinese) used honey as a treatment for stomach ailments and fevers and even as a salve for wounds.
Today, honey is primarily used as a food, but there are many health benefits people don't know about.
1. Honey Contains Antioxidants
Honey contains high levels of antioxidants, which are known to prevent/delay cell damage. Healthline explains, "Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruits and vegetables."
According to CNN, antioxidants also fight inflammation and oxidative stress. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help reduce your risk of cancer and cardiovascular disease.
2. Honey Increases Blood Sugar Less Than Refined Sugar
Like refined sugar, honey is a carbohydrate — this means it will directly affect blood sugar levels. That said, honey may increase blood sugar levels less than table sugar.
3. Honey Improves Cholesterol
Honey may have a positive effect on cholesterol levels. According to Healthline, honey has been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) and increase HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol).
4. Honey Is "Free" of Many Harmful Substances
Honey is cholesterol-free, fat-free, sodium-free, and gluten-free. While none of these substances are innately harmful, they can cause problems if consumed excessively.
5. Honey Can Lower Triglycerides
Triglycerides are the most common type of fat in the body, explains MedlinePlus. High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of heart disease.
According to a study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, honey can help decrease body weight, total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides.
6. Honey Is Better Than Sugar for Diabetics
Because honey increases blood sugar levels less than refined sugar and can help lower inflammation, triglyceride levels, and LDL cholesterol, it is often considered healthier for people with diabetes.
That said, Healthline explains, "While honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should still be consumed with caution."
7. Honey Helps Heal Wounds
Honey's longest-known health benefits revolve around healing wounds. This is because honey has antibacterial properties. According to CNN, "modern science has shown honey's effectiveness in treatment of ulcers, bed sores, burns, skin sores and inflammation."
8. Honey Naturally Calms Coughs
Most people know that honey seems to help with coughs and sore throats, and it's actually scientifically proven! Multiple studies have shown that honey is very effective in soothing and suppressing coughs for children.
Risks of Consuming Raw Honey
Unfortunately, like any unpasteurized products, raw honey comes with some health risks. According to Healthline, "Raw honey can contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum." This bacteria can cause botulism poisoning, which can lead to life-threatening paralysis. Luckily, botulism is rare among older kids and adults.
For this reason, babies, pregnant women, and elderly people should never consume raw honey.
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