Everything you need to know about the properties of honey
Honey is a natural treasure, known for its beneficial properties since ancient times. The ancient Greeks valued honey & its properties as a gift from the gods. It is no coincidence, after all, that honey and bees star in mythology. Hippocrates singled out honey for its healing properties and recommended it as a medicine for various conditions. In addition to the Greeks, it seems that other cultures such as the Egyptians & Indians considered it a healing ingredient.
The precious honey is the result of natural processes and is one of the sweeteners. It is produced by bees, as they collect the nectar of plants. Pure honey, i.e. honey with all the beneficial properties, is that which has not received any intervention by human hands. It is this, delivered just as it was produced by the bee. Greek honey stands out around the world for its purity, taste and all its organoleptic characteristics.
It has been discovered that honey benefits the body in various ways. Thanks to its ingredients, honey has antioxidant, antimicrobial, healing, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, immunosuppressive & cardioprotective properties. Honey also acts as a prebiotic.
In summary, we state that honey:
It strengthens the immune system
o Contains minerals such as calcium, chlorine, sodium & potassium, which contribute to better cell function. Its content in vitamins such as B1, C & A plays an important role in the proper functioning of the body, while its enzymes are a shield to deal with and fight free radicals.
It is an excellent natural source of energy
o Honey contains simple sugars & carbohydrates, which are immediately absorbed by the body. If you are going through a difficult period or want to start exercising again, naturally and quickly stimulate your body with a large spoonful of honey every day.
o The consumption of honey also contributes to faster recovery in cases of anemia, thanks to its iron content. The iron it contains is of organic origin and is therefore fully absorbed by the body.
It is considered a beauty elixir
o Honey has the ability to absorb & retain water in its molecules. Therefore, it is an excellent food for the skin, especially when it is sensitive, dry or dehydrated.
o Its content in antioxidant components make it a shield against free radicals, which are caused by exogenous factors.
o It is a natural, mild exfoliating product. Smoothes the skin & helps treat acne thanks to its antiseptic properties.
o Thanks to its sugar molecules, honey has excellent moisturizing properties, as they help the skin retain its moisture.
o Can be used as a hair conditioner, against split ends and damaged ends, thanks to its softening properties.
Treats wounds
o Honey has antiseptic, antibacterial & healing properties. Thus, it actively contributes to the care of burns, abrasions and other wounds.
Contributes to good gastrointestinal health
o Thanks to its antiseptic properties, honey can eliminate stomach problems, as it competes with bacteria & has a healing effect on accidental wounds of the mucous membranes.
o It seems to fight intestinal parasites, thus taking care of the health of the intestine.
o May benefit in cases of gastroesophageal reflux. Thanks to its sticky texture, it creates a protective layer on the mucous membrane.
Sore throat & cough treatment
Thanks to its antiseptic & emollient properties, it relieves sore throat and cough, "softening" the throat.
Contributes to relaxation & better sleep
It appears that honey contributes through some mechanism to the enhancement of melatonin, the sleep hormone, and is associated with reduced levels of cortisol, the stress hormone in the body
Contributes to the treatment of hangovers
The fructose content of honey accelerates the metabolism of alcohol by the body.
It contributes to the proper functioning of the heart
o Regulates cholesterol levels
o Prevents the compression of the arteries and, by extension, the occurrence of heart diseases.
Takes care of oral hygiene & fights bad breath
o This does not mean that we can neglect the daily care of the oral cavity. However, research has shown that honey benefits oral health and has a positive effect on bad breath