7 Proven Health Benefits of Honey

Honey is a nice naturally sweet summer treat — and you can simply purchase it from your local store without having to steal it from bees (of course, that’s also a cost-effective option if you are good at beekeeping and honey harvesting). Regardless of how you get your honey, it does come with a wide range of health benefits — seven of which (the proven ones) are discussed below.

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Don’t Believe Common Honey Myths

Some people believe honey is a cure-all. In one survey, nearly half of all participants believed honey could replace antibiotics and prescription medications either altogether or to a significant extent. Some people also believe honey is a fast weight loss cure. However, there is no proven evidence suggesting honey has any of these benefits. That said, there are some health benefits associated with honey that are actually true (based on scientific studies and research). Here’s the list:

1. Cough Cure

Honey is a natural cough suppressant. It’s actually recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics for children with coughs. It’s also a way to avoid the use of cough medications that may have questionable ingredients or even alcohol (in minimal amounts) with certain brands for adults.

2. Sore Throat Relief

Honey soothes a sore throat. It helps because of the antioxidants in honey and it also has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also a soothing mixture that goes down easily. It clears away mucus as well — and bacteria and even certain virus components.

3. Reduced Risk of Cognitive Decline

Research suggests that antioxidants in honey prevent cell damage that could affect your brain later in life. It also helps with cognitive functions by preventing cell damage in parts of the brain that deal with memory and daily functions.

4. Chronic Pain Relief

The antioxidants in honey also help with chronic pain relief. Various studies suggest honey’s antioxidants prevent inflammation, which is a common cause of chronic pain. It’s a list that can include lower back and joint pain.

5. Better Digestive Health

Honey has several microbes that help with digestive processes. One study suggests taking a tablespoon of honey per day has the potential to reduce bloating and other unpleasant digestion issues. It can also help with upset stomach aches after you eat a bit too much by improving the break down of bacteria and food particles and reducing intestinal inflammation (which can also help with irritable bowel syndrome).

6. Improved Heart Health

A significant study found that honey has the potential to lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels and elevate HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels. High LDL levels increase the risk of heart disease. Therefore, lowering such levels has the potential to prevent heart attacks and heart disease.

7. Better Exercise/Athletic Recovery

Research suggests honey helps with exercise recovery. It may also help athletes recover faster from races or workout routines. Honey has anti-inflammatory benefits (as discussed earlier) that can also make it easier for athletes to recover from minor aches and pains.