Benefits of honey for health

Before antibiotics were discovered in the 1930s, honey was used in the treatment of various diseases. With the shift to modern medicine man, honey increasingly marginalized role. These days when many bacteria are becoming resistant to drugs, a lot of people "back to nature" by using honey in the treatment.

What are the benefits of honey? Here are 7 benefits of honey for health:
 
1. Drug wounds and ulcers.  
Honey for centuries been used for the treatment of wounds and ulcers. Honey contains glucose and an enzyme called glucose oxidase. In the right conditions, glucose oxidase honey can break down glucose into hydrogen peroxide, a substance that is a powerful antiseptic. Honey in the packaging can not perform this reaction. To be active and parse honey glucose, glucose oxidase requires an environment with a pH of 5.5 to 8.0 and sodium. The pH of pure honey that ranges between 3.2 and 4.5 is too low to activate the enzyme. Skin and body fluids (eg blood) has a relatively high pH and sodium so as to provide the right conditions for the formation of hydrogen peroxide.
 
2. Stimulate the growth of the network  
Propolis, enzymes, and pollen, vitamins and minerals in honey can stimulate the growth of new tissue. When used on burns, honey will speed healing and reduce the amount of scarring.
 
3. Smooth the skin  
Gluconic acid and other mild organic acids contained in honey can loosen dead skin cells to promote regeneration, reducing wrinkles and aging lines, oil balance, and improve skin elasticity. Honey also contains sugars and amino acids that help the skin retain moisture.

Nutritional value per 100 g Honey
Energy 304 kcal
Carbohydrates 82.4 g
Sugar 82.12 g
Fiber 0.2 g
Fat 0 g
Protein 0.3 g
G Water 17:10
Riboflavin (Vit. B2) 0.038 mg (3%)
Niacin (Vit. B3) 0121 mg (1%)
Pantothenic acid (Vit. B5) 0.068 mg (1%)
Vitamin B6 0.024 mg (2%)
Folate (Vit. B9) 2 mg (1%)
Vitamin C 0.5 mg (1%)
Calcium 6 mg (1%)
0:42 Iron mg (3%)
Magnesium 2 mg (1%)
Phosphorus 4 mg (1%)
Potassium 52 mg (1%)
Sodium 4 mg (0%)
0:22 Zinc mg (2%)

Source: USDA Nutrient Database
 
5. Strong Antioxidants  
Honey has a very high content of antioxidants that keep the body from free radical attack. In fact, antioxidants called "pinocembrin" is only found in honey. This makes your body more healthy, free from diseases and look more youthful.
 
6. Lowering blood glucose and cholesterol  
Although it is sweeter than sugar, honey has a low glycemic index because it is absorbed into the bloodstream gradually. You who have diabetes should reduce the high glycemic index foods because it will push the spike in blood glucose. Honey is a sweetener that is the safest alternative compared to sugar or synthetic sugar. Some studies even suspect honey can lower blood glucose. Minerals and natural vitamins in honey also helps lower LDL (bad cholesterol) in the body.
 
7. Relieve respiratory disease  
Honey is very effective for respiratory diseases. A study in Bulgaria on nearly 18,000 patients found that honey helps overcome chronic bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, chronic rhinitis, allergies and sinusitis. Honey is an effective medicine for colds, flu, and respiratory infections.

In addition to the above seven benefits, honey is overall very good for you because it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals (see table). Dark honey contains a higher amount of nutrients than lighter-colored. In contrast, granulated sugar has no nutrients or antioxidants at all. So, replace the sugar with honey as a sweetener has many advantages.