Health Benefits of Raw Honey

Since ancient times honey has been used as a folk remedy for its various health and medical benefits. It is an effective energy booster, antiseptic skin toner, doctor for respiratory problems, and an immunity enhancer. 

What is raw honey? Raw honey come straight from the honey combs without any pasteurization or processing and hence is rich with all the essential vitamins, minerals, enzymes, antioxidants, phytonutrients, and other nutritional compounds. 

Is it safe to eat raw honey? Yes, it is safe with only one caveat. Raw honey should not be given to children under one year of age, as it may contain bacteria spores for which infants have not yet developed immune system defenses. 

Health benefits

Great source of antioxidants- Raw honey is a great source of antioxidants that help protect the body from cell damage due to free radicals.  These free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. A 2017 review of studies has suggested that raw honey may have potential protective effects for the respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5424551/)  

Helps in wound healing- Manuka honey has added bacterial and healing properties making it effective in healing some kinds of wounds. A review published in 2015 found strong evidence that honey heals partial thickness burns around 4 to 5 days more quickly than conventional dressings. There is also evidence indicating that honey is more effective than antiseptic and gauze for healing infected surgical wounds. (https://www.cochrane.org/CD005083/WOUNDS_honey-as-a-topical-treatment-for-acute-and-chronic-wounds)  

Raw honey can soothe a sore throat- Honey is an age-old remedy to relieve cough and a sore throat. The honey will soothe your throat by coating your mucous membranes with a thick and naturally sticky covering. (https://njppp.com/fulltext/28-1478482106.pdf)  

Antibacterial Properties- Raw honey is antimicrobial and antibacterial, making it an effective treatment for wounds and infections. It contains hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase and has a low pH level, which means it can kill harmful bacteria and fungi. Also, because of its unique chemical composition, it does not help yeast or bacteria to grow. (https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ijmicro/2019/2464507/)  

Treating Diarrhoea and digestive issues- Raw honey can have a soothing effect on your digestion and help with symptoms of diarrhoea. A study showed that 150 children who received a oral rehydration solution with honey had better recovery from diarrhoea than those who did not receive honey (https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/doaj/23472545/2017/00000005/00000006/art00023) It also contains beneficial prebiotics, meaning it nourishes the good bacteria that live in the intestines, which are crucial not only for digestion but overall health. 

How to Incorporate Raw Honey into Your Diet Even with all the benefits that raw honey has, its recommended to use it in moderation because it is still an added sugar, and much of the sugar in honey is fructose, which goes to our liver and can lead to fatty liver disease if we get too much. You can switch the pasteurized honey with raw honey in your regular use. Add a teaspoon to your tea or lemon water instead of sugar or add some to your bowl of cereal.