Honey is a natural food that is not subject to any processing and consists of many different ingredients that exceed 180 in total. It is a unique sweetener of high biological value, a gift of nature to man, with exceptional nutritional value.
Honey contains an abundance of elements, including sugars, amino acids, metals, enzymes and vitamins, antioxidants, etc., which are beneficial to humans. The antioxidants in honey are especially beneficial for the human organism. Research data show that some of honey’s antioxidants (such as caffeic acid, methyl caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, and caffeic acid dimethyl phenethyl ester) have significant anti-tumor action.
Honey has antiseptic and antimicrobial properties; it is a tonic, increases the heart rate, heals or relieves internal intestinal disorders, insomnia, and sore throat, reduces ulcers, and contributes to the improved functioning of the human organism. Consuming honey contributes to the faster restoration of good health in cases of anemia.
Please be advised that honey should not be given to children under one year of age.
A natural cough suppressor
Honey has been used for centuries to help alleviate some of the symptoms associated with the common cold. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, many things can cause a sore throat. These include viral infections (colds and the flue), sinus drainage, allergies, or smoking. Sore throats caused by bacteria such as streptococcus are usually treated with antibiotics.
Time is the greatest healer of sore throats caused by viruses, but to relieve the inflammatory symptoms, you can try a spoonful of honey to coat your throat. Take a spoonful, as often as necessary, to alleviate the inflammation. In the meantime, remain hydrated with a cup of tea with honey. For more vitamin C, try mixing honey in orange, grapefruit or lemon juice.
A study from 2007 from a research team at Penn State College of Medicine found that honey can be a good option for parents looking for an alternative to cough medicine. The study found that a small quantity of honey from buckwheat taken before sleep produced greater relief from night coughing and sleep difficulty in children than a treatment with or administration of dextromethorphan (DM).
However, please be advised that honey should not be taken by children under one year of age.