| By :
Val Wilson
Honey is not just one of the most delicious substances known to mankind, it is also incredibly valuable for nutrition and healing - and has been for thousands of years. Here are 5 modern day health benefits of honey. 1. Honey as a Hay Fever Remedy If you suffer from hay fever, locally produced honey may help ease your symptoms. All honey will contain traces of pollen - and if it is locally produced honey, it will contain the same pollen which causes your hay fever. So if you take small amounts of this honey every day, the theory is that you will de-sensitize yourself to your pollen allergy. As yet there is no scientific proof that this works, but many people do swear by it, so if you are a sufferer it is certainly worth a try. Of course, the most local honey you can get will be that produced by your own bees in your own backyard - great reason to start beekeeping now, if you haven't already! 2. Increased Energy Honey is also a great natural source of carbohydrates giving us strength and energy and is a stimulant, giving an instant boost in performance and endurance and reducing muscle fatigue - particularly in athletes. Honey is known to keep blood sugar levels fairly constant compared to other types of sugar. This is because it is a natural source of fructose and glucose, which are very quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, and play a crucial role in preventing fatigue during exercise. Of course, it is not just when doing exercise that a boost can be useful, but also in everyday life. 3. Boosting the Immune System Honey is an important source of vitamins and minerals, and honey's antioxidant properties help remove free radicals from the body improving your digestive system, and enabling you to stay healthy and fight disease. This is a key health benefit of honey, as a powerful immune system booster 4. Treating Minor Injuries Externally, honey has been used as a first aid treatment for cuts, burns and wounds. Its antiseptic properties help keep wounds free of infection, and it can help promote healing. It is also thought to be anti-inflammatory, so it will reduce swelling and pain from injuries. Manuka honey is made by bees feeding on flowers from the Manuka bush, principally found in New Zealand. This bush has antibacterial and antifungal properties, making Manuka honey the most antibacterial of all the different types of honey and so is it particularly good for wound dressing. 5. Treating Sore Throats and Colds Honey is a great natural treatment for sore throats. It not only soothes the pain of a sore throat, but also helps kill the harmful bacteria that cause the infection. Studies show it is often better than over the counter remedies for coughs, colds and sore throats. Particularly for children, when taken before bedtime honey can help stop coughing and allow a good night's sleep. There are many other uses of honey, but there is no doubt that honey benefits health - it truly is one of nature's wonder products.
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