Honey, a natural sweetener, has medicinal properties but should be used cautiously by people with allergies, diabetes, or infants.
Honey is a natural sweetener produced by bees. It has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties, including wound healing, cough suppression, and antioxidant effects. However, it should be used with caution, especially by individuals with allergies, diabetes, or infants under one year of age.
Key Information
Outside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
1-2 tablespoons daily
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Honey is produced by bees from the nectar of flowers. Bees collect nectar, transport it back to the hive, and repeatedly regurgitate and dehydrate it until it becomes honey. They then store the honey in honeycombs and seal them with beeswax.
Use Type
Outside BodyPotential Benefits
Accelerates and supports the body's natural wound repair processes. This includes reducing inflammation, promoting collagen synthesis, increasing cell proliferation, and facilitating angiogenesis, leading to faster wound closure, reduced scarring, and decreased infection risk.
Antioxidants protect cells from damage caused by free radicals, reducing inflammation, and promoting overall health. They neutralize these unstable molecules by donating electrons and preventing them from damaging cellular structures.
Manuka honey relieves sore throat pain and reduces infection by reducing inflammation and fighting bacteria. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties soothe and heal the throat.
Honey soothes the throat and reduces inflammation, acting as a natural cough suppressant, especially for nighttime coughs in children. It creates a protective barrier and may possess antimicrobial properties.
Possible Side Effects
Weight gain is an increase in body weight beyond what is considered normal, caused by an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. It can result from medications, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors and may lead to further health complications.
Allergic reactions are hypersensitivity responses to allergens, ranging from mild skin irritation to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Symptoms vary widely and are caused by an immune response.
Honey consumption can increase blood sugar levels due to its glucose and fructose content. Individuals with diabetes should consume it cautiously and monitor their blood sugar.
Infant botulism is a serious illness caused by Clostridium botulinum spores germinating in an infant's immature digestive system, leading to toxin production and paralysis. Honey is a known source of these spores and should be avoided in infants under one year of age.
Scientific Evidence
Many studies have investigated the effects of honey on various health conditions. Key sources include research on honey's antimicrobial properties (e.g., studies on Manuka honey), clinical trials on its efficacy as a cough suppressant, and studies on its antioxidant content. Search PubMed and Cochrane Library for relevant articles.
User Reviews
Share your experience with this ingredient
Log in to write a reviewNo reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!