A tablespoon of honey has small amounts potassium, magnesium, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, chromium, zinc, riboflavin, folic acid, selenium, and other trace nutrients that are essential to your diet.
The main nutritional components of honey are carbohydrates, which are mainly fructose and glucose. Although honey is a high carbohydrate food, its glycemic index varies depending on the type of honey source that the bees used to produce it.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DRINK HONEY WATER EVERY DAY
Because honey contains a high amount of natural sugar, diabetics should consult with their doctors prior to adding honey to their diets.
When we combine the nutrition of honey with the hydrating power of water, we get a sweet, nutritious drink that gives you enough healthy benefits to add it to your daily diet.
IMMUNE SYSTEM BOOST
Honey can be applied topically to minor wounds and burns to help healing as an anti-inflammatory. In one study, honey healed infected post-operative wounds more quickly than antiseptic washes followed by gauze and was associated with fewer adverse reactions after treatment.
Honey also stimulates antibody production to help fight off illness. Honey’s health potential has even been studied with regard to fighting cancer. Drinking honey water can also help with your oral health by helping to prevent the buildup of dental plaque and gingivitis.
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
The antioxidants of honey are helpful for the prevention, cure and treatment of some stomach disorders such as ulcers, gastritis and gastroenteritis. Researchers believe that honey intake stimulates the sensory nerves in the stomach, which helps reduce ulcers. Other researchers are studying how honey helps relieve diarrhea in children and rats. Drinking honey water can also help reduce gas and bloating.
FLUSH TOXINS
Not only will a glass of honey water keep you hydrated, but it will also help to flush toxins from your system. Manuka honey is a variety that has particularly potent antifungal, antibiotic and antibacterial properties.
Adding lemon to the honey water adds citric acid which will help the body to naturally flush out unwanted toxins.
CLEAR SKIN
The antibacterial nature of honey makes it an excellent remedy for acne. Drinking honey water helps clear your skin from the inside, but you can also apply it directly to the skin.
WEIGHT LOSS
Honey keeps blood sugar more stable than other sources of carbohydrates like refined sugar. As a result, your body has a supply of energy on hand to use but your stable blood sugar should help stave off cravings. Some sport nutritionists recommend honey water for before, during and after sustained periods of intense exercise.
Also a tablespoon of honey in a 12 oz glass of water has about half the calories of any drink sweetened with sugar. Saving calories on a sweet beverage that is healthier for you will help reduce your overall caloric intake.
REGULATE BLOOD SUGAR
Although honey is high in sugar and carbohydrates, the effect on blood sugar is much reduced compared to that of refined sugar. Some researchers believe that it is a synergistic effect of both the fructose and glucose in honey that might contribute to the relatively low glycemic response after consuming honey.
Diabetics should still exercise caution, but drinking honey water could be a way to keep sweetness in your diet without having to be concerned about having a spike in blood sugar.
SOOTHE A SORE THROAT
Honey is a remedy for sore throat that has been used for centuries. Try warm honey water when you are feeling under the weather. Add a slice of lemon to the warm water for an added vitamin C boost.
Some people drink a hot toddy when they are feeling sick. A hot toddy would be the same honey, hot water and lemon recipe as above with an added shot of whiskey. This is an old remedy that your grandmother may have recommended for a cold.
Honey is loaded with antioxidants which help protect your heart by lowering bad cholesterol. Darker honey contains even more of the health benefits so aim for these varieties when you shop. There are also other options like raw, local, wildflower, manuka, etc., each with their own unique healing properties. Research a bit and see which type is best for you.
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