“My son, eat thou honey, because it is good; and the honeycomb, which is sweet to thy taste:” – Proverbs 24:13
This wonderful instruction does not only end there, in Proverbs chapter 24 verse 14, honey is likened to the knowledge of wisdom which has a reward when it is found. Likewise, knowing the purpose of a substance helps you to fully maximize the benefits.
Honey is a thick substance, consumed in liquid form with a colour range of pale yellow to dark brown. It is primarily made up of water and two sugars: fructose and glucose with trace amounts of enzymes, amino acids, Vitamin C, minerals and antioxidants. The nutritional composition of honey depends on its origin, with about 300 varieties of honey available including Alfalfa, Wildflower, Tupelo, Golden blossom and Eucalyptus.
Today, we will be exploring 5 unexpected uses of honey, besides its numerous uses including cough remedy, skin moisturizer, treatment of burns and wounds.
- ENERGY BOOSTER: As a healthy and natural energy booster, honey contains a lot of simple carbohydrates. One tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains about 17 grams of carbohydrates including glucose, fructose, sucrose and maltose. The glucose present in honey is readily absorbed by the body providing instant energy while fructose is absorbed at a slower rate providing sustained energy. As a result, honey plays an important role in reducing fatigue during exercise. It may also boost workout performance and reduce muscle fatigue.
TIP: Consume moderate quantities as honey is high in sugar and may increase your blood sugar levels. - Natural Sleeping Aid: Are you experiencing difficulties in sleeping? Try taking warm milk and honey just before your bedtime. Honey releases serotonin in the body — a neurotransmitter that improves mood and happiness. The body then converts serotonin into melatonin, a chemical compound that regulates the length and the quality of sleep.
- Home remedy for gum diseases: Honey’s anti-bacterial and infection healing properties help in treating and healing wounds. Teeth and gum diseases like gingivitis, bleeding and plaque can be treated to a great extent with the regular use of honey. Honey is known to release antiseptic hydrogen peroxide which acts as an anti-microbial agent that prevents the growth of bacteria. Church Gist
TIP: Mouthwash can be made by mixing raw honey with water. Rubbing honey directly on affected gums gives instant relief from pain, inflammation and other periodontal diseases.
- MEMORY BOOSTER: The natural antioxidants and therapeutic properties in honey help in boosting brains’ cholinergic system, circulation and receding cells that cause memory loss. A 2011 study discovered that postmenopausal women who took a daily spoonful (20 g) of Malaysian honey had improved memory. After four months of the study, the women were more likely to have better short-term memory than their counterparts who took hormone pills. The evidence shows that honey can be used as an alternative therapy in boosting hormone-related intellectual decline associated with menopause.
- IMPROVEMENT OF GUT HEALTH: Honey is a potent probiotic, which means it nourishes the bacteria in the stomach thereby enhancing digestion. Honey can also be used in the treatment of diarrhea where it acts by blocking the actions of the pathogens.
The Bible records that John the Baptist survived in the wilderness on a diet of honey. You can also try the following tips in your meals.
Tips for Including Honey in The Diet:
- Use honey as a natural sweetener in yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal.
- Stir honey into your cup of coffee or tea.
- Drizzle honey on top of toast or pancakes.
- Swap sugar for honey when taking your cassava granules (Garri) and peanuts.
When next you come across Proverbs 24:13, remember these reasons, use honey and your future self will thank you for it.
Sources: Medical News Today webpage, Healthline Online, Health Fitness Revolution
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