National Honey Month is a Buzz
Surprising Health Benefits of Honey
When we think of honey, we probably think of sunshine and summer days with bees buzzing around from flower to flower. Did you know that September is actually national honey month? At Etain Health New York, we are celebrating all the ways honey can help make you healthier.
The liquid gold that bees produce is not just another sweetener, it has loads of benefits compared to other sugars. It has a low glycemic index, so it will not cause a spike in blood sugar. Studies have shown that it can also help lower insulin sensitivity, important in the management of conditions like metabolic syndrome.
Honey is also packed with antioxidants, which will help lessen oxidative stress that can damage our DNA. Think of it as armor to help prevent things like heart attacks, stroke, or cancer (oxidative stress is a major factor in the development of some types of cancer). These antioxidant compounds have also been linked to lower blood pressure, an important risk factor for heart disease. Elevated triglycerides are another risk factor for heart disease, honey has been shown to lower triglyceride levels, especially when used as a sugar substitute.
Honey is anti-inflammatory and has made a buzz (pun intended) in the British Journal of Medicine recently for its use in the management of the symptoms associated with upper respiratory infections. Researchers found that it was superior to the usual OTC options for managing symptoms.
Honey is naturally preserved; its high sugar content and low water content means that bacteria cannot grow on it. It also has a small amount of hydrogen peroxide, so it is anti-microbial.
It can even help when applied on our skin. Topical honey application has been used to treat burns and wounds since ancient Egyptian times and is still used today. It is believed that the healing powers of honey come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects as well as its rich supply of antioxidants.
All in all, honey contains more than 180 substances – phytochemicals, antioxidants, natural sugars, vitamins and minerals. Have you tried one of our most popular products yet? Forte lozenges have a special ingredient… you guessed it, honey! We source the highest quality local honey and combine it with our cannabis extract to produce a powerful (and tasty) medicine.
References for more information:
Metabolic Effects of Honey in Type II Diabetics
Metabolic Effects of Honey in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Effects of Natural Honey Consumption in Diabetic Patients
The Potential Role of Honey and its Polyphenols in Preventing Heart Diseases
Cardioprotective Effects of Tualang Honey
Effectiveness of Honey for Symptomatic Relief in Upper Respiratory Tract Infections