The secret to longevity is available in every Vietnamese family's kitchen.
Honey has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is considered the secret to longevity in some Blue Zone communities.
Honey - the secret to sweet longevity
Honey is consumed all over the world. In Ikaria, Greece, one of the Blue Zones, home to some of the world's longest-living people, many elderly residents eat honey at least twice a day.
They stir honey into their coffee in the morning and before dinner. Ikarians also use honey to treat everything from the common cold to minor wounds.
According toMayo ClinicHoney is commonly used as a cough suppressant and applied topically to treat burns and minor wounds.
Furthermore, research has also shown that honey has the potential to be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, soothe digestive problems, and help alleviate neurological conditions like depression and anxiety.
Using honey in moderation helps control blood pressure, cholesterol, heals wounds when used topically, suppresses coughs... Photo: Healthline
A clinical research paper published in the Journal of Pharmacological Research has concluded that honey can be considered a natural therapeutic agent for a variety of medicinal purposes. Evidence suggests it has potential for use in treating conditions ranging from asthma and diabetes to cancer.
Accordingly, flavonoids and polyphenols, both of which act as antioxidants, are two of the main bioactive molecules found in honey.
Honey is unique in that it is the only food humans eat that is made entirely from insects. In addition to its flavor and versatility, honey is also very stable and will last virtually forever when stored properly.
7 Unique Health Benefits of Honey
According toHealthline, honey is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, has antibacterial properties and may play a role in diabetes management as part of a balanced diet. But there's more.
This product also has several potential health benefits and plays a role in many home remedies and alternative medicine treatments.
Here are 7 unique health benefits of honey:
Contains many nutrients
Honey is essentially pure sugar, with no fat and only small amounts of protein and fiber. It does contain small amounts of some nutrients, but most people do not consume enough honey to make it a significant source of vitamins and minerals in their diet.
However, it's important to note that honey is rich in health-promoting plant compounds called polyphenols.
Rich in antioxidants
Minimally processed honey contains many important bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body, which can build up in cells and cause damage. This damage can contribute to conditions such as premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Therefore, many of the health benefits of honey are due to its antioxidant content.
Raw honey often contains propolis, which can improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels (Photo: Getty).
Control blood sugar
When it comes to blood sugar control, honey may offer some small benefits over regular sugar. Although honey raises your blood sugar like other sugars, the antioxidants in honey may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
Researchers have found that honey can increase levels of adiponectin, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There is also evidence that daily honey consumption can improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
However, while honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, it should be consumed in moderation by everyone.
May improve heart health
Honey may also help prevent heart disease. According to one review, honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate heart rhythm, and prevent the death of healthy cells, all of which can improve heart function and health.
An observational study of more than 4,500 people over the age of 40 linked moderate honey consumption to a lower risk of high blood pressure in women. A study in rodents also showed that honey helps protect the heart from oxidative stress.
Additionally, raw honey often contains propolis, which may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Promotes healing of burns and wounds
Historically, honey was used topically to treat wounds and burns. This practice remains popular today.
A review of 26 studies on honey and wound care found that honey was most effective in healing minor burns and infected wounds after surgery.
Researchers theorize that honey's healing power comes from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
May help suppress coughs in children
Cough is a common problem for children with upper respiratory infections. These infections can affect sleep and quality of life for children and parents.
A review of several studies on honey and cough in children found that honey appeared to be more effective than diphenhydramine for cough symptoms. It may also help reduce the duration of a cough.
Another review noted that it may also improve sleep quality in children with coughs. What's more, unlike some cough medicines, honey doesn't have any side effects.
However, never give honey to children under 1 year of age.
Easy to add to your diet
Honey is easy to add to your diet. To get a small amount of antioxidants from honey, you can use it in any way you would use sugar. It is great for sweetening yogurt, coffee, or tea. You can also use it in cooking and baking.
However, keep in mind that honey is a sugar, so consuming it will cause your blood sugar levels to rise. Eating large amounts of honey, especially consistently over a long period of time, can contribute to weight gain and increase your risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes or heart disease.
