Scientific studies on the effect of honey when introduced into a diet have shown that the daily consumption of honey prevents or helps considerably with a number of illnesses. Honey is by no means a medicine, but it is a natural tonic and an energy-packed food ideal for children, athletes, patients in recovery, as well as people who do exacting physical or mental work, or do not follow a healthy diet. In any case, you should consult your doctor.
Indeed, there are indications that honey helps:
| Heart – Circulatory System: | Prolonged consumption of honey by individuals with heart problems can improve their condition, because glycogen is stored in the muscles of the heart and because honey contains acetylcholine. |
| Anaemia: | Haemoglobin levels increase with the intake of honey, mainly due to the iron and copper it contains. Daily consumption of honey by the ageing population can help prevent problems related to anaemia. |
| Gastro-intestinal disorders: | Honey has been shown to be a valuable means of protection from stomach ulcers as it improves indigestion. |
| Liver: | Honey protects the liver and is recommended in the case of various illnesses, especially where cell degeneration has occurred. |
| Nerves: | Honey is considered a sedative; it helps with illnesses of the nervous system and ensures a restorative sleep./td> |
| Skin ailments: | Honey is used in its natural state for wounds or burns. Clinical observations have shown that it contributes to tissue restoration. |
| Diabetes: | Honey is considered a healthy sweetener for diabetics. Fructose and sucrose – found in high concentrations in most types of honey – are metabolised without the aid of insulin, the hormone usually needed by diabetics. The use of honey by diabetics has not been documented. They could perhaps use it in small quantities but only after having first consulted their physician. |
| Antibacterial properties: | Honey is a powerful germicidal agent, because of the hydrogen peroxide it contains, its acidity and high concentration of sugars. |
| Antioxidant action: | Studies have shown that different compounds in honey, together with propolis, act as antioxidants, which protect you from illness. Preliminary clinical trials have shown that honey, because of the caffeic acid it contains, can stop the growth of cancer cells or even kill existing ones. |
Regular honey intake relieves the symptoms associated with a high fever and eases sore throats.
Studies on the effect of honey on children’s diets revealed that honey actually increased the haemoglobin levels of underweight children and helped with weight gain. Experiments showed that honey combined with milk for breast-feeding mothers and growing children was a success.
Children suffering from malnourishment, anaemia, respiratory ailments and nervous disorders showed a significant improvement when given milk and honey.
