✓ Honey and properties: what are the benefits ascertained by science

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Honey and properties

Since ancient times, the therapeutic properties of honey have been widely documented: honey is truly a precious substance, just as its color suggests, and we do well to give it to our children, while taking due consideration of a series of precautions. The honey properties they are numerous and some even little known. Let's see what the benefits of honey confirmed by science.

Types of honey and properties

Honey is classified in based on color, and its flavor will vary according to the types of flower from which the nectar was collected.
First of all, the raw honey and that pasteurized: the first is collected from the hive and bottled directly (therefore it is normal for it to contain traces of yeast, wax and pollen). The consumption of this honey is not recommended especially in children because it predisposes to seasonal allergies.

Pasteurized honey has been processed to remove impurities.

Although we often read about the extraordinary properties of more exotic products, such as Manuka honey, for example, even the honeys of our house are excellent and rich in properties. In fact, a study by the University of Pisa suggested that honey from fir, chestnut and eucalyptus they have the greatest anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antibacterial abilities.

Read also: 8 foods that never (or nearly) expire

Honey composition

Honey has high levels of monosaccaridi, fructose and glucose and contains about 70-80% sugar, which guarantees its typical sweet taste. One tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, 17,3 grams of sugar and 0 g of fiber, fat and protein. It is made up of glucose, fructose and minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium and magnesium.

Honey: properties and contraindications

Despite being an extremely healthy food, honey remains a lot caloric and should be consumed in moderation to sweeten foods instead of sugar.

How do you explain Marangione, head of Neonatology and Neonatal Pathology of Humanitas San Pio X, honey it should not be given to children under the age of one year because it can be the cause of the development of botulism in the infant.

Amount of honey per day

Honey is great sugar substitute and therefore we can use it to sweeten children's drinks and it is perfect in warm milk: it gives an extra note of sweetness, reconciles night sleep and relieves throat irritation and cough.

We can give a teaspoon of honey a day to children at particular times stress or fatigue, when you need a boost of energy, but be careful: honey is very caloric, so it should be used sparingly, especially in overweight subjects or those who follow controlled diets.

7 benefits of honey

Is honey good for you? Numerous are the benefits of honey which over the centuries have been ascertained by science. Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, but also healing and energizing properties. Furthermore, it is known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial and soothing effects.

Healing of wounds and burns

Several studies confirm that honey may be able to aid the healing process of burns.

Reduction in the duration of diarrhea

According to recent analyzes, honey reduces the duration and severity of diarrhea. This is because, if taken and taken with water, honey promotes the absorption of potassium and also has an antibacterial action on the pathogens responsible for the infection.

Fights infections

According to research conducted on purpose, the secret of honey's antibacterial properties lies in a specific protein called defensin-1. According to science, honey is an effective ally against numerous types of bacterial infections.

Relieves cough

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends honey as a natural cough remedy and a study published in the journal Pediatrics, which compared honey with placebo, found that honey would have undeniable positive effects in the symptomatic treatment of nocturnal cough. . The children involved in the study showed significant symptomatic cough relief and also improved sleep quality.

Relieves cold symptoms

A 2007 study suggested that honey reduces nocturnal cough and improves sleep quality in children with upper respiratory infection.

It replaces sugar

Sugar provides excess calories each day without any nutritional benefit. Honey, on the other hand, can be added to foods and drinks to sweeten the taste without any negative impact on the health of the added sugars while providing a good amount of nutrients.

Contains antioxidants

High quality honey contains many important antioxidants, such as organic acids and phenolic compounds such as i flavonoids. Antioxidants have been linked to a reduced risk of heart attacks, strokes and some cancers.

References

Honey: its medicinal property and antibacterial activity
Honey as a topical treatment for acute and chronic wounds
Traditional and Modern Uses of Natural Honey in Human Diseases: A Review
Feasibility Study: Honey for Treatment of Cough in Children
Effect of Honey on Nocturnal Cough and Sleep Quality:A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

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