Honey and Immunity: Eat Honey to Strengthen Your Immune System

Honey is known to be a "Golden Liquid" and its consumption dates back to over 4000 years. It is not just because of its sweet taste but also due to its several immunity-building, and health benefits. Since ancient times honey is the most appreciated natural product introduced to humans.  

In Ayurvedic preparation, honey is the most favoured ingredient. It is beneficial in enhancing respiratory disorder, eyesight, nausea, and weight loss.

Some of the magical benefits of Honey as an immunity booster:

Flavonoids and antioxidants are present in honey which is good for cardiac health.  It is also known to be anti-bacterial and anti-fungal; hence honey is good for the immune system. •With modern studies, it is now verified that honey has the property to maintain glycogen levels in the body thus, enhancing the recovery time compared to other sweeteners. •It also contains simple sugar but it is not similar to white sugar or other artificial sweeteners. The honey extract is a combination of fructose and glucose which is beneficial in regulating the body's blood sugar level.  •For heart health blood pressure is an imperative factor and honey helps to lower it. •Honey helps in improving cholesterol levels. •It is considered an immunity-boosting food and has high antioxidants hence holds immune-boosting properties. •It enhances digestion and prevents heart disease.  •It is good for the skin, and beneficial in weight management.  •It treats cough and enhances sleep.  In Ayurveda, honey is also called "Yogavahi” because of its above-mentioned benefits and also due to its ability to penetrate to the deepest tissue of the body.   When honey is combined with herbal preparations it improves the medicinal qualities of the preparation. Hence, it is said that honey increases immunity.

How to consume Honey

You can drink warm water with lemon and honey before having breakfast. Honey can also be consumed on daily basis with herbal tea and apple cider vinegar. As it is said ‘honey is Immunity’.  It can also be used to sweeten dressing and marinades. A healthy snack can be prepared by spreading honey on a whole grain toast and topping it with peanut butter. You can also consume it by drizzling it on top of pancakes.  

However, if you are willing to have some raw honey, then it is a must to get it from a trusted local vendor. Here are some of the health benefits of consuming raw honey. 

1. It is a good source of antioxidants

Raw honey consists of various plant chemicals acting as antioxidants. Few types of honey consist of as many antioxidants as present in fruits and vegetables. Free radicals can cause damage to the cells so antioxidants help in protecting body cells.   

1. Honey consist of Phytonutrients powerhouse

Plants consist of phytonutrient compounds that help to protect the plants from harm. For instance, some shield the plants from ultraviolet radiation and keeps the insect away.

The phytonutrients in honey are known for their antioxidant properties besides antibacterial and antifungal power. Thus, it is also thought to be a reason to hold immune-boosting and anticancer benefits.  Thus it is considered that honey boosts immunity. 

1. Honey soothes a sore throat

Are you suffering from a cold? Have a spoonful of honey. Honey is known to be an age-old remedy for sore throat. When you caught the flu, add honey to hot tea with lemon and drink it. Honey and immunity go hand in hand. 

1. Honey prevents acid reflux

Honey helps in preventing the upward flow of stomach acid. Also helps in the digestion of food.

1. Honey helps in replacing added sugar

Added sugar in diet just provides excess calories and no nutritional benefits. This in turn can increase body weight. So in place of sugar, honey can be added to food to sweeten the taste.   

Honey is used to treat various ailments. It is also mixed with other remedies for better treatment. Ayurvedic practitioners use honey as a remedy for Stress, Sleep disturbance, bad breath, stomach ulcer, vomiting, and obesity.

 There is much evidence to suggest that honey enhances the immune system. Also, it is used with several medicines to enhance the body’s immune system. So, one can consume it on daily basis to stay fit and active.