Honey is a natural sweetener that people have enjoyed for thousands of years. According to a recent survey, about 62 percent of households currently use and have honey in their homes. Did you know that honey lasts forever when stored in the proper conditions? Honey has been found in tombs of Egypt that is still edible today, which is due to its low water activity. The moisture content is so low, microbes cannot flourish in honey. Honey is also an antioxidant powerhouse that is filled with phenolic acids and flavonoids that keep it from breaking down. Studies done at the University of California at Davis found that a daily dose of honey increased antioxidant activity of blood. This reduced the free-radical damage in the blood stream. Honey is also a source of minerals such as copper, B2, B6, iron, silica, manganese, calcium and potassium. So incorporating it into your daily eating routine is not only tasteful, but good for you!

However, the benefits of honey go beyond its sweet taste and nutritional benefits. It has amazing medicinal properties. There is documented use of honey as a medicinal aid for 8000 years. When people think of honey, they immediately think of their grandmother’s home remedy where they mixed it with lemon and whiskey for a cough. Today we leave the whiskey out, but honey is still a popular cough and cold remedy. A cough syrup by Maty’s Healthy Products starts with antioxidant rich buckwheat honey as their base. Then it’s loaded with powerful immune boosters such as apple cider vinegar, Celtic sea salt, zinc and cinnamon. At Maty’s, we determine if you have a cough, you mostly likely have a cold or the flu, so why not load you up with immune boosting ingredients.

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Honey to help you lose weight:

For people who want to lose weight, honey is a good alternative to use as a sweetener. Refined dietary sugars lack nutrients and is essentially made up of empty calories. Therefore your body is not satisfying its nutrient requirements. On the other hand, honey contains 22 amino acids and a variety of minerals essential for metabolism. It provides the body with necessary nutrients and thus helps you lose weight by curbing the appetite. It also helps to maintain energy levels throughout the day which helps to curb your appetite. Its glucose to fructose ratio is unique in that the glucose gives your body the immediate energy boost it may need while the fructose gives your body the sustained energy boost for a lasting benefit.

Honey to boost your energy:

Does your body feel fatigued at 3:00 pm each afternoon? Try mixing 1/2 tablespoon of honey and a sprinkle of cinnamon in a glass of water. Your energy will increase within a week with daily intake. Or mix in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to increase your circulation and help keep you warm during the winter months.

Honey moisturizes your skin:

Honey is also popular as a skin moisturizer. It has natural regenerative properties as well as antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Rub a little into the skin and leave it on for 10 minutes. You can even warm it up a bit for sensitive skin. Your skin immediately feels a refreshing, new softness in the texture. Or mix it with orange juice, mashed bananas and oatmeal to create a nourishing mask.

Honey as a hangover helper:

Here is an old home remedy that is sure to please the party goers in us all. If you wake up with a hangover in the morning after a fun filled night, try putting a little honey on a piece of cracker or a piece of toast. The fructose in the honey helps to flush out the alcohol in your system. It also contains potassium which helps to counteract the effects of the alcohol.

So if you are one of the 62 percent of households that contain honey, you can immediately begin experimenting with its many uses. If you’re not, visit your local grocery store or farmers market to obtain a little. You may soon find out why it has been so popular for over thousands of years!

Carolyn Harrington is a certified Holistic Health Practitioner and trained in many aspects of natural medication, including nutrition, herbs and various mind/body therapies. She is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Carolyn created a line of all natural, gluten-free products enriched with powerful immune supportive ingredients, which are then formulated into therapeutic blends to enhance the body’s natural healing capabilities. Follow Carolyn on Facebook  and for more information please visit her site.