Being Healthy- One of My Favorite Tips For Overall Health (Part 3)- HONEY

I believe an overall healthy lifestyle is so much better than yo-yo dieting. Maintenance is key! Here is a health tip that has made a big difference in my health over the years! I will be sharing more health tips in future posts so look out for more great tips!

HONEY

There are so many wonderful benefits of HONEY! Its not just a sweetener! Before we begin, there are different types of honey, so lets break it down a bit. Processed honey, that you typically buy at the grocery store is quite a bit cheaper than raw honey. Well there is a reason for that!

Processed honey has no traces of pollen. Raw honey does have traces of pollen, so in turn, it can help build an immunity to allergens so its wonderful for allergy sufferers. Also, when honey is pasteurized and processed, it loses its beneficial vitamins and enzymes. So when I refer to the benefits of honey I am speaking of raw honey. Processed honey does not have the same benefits! My personal favorites are Manuka honey and local raw honey.

So, what other uses does have honey have besides sweetening your tea???

• Honey is incredibly hydrating! Did you know that honey is natural humectant? That means it draws moisture into the skin. The humectant qualities of honey are incredible!

• Honey also has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties!

• The antimicrobial properties make it a super acne fighter! Most of the time, acne is caused by the build-up of oil and dirt on skin. Since honey absorbs impurities from the pores on the skin, it acts as a great cleanser. Honey is also a natural antiseptic, and soothes and heals your skin. Use it all over your face or troubled areas as a spot treatment and it will eat away at the bacteria! The result is clear skin!!                          Note: If your acne is caused by hormones or a reaction to something honey may not completely clear it.

• The antioxidants neutralize the free radicals that are responsible for the signs of aging! So start now and use it on a regular basis (three times a week) for beautiful smooth skin for years!

To treat your face with honey.. Simply wash your face then slather a layer of honey on your skin and leave for 15 min or as long as you like… And rinse with warm water.

Also refer to the amazing honey scrub, in my post.. DIY Face and Body Scrub

• Honey can contribute to weight loss!

Add honey, lemon and cinnamon to warm water and drink everyday on an empty stomach. This is a great way to cleanse your liver, remove toxins and flush fat! Honeys “sugar” affects the body differently than table sugar. Researchers have found that, in most people, honey helps with weight loss and prevents weight gain. Lemons have compounds called  polyphenols that have been found to suppress weight gain and improve blood sugar levels. Cinnamon has been shown to reduce inflammation in the body and improves insulin’s ability to metabolize blood sugar.

The combination makes for a great weight loss drink!

•  This drink is also great for boosting your immune system! Drink everyday on an empty stomach to keep away the flu and common cold. For kids with night time cough or upper respiratory tract infection,take one to two tablespoons of honey before bed.

Honey is antibacterial.

• This makes it wonderful for cuts, scrapes and burns. Applied topically, honey promotes rapid tissue repair. And keeps wounds sterile, preventing further infection.

• Honey soothes indigestion. The antiseptic properties of honey relieve acidity in the stomach and improve digestion. Honey also neutralizes gas and soothes your stomach! Take one or two tablespoons before a heavy meal to prevent indigestion. Or, add honey and lemon to warm water and drink after a heavy meal to help move food through the digestive tract.

I hope you enjoyed my tid bits on honey! If you’d like to share anything you know about honey, please comment below! Also if you try any of my remedies mentioned below, I’d love to hear how it is working for you!

Have a wonderful day!

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