Everyone knows that honey is a sweet addition to toast or tea, but do you know all the health benefits it provides? Raw, unpasteurized honey has been a popular remedy for much of human history. Many people add it to their diets today to enjoy the nutrients, antibacterial properties, and other benefits. Of course, there’s a huge difference between raw honey and the regular honey you can find at the grocery store. Here are all the reasons why you should add raw honey to your diet.
High in Antioxidants
One of the ways raw honey can benefit your health is through the important antioxidants it contains. These compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, help fight disease-causing free radicals and protect your body from oxidative cell damage. Studies suggest that this oxidative stress could link to some forms of cancer, heart disease, and chronic illnesses. The antioxidants in honey promote your overall health and reduce the amount of oxidative stress on your body.
A Spoonful of Nutrients
In addition to antioxidants, another reason why you should add raw honey to your diet is because of the wide variety of nutrients it contains. These nutrients come from the types of flowers honey bees foraged from and other details about the specific hive that made the honey. As a result, the exact nutritional properties vary between each bottle of raw honey. However, you can expect amino acids, vitamins, and minerals in every spoonful.
A Sweet Alternative
Honey acts as a natural sweetener. Though it is high in sugar, it’s a far superior option to the refined sugar that exists in most of our sweet foods. Refined sugar lacks nutrients and is little more than a sweetener. Meanwhile, honey brings beneficial properties along with each spoonful. It’s a perfect alternative for sweetening drinks, cereal, and other foods you want to add a touch of sugar to. However, like with all sweet things, you should still practice moderation when adding honey to your diet.
