Honey is "virtually all sugar from a caloric standpoint" – a tablespoon has 64 calories and 17 g of sugar (carbohydrates). Each gram of honey represents four calories, but it also has trace elements of vitamins and minerals that refined sugar doesn't have.
Honey is also a natural alternative to sweeteners. To make a healthier cup of tea, use honey instead of sugar. Additionally, honey contains some valuable antioxidants that offer various benefits. For best results, use darker varieties like Manuka honey.
The health benefits of honey water
Start your day with a glass of honey water to enjoy the following benefits.
It's a healthy morning routine.
When you wake up in the morning, you're usually dehydrated. Experts recommend drinking about 20 ounces of water every morning to help stimulate the body, relieve grogginess, and encourage bowel movement.
Add one tablespoon of honey to your water every day, or at least several times a week. Honey's antimicrobial and antiviral properties can fight infectious pathogens. (Related: 5 Reason to drink warm lemon-honey water in the morning.)
It can aid in digestion.
Drinking a mixture of warm water, honey, and lemon is good for your digestive system. The combination can boost stomach acid production and bile secretion, which can reduce symptoms of gas and bloating.
The digestive enzymes in raw, organic honey may also have a beneficial effect on the "good" gut bacteria that keep your digestive system healthy and in balance. According to a study, mice given raw honey had increased amounts of the beneficial bacterial strains Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus.
It can help reduce your risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease, and honey can help reduce this risk. This superfood has antioxidants that help reduce inflammation, which researchers believe contributes to elevated blood pressure. Research on both humans and animal subjects reveals that there are small reductions in blood pressure after honey consumption.
It can improve your cholesterol profile.
The amount and type of cholesterol in your bloodstream can influence your cardiovascular health. Having high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can cause atherosclerosis, a condition where plaque builds up in your arteries. If you have atherosclerosis, it may be more difficult for blood to pass through.
Meanwhile, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can help break down the blockages, minimize inflammation, and boost heart health. Some studies suggest that compared to sugar, honey is the healthier option since it can improve cholesterol levels by reducing LDL and increasing HDL.
Simple and healthy honey water recipes
Try these refreshing honey water recipes if you want to drink a healthy beverage.
Honey with warm water and lemon
Ingredients:
- Raw, organic Manuka honey
- Fresh lemon juice
- Warm water
Steps:
- After boiling a cup of water, let it cool until it's warm to the touch.
- Add a tablespoon of raw, organic Manuka honey to the warm water, then stir until it dissolves.
- Squeeze some fresh lemon juice into the honey water.
- Stir well before drinking
Honey with warm water and cinnamon
Ingredients:
- Raw, organic honey
- Cinnamon powder
- Warm water
Steps:
- Steep a teaspoon of cinnamon in a cup of hot water for 30 minutes.
- Add half a teaspoon of honey into the cup, then stir well before drinking.
Take either of these drinks daily to boost immunity. Honey water can also help address coughs and colds.
Drink honey water first thing in the morning before you eat for best results.
If you have a bee or honey allergy, do not just drink honey water, especially if you're using raw honey. Consult your healthcare provider before drinking honey water, as honey may cause allergic reactions.
To reap the health benefits of honey water, use high-quality raw and organic Manuka honey. Always check the label. Don't buy honey that contains high-fructose corn syrup or commercial glucose, which are added to some honey products to keep them from solidifying. Honey is a liqTuid that solidifies with time. If the honey you buy is already solidified, chances are it’s pure.
Drink honey water to relieve digestive problems and promote heart health.
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