Raw honey is honey in its purest state: freshly extracted from the honeycombs, strained, and bottled. It is free from any added processes and sugars, giving it a cloudy appearance, as opposed to the honey commercially bought in stores, which may look smooth, golden, and free of debris.
Commercial honey usually goes through pasteurization. Here, high heat is applied to the gooey amber liquid to make it smoother and help extend its shelf life. This destroys the yeast component of the honey. Commercial honey also goes through filtration, removing impurities so that it becomes aesthetically clear and free from debris. However, to make it smoother, filtration removes many of the honey’s nutrients, such as enzymes and antioxidants.
In some circumstances, makers even add sugar to increase the quantity of honey, turning it into little more than just a regular sugar source.
Raw honey, in its most natural state, comes packed with many benefits you won’t find in the bottled retail variety. Here are some of them:
Helps Improve Your Digestion
Thanks to its natural enzymes, raw honey helps break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently. As a result, you can see a significant improvement in your digestion. It is commonly used to treat various digestive issues, like diarrhea. Furthermore, raw honey can potentially treat Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, which is the primary reason for stomach ulcers. Embedded with natural prebiotics, raw honey can also help nourish the good bacteria in the intestines, which is beneficial to your overall health.
Boosts Your Immune System
The natural antioxidants in raw honey can help boost your immune system. It contains a wide range of plant-based chemicals that help ward off the unwanted bacteria that enter your body. Raw honey also plays a vital role in helping you keep your body safe from cell damage because of free radicals, which are the root cause of various chronic diseases like cardiovascular issues and cancer. According to research, the polyphenols in raw honey contain anti-inflammatory effects. They can be extremely helpful in keeping the body safe from various conditions linked with oxidative stress.
Reduces Allergy Symptoms
Raw honey has been shown to reduce allergy symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties help deal with a cough and sore throat. In fact, raw honey may even be better than regular cough depressants like dextromethorphan and diphenhydramine. This is why, historically, honey has been a remedy many people use to reduce allergy symptoms. For treating allergies, it is best for senior adults to start consuming honey a few months before the anticipated allergy season for the best results.
Offers Better Sleep Quality
Raw honey is a natural sedative that can help seniors sleep better. To sleep and rest throughout the night, the brain needs a certain kind of fuel. That fuel is a compound sugar known as glycogen, and the liver is responsible for producing it.
Failure by the liver to release sufficient glycogen throughout the night can make the brain restless. As a result, it can disturb restorative sleep. If you have chronic issues such as liver disease, the liver can’t produce a sufficient amount of glycogen.
Take a spoonful of honey with a glass of warm milk just before going to bed. As a result, it will ensure that the liver is restocked and has sufficient glycogen, giving you the relief of a good night’s sleep.
Boosts Your Energy
Finally, the natural sugars in raw honey provide an energy boost for seniors. Consequently, it helps you stay alert and active throughout the day. Even some Olympians and athletes consume honey to enhance their energy levels because of its natural sugars.
Try eating a teaspoon of honey before going for a walk to increase your energy levels. A single tablespoon of honey can provide around 17 grams of carbohydrates. These nutrients are important for the body since they are its primary fuel.
Consuming raw honey provides a quick and all-natural boost. An additional benefit of honey is that it can help maintain a steady blood sugar level.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help you make the best of your retirement years and Ingleside can help support a healthy lifestyle as you age! See our spacious homes, enjoy access to a wide variety of educational or cultural programs, experience mouthwatering chef-prepared meals, and get a chance to meet new people. Call 202-905-0018 to schedule a personalized tour or to get answers to any questions.