The Many Health Impacts Of Raw Honey

Raw honey has been making an impact on cultures throughout history not only for its delicious flavor, but also its health benefits and medical uses. Honey is so versatile that it’s even used for treating open wounds. Of course, if you do want to add more honey into your health repertoire, make sure to buy it unpasteurized (unheated) from a local vendor. The heat of pasteurization can improve color, texture, and shelf life, but it also removes many of the beneficial nutrients found in raw honey.

The best thing about raw honey (besides its sweetness, obviously) is the antioxidants it packs. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals. Free radicals contribute to the aging process and may also contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.

A 2017 review of studies surrounding raw honey suggested that it can protect against respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and nervous system issues. Researchers think it could even have benefits in cancer treatment.

Nutritionally, raw honey includes decent amounts of micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, manganese, and zinc. It also has varying amounts of amino acids, enzymes, and antifungal properties. More research is needed, but raw honey has been shown to positively affect Candida-associated infections, as well as serve as a disinfectant for small cuts and scrapes.

Regularly eating raw honey can positively impact brain function

It’s also full of phytonutrients and polyphenols that improves memory and act as brain boosters. Regular use increases the production of brain-derived neurotrophic factors (BDNF) and reduces oxidative stress. Pinocembrin is a potent antioxidant present in raw honey and is well-known for its neuro-protective functions. It helps in treating dementia and other neuro-inflammatory diseases.

And don’t forget all the positive impacts of honey we’ve long known about: soothing sore throats, helping upset stomachs, and easing coughs. A 2021 study even suggested that honey could be superior to other forms of care for the improvement of upper respiratory tract infections. Could you imagine if mainstream medicine had to admit that a spoonful of honey was better than oral chemicals?

Here’s the best part about raw honey: it doesn’t expire. You read that right; honey will last forever (raw or pasteurized), BUT it can get contaminated easily if improperly stored. Also, crystals may start to form if you have a bottle in the pantry that hasn’t been used in a while. The crystals are just sugar and are nothing to fear; but if the honey turns a weird color or starts to smell off, it’s been contaminated somehow and needs to be thrown out. In most instances, though, your honey will survive without issue until you run out.

Basically, raw honey delivers some of the best impacts on health and immunity in the natural world. Plus, it tastes…like honey. How can you go wrong?