Not only does it taste great, but the health benefits of honey are amazing! Isn't it good to know that you can enjoy sweet treats and be healthier at the same time? Now let's see what honey has to offer for your health...

Weight Loss

Losing weight is just one of the many health benefits of honey. One tablespoon of honey contains approximately 700 calories, now that's 40% less calories compared to the same amount of sugar. Taking 2 tablespoons of honey will supply you with the energy you need to do your activities for 2-3 hours.

However, although it gives you energy, it does not cause you to gain weight! Why? Because you won't be hungry during the day since you have sufficient energy supply in your body. Not hungry = eat less :)

Try taking 3-4 tablespoons in the morning, and 2 more before dinner. If done regularly, you will see the results.

Energy Booster

Another health benefit of honey is that it contains natural sugars which act as energy booster for the body. The glucose contained in honey is easily absorbed by the blood to give instant energy,and the fructose will be absorbed slowly by the body to sustain energy.

This is why honey is a great source of energy for people who are active in sports and outdoor activities. Taking honey can help athletes regain their stamina. Products such as energy bars with honey and honey milk are very popular meals among athletes.

Antibacterial Effect

Honey has a powerful antibacterial effect due to several components:

1. Osmotic effect

A high level of water and sugar contained in honey (especially fructose) causes it to have a high osmotic effect. This effect will prevent the micro organisms in the body to spread.

2. Hydrogen peroxide

The presence of sugar and water, along with free oxygen in honey, will create gluconic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Both of these elements are beneficial to kill microorganisms inside the body.

3. Acidity

The acidity of honey is one of the factors that contribute to its antibacterial effect, antioxidant activities, and stability against microorganisms. The pH level of undiluted honey varies from 3.2 to 4.5 and this low acidity level inhibits the growth of bacterial pathogens, as some types of bacteria require a pH level of 7.2 to 7.4 to grow. Honey acidity is due to organic acids, especially gluconic acid which is a result of glucose oxidase in honey on glucose. This acid is produced when nectar is transformed into honey and it increases on storage.

One type of honey that is known for its antibacterial properties is Manuka Honey. A recent research has found that Active Manuka Honey has another powerful antibacterial property known as UMF (Unique Manuka Factor). The combination of both hydrogen peroxide and UMF has been proven to have an astounding healing effect.

Home Remedy

The amazing health benefits of honey makes it a popular home remedy for cold, flu and sore throat problems due to the presence of its antibiotic property.

People have used honey to soothe sore throats for years and it has been proven to be very effective. In fact, Italian opera singers are known to have used honey to relieve sore throats so that they can sing well.

In treating common cold, honey is definitely my top choice. Drinking a warm glass of water mixed with squeezed lime juice and a teaspoon of honey really helps to treat cold. Other than these ailments, studies and researches have also found honey to be useful for serious diseases and disorders such as diabetes, cancer, heart problems and insomnia. It's very effective in healing wounds too! Besides that,honey is an excellent source of nutrition to be taken during pregnancy.

So, knowing all these wonderful health benefits of honey, who says sweet treats cannot be healthy?