Honey

It seems like honey goes way back; cave paintings have been found from 10,000 years ago, showing women hunting for honey and honeycombs. It was used as a sweetener by the ancient Egyptians and as payment in the Roman Empire.

What about the health benefits of honey? I hope you have some time because they are extensive:

Honey

Honey consists of sugars like glucose and fructose, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron, phosphate, copper, iodine and zinc. It also contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3, complex carbohydrates, amino acids and antioxidants.

Honey can help cure the following conditions:
Take a tablespoon of honey twice a day to treat seasonal allergies (local, raw honey found at the farmers market or in the health section of the grocery store works best). One to two teaspoons of honey deluded in water and taken about half an hour before meals helps against stomach aches, stomach ulcers, diarrhea, upset stomach, vomiting, dehydration, coughing, sore throat and fatigue.

It improves brain function and is an effective treatment in preventing cancer and heart disease. Due to the fact that it is easily digested it is also very beneficial as a treatment for some pathological conditions of the intestinal tract, respiratory organs, nerves, capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.

It cleanses the blood, supports blood formation and helps with the regulation and facilitation of blood circulation. It is low in calories and does not cause any weight gain, but does provide lots of energy.

Honey is a natural antiseptic and its natural anti-inflammatory effect makes it very suitable for topical applications as well:
It helps healing wounds, cuts and burns more quickly and is good for treating diabetic ulcers. The different phytochemicals in honey kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus which makes it an excellent substitute for wound dressings usable on even the most sensitive skin. Mixed with olive oil, honey is also good as a moisturizing mask and conditioner for your skin and hair.

It is best to buy local, raw honey because this is not treated or heated like the honey you can purchase in the stores which causes a loss of many of the health benefits. As mentioned before, you can find raw honey at the farmers market and in the health section of the stores.

Always keep honey in closed containers and store in a dark place. Should it eventually crystallize and turn to sugar, then you can warm it up in the microwave. Don't heat it up too much because it will cause a loss of many good qualities.

I found one warning against the use of honey and that was NOT to give it to infants under the age of 1 year old. Their digestive system is not fully developed yet and they can contract infantile botulism from it. Although the likelihood this will occur is small, I would head the warning! Ages up are fine because their digestive system kills any spores which might cause it.

The question was if honey had any health benefits. I suspected it did, but I was not prepared for the huge list of all the good properties this sweet treat possesses. It may sometimes be painful and certainly not an easy task fighting the bees to retrieve the honey, but it is well worth the effort.

Changing your life and walking in Jesus' footsteps is not an easy task either. It can be painful at times and you will have to fight your sin nature in order to gain happiness and everlasting life. It is well worth the effort though and we will soon experience the positive effects in our lives.

We don't have to do it alone; God gives us everything we need and even then some!

Isaiah 7:15
Curds and honey He shall eat, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good.