UNEXPECTED AND UNUSUAL USES FOR HONEY
Added on: 5th May 2016
IMPROVES MEMORY
Composed of mostly carbohydrates and water, honey also
brings with it some vitamins and minerals. These substances
help the body both absorb calcium (a necessary mineral for
thought processing) and prevent cellular damage which
leads to the decline of memory.
MAKES BAKED GOODS MORE TENDER
Honey’s sweetness means it can be substituted in baked
goods to create a more tender texture. Since honey is a
humectant – it attracts and holds water molecules – cookies,
cakes, pastries and more will stay softer. Since the same
amount of honey is sweeter than table sugar, only
substitute part of the white sugar called for with
the bee food.
HANGOVER HELPER
Due to honey’s high fructose levels, consuming a spoonful of
honey or drinking a tea (even better as you’ll get much needed
hydration) with honey helps your body digest alcohol more
rapidly, staging off a morning hangover or helping it
disappear faster.
HONEY AS A FACE SCRUB
Did you know honey can be used as a facial cleanser? In contrast
to most facial cleansers which are pumped with chemicals,
honey is natural and has antibiotic properties which clear off
dead skin cells and remove bacteria and impurities from our skin.
To make this unusual cleanser, mix honey with coconut oil in
a 1:2 formula and use as a standard facial scrub.
HONEY AS AN ANTIBIOTIC
Honey can be dabbed onto a wound to help encourage healing
and prevent bacterial growth. Tests have shown honey can
contain or kill bacteria such as E. coli as Staphylococcus
strains and, due to its hygroscopic nature, can act as an
antibiotic when rubbed directly onto cuts or wounds.
When shopping, know that the darker the honey,
the stronger its antibacterial properties.
SUPPRESSES NIGHT TIME COUGH
In at least two studies, honey was compared with a common
on-the-market cough suppressant and antihistamine and in
both studies, was found to reduce night time coughs
better than both medicines.
AS A DIET AIDE
Here’s an unexpected use for honey that we didn’t expect!
Honey can boost the metabolism, which is good news for
anyone on a diet looking for a little extra help. Green tea
also boosts metabolism, so for a double boost turn to
honey if you’re looking for a sweetener for that afternoon cuppa.
PUTS INSOMNIA TO BED
For those who have trouble sleeping, turn to a bit of honey
before bed. The sugars in honey releases serotonin, a
feel-good neurotransmitter, that the body converts into
melatonin, an important chemical which regulates our sleep.
Even more melatonin may be produced when the brain
processes the honey’s tryptophan (the same chemical in
turkey that makes us feel sleepy after Christmas
dinner) into the hormone.
FADES SCARS
If you have lasting scars you’re looking to make less noticeable,
rub on a mixture of equal parts honey and coconut or olive oil.
Cover the area with a warm washcloth for fifteen
minutes to fade the colour of scars.
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