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The sweet and delightful sugary temptations are impossible to resist. However, despite being utterly delicious, these sugary treats are a slow poison for the body that, when consumed in large quantities daily, can lead to adverse health issues.
Due to this, health-conscious individuals like to opt for better sugar substitutes that give equal amounts of flavour with exponential health benefits. Among all the sugar substitutes, honey is considered to be one of the best. Along with adding a sweet flavour to the recipes, honey also induces them with a delightful depth and soothing earthy essence.
While taste is one of the reasons for including honey in the diet, it is not the only one. Honey contains various nutritional properties along with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that can help you gain loads of health benefits while you savour the sweet delicacies. Turn your guilty pleasures into health-boosting indulgence by substituting sugar with honey.
All of these healthy properties of honey are backed by a research paper published by NIH exploring the variety of benefits it can impart to the body.
5 Proven Health Benefits Of Honey
1) Filled With Antioxidants
Honey is packed with a variety of antioxidants like flavonoids and polyphenols along with gallic acid, syringic acid, ellagic acid, benzoic acid, and cinnamic acid to name a few. These antioxidants are beneficial in protecting the body from damage caused by free radicals. Along with this, honey also has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties.
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2) Contains Several Nutrients
Honey is rich in a variety of nutrients like carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals that make it an excellent source of energy. It has vitamin C along with other water-soluble vitamins which combats oxidative stress and enhances immunity. Minerals like phosphorus, sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium and chlorine aid in providing a variety of health benefits like maintaining fluid balance and nerve function, enhancing bone health and muscle function and maintaining fluid balance and digestive health.
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Also Read; 5 Healthy Sugar Alternatives For Desserts
3) Regulates Blood Sugar Levels
The low glycemic index of honey makes it a powerful remedy to regulate blood sugar levels. The antioxidants present in honey help in reducing inflammation. Like other sugars, honey also boosts blood sugar levels, but its antioxidant content may help prevent metabolic syndrome. It is also preferable for patients with type 2 diabetes.
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4) Promotes Respiratory Health
Volatile compounds in honey are proven to impart health benefits related to respiration. Honey has been used for ages to cure respiratory illnesses like sore throat and infections. Its moisturising effect aids in getting relief from dryness and irritation in the throat. In addition to this, honey also contains antibacterial properties which halt the growth of viruses. The anti-inflammatory effects of honey provide relief from coughing, wheezing and congestion.
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5) Supports Digestive Health
Honey is a source of prebiotic compounds which support the growth of good bacteria in the stomach and kill bad bacteria. The soothing effect of honey provides relief from digestive discomfort like stomach ache, heartburn, and indigestion. On top of this, honey can also help you get relief from constipation and its laxative effect improves bowel movements.
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The benefits of honey don't stop here. Several scientific studies have related honey to improving heart health and also having anti-cancer properties. Substitute sugar with honey today and savour these benefits without compromising on flavour.
