If you buy something through a link on this page, we may earn a small commission. How this works. Honey is a sweet liquid made by bees using the nectar from flowers. It is graded by color, with the clear, golden amber honey often fetching a higher retail price than the darker varieties. The flavor of a particular type of honey will vary based on the types of flower from which the nectar was harvested. Both raw and pasteurized forms of honey are available. Raw honey is removed from the hive and bottled directly, and as such will contain trace amounts of yeast, wax, and pollen. Consuming local raw honey is believed to help with seasonal allergies, due to repeated exposure to the pollen in the area. Pasteurized honey has been heated and processed to remove impurities. Honey has high levels of monosaccharides, fructose, and glucose, and it contains about 70 to 80 percent sugar, which provides its sweetness. Honey also has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Modern medical science has managed to find uses for honey in chronic wound management and combating infection. This MNT Knowledge Center article includes a brief history of honey in traditional medicine and explains some of its potential health benefits. Fast facts on honey Honey is linked to wound-healing properties and antibacterial action.

It has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years.

Honey can replace sugar in meals, providing a healthier option. However, they can also add browning and excess moisture to a dish.

Do not give honey to children under 12 months old.

Medicinal use Honey has been used to treat a wide array of illnesses, ailments, and injuries. It can be mixed with other remedies and consumed or rubbed onto the skin. Practitioners of Ayurvedic medicine have attempted to use honey as a remedy for the following: stress

weakness

sleep disturbance

vision problems

bad breath

teething pain, in children over a year old

cough and asthma

hiccups

stomach ulcers

diarrhea and dysentery

vomiting

bedwetting and frequent urination

high blood pressure

obesity

jaundice

hangover relief

eczema and dermatitis

burns, cuts, and wounds

arthritis While not all uses of honey are confirmed as effective, trying it as treatment will not make conditions any worse or cause harm. Honey is sometimes touted as a cosmetic solution for cracked, dry, pimply, or clogged skin.

History Cave paintings show that around 8,000 years ago, honey was first being used by humans, although there was no evidence of humans keeping and cultivating colonies of bees until 2,400 BC. Honey was a mainstay in the medical practices of many cultures for centuries. Over 4,000 years ago, honey was used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, where it was thought to be effective in treating indigestion and imbalances in the body. Before its use by Ancient Egyptians, honey was rubbed onto the skin to treat wounds and has been found in medicinal substances from over 5,000 years ago. The beneficial properties of honey have been explored and studied in modern times, and there is evidence to suggest that some parts of its historical reputation may hold truth.

Properties According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Nutrient Database, one tablespoon of honey contains 64 calories, 17.3 grams (g) of sugar, and 0 g of fiber, fat, and protein. Choosing honey over refined and processed sugar may lead to long-term health benefits. Honey is known to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and soothing effects. It is made up of glucose, fructose, and minerals, such as iron, calcium, phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium, and magnesium. Below is a typical honey profile, according to BeeSource: Fructose : 38.2 percent

: 38.2 percent Glucose : 31.3 percent

: 31.3 percent Maltose : 7.1 percent

: 7.1 percent Sucrose : 1.3 percent

: 1.3 percent Water : 17.2 percent

: 17.2 percent Higher sugars : 1.5 percent

: 1.5 percent Ash : 0.2 percent

: 0.2 percent Other: 3.2 percent The slightly acidic pH level of honey is what helps prevent the growth of bacteria, while its antioxidant elements clean up free radicals that are linked to diseases. The physical properties of honey vary depending on the specific flora used in its production, as well as its water content.

Diet Share on Pinterest Stirring honey into tea or coffee is a good way for a person to include it in their diet. Experimentation is key when substituting honey for sugar. Baking with honey can cause excess browning and moisture. As a general rule, use ¾ cup of honey for every one cup of sugar, reduce the liquid in the recipe by 2 tablespoons and lower the oven temperature by 25º Fahrenheit. Here are some quick tips for including honey in the diet: Use honey to sweeten your dressings or marinades.

Stir honey into coffee or tea.

Drizzle honey on top of toast or pancakes.

Mix honey into yogurt, cereal, or oatmeal for a more natural sweetener.

Spread raw honey over whole grain toast and top with peanut butter. Alternatively, try these healthy and delicious recipes developed by registered dietitians: Basil honey mango sorbet

Honey Dijon vinaigrette with arugula, pear and walnut salad

Grilled fruit kebabs When stored in an airtight container, honey has no expiry date.