Health Benefits of Honey
Honey reduces inflammation and contains nutrients, minerals and health-promoting plant compounds known as polyphenols. Minimally-processed (AKA raw) honey has more of these important bioactive plant compounds, and darker varieties tend to offer more antioxidants than the lighter ones. Antioxidants help neutralize oxidative damage that contributes to premature aging, type 2 diabetes and heart disease, among other things.
Although honey is primarily comprised of sugar, it’s better than regular sugar for blood sugar management. Honey still raises your blood sugar levels, but the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Research has shown honey to increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that improves blood sugar regulation. There’s also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It’s important to note that honey is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation.
Honey may also help prevent heart disease. According to one study, it may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate your heartbeat and prevent the death of healthy cells — all factors that can improve your heart function and health. Another study associated a moderate honey intake with a lower risk of high blood pressure among women and a third showed that honey helped protect the heart from oxidative stress. Additionally, raw honey typically contains propolis, a resin that bees produce from sap-producing trees and similar plants. Propolis may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Some producers dilute honey with plain syrup. Although honey adulteration is illegal in most countries, it remains a problem, so do your due diligence and purchase raw honey whenever possible. Raw honey is only strained before it’s bottled, which means it retains most of the beneficial nutrients and antioxidants that it naturally contains. The processing of regular honey, on the other hand, removes those beneficial elements.
So in summary, honey is good for:
- Reducing inflammation
- Fighting premature aging
- Combating type 2 diabetes
- Protecting against heart disease
- Improving cholesterol
Magickal Properties of Honey
The metaphysical correspondences for honey are sweetness, fertility and prosperity. Because of its sticky properties, honey can be used in magic to hold things together. For instance, use honey to strengthen a shaky relationship by sticking two poppits – each representing one of the partners – together with a layer of honey between them and wrapping them with cord.
Some ancient cultures used honey in embalming procedures, making honey an appropriate offering at a gravesite. A common folk practice entails offering honey
and milk to a deity, such as Brigid or Aphrodite. You can also sprinkle this mixture to consecrate a sacred space if you’re holding ritual outdoors.
Honey jars are delightful spells to strengthen someone’s feelings towards you, or you can dress a candle with honey to sweeten your desired outcome. You might also add honey into a ritual bath prior to doing workings for love or romance.
Top Recipes Featuring Honey
Blackberry-Thyme “Tom Collins” Mocktail Recipe
Chamomile Bee’s Knees Mocktail
White Tea “Paloma” Mocktail for Self-Love (and Glowing Skin)
