If you are a fan of sweetened foods like sweet teas, cakes, pies, and other goodies, you might be someone who relies on sugar and agave as well as other sweeteners to get that great flavor. However, did you know that honey not only makes a tasty sweetener but also has many health benefits that you can enjoy as well? Many people believe that agave is a much better alternative, but that is actually false. Agave nectar is no better than high fructose corn syrup and can actually spike blood glucose levels just like table sugar could. There has been a lot of controversy over the years concerning zero calorie sweeteners as well, so honey might actually be the best option when trying to sweeten a food or beverage.
Here are four health benefits of eating honey. There are many ways you can enjoy honey, such as using it in tea nu using honeystix, honey flavored straws (you can buy honeystix in bulk!) When you are sick, you can also
1. Raw honey is perfect for a boost of energy
Raw honey is made up of natural sugars, water, and minerals, vitamins, bee pollen, and protein, according to Dr. Axe. This means that raw honey is a great source of fuel for your body because it can easily be absorbed by your body. You can take it right before or after going for a workout session, or when you feel like you need a little kick throughout the day.
2. It’s full of antioxidants
A daily dose of raw honey can help increase antioxidants in the body, which helps protect your cells and overall health. Antioxidants also help boost the immune system and protect you from diseases.
3. It can help you get some shut eye
Did you know that raw organic honey can also help you get a better night’s sleep? Honey helps keep your glycogen supply up so that you don’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night. Raw honey can also cause your brain to release more melatonin (critical for a good night’s sleep!).
4. You can use it as medicine
When you’re feeling under the weather, and especially if you have a sore throat, try taking a spoonful of warm honey and squeezing lime or lemon on it, and taking it as a cough medicine. This will instantly soothe your throat and have you feeling better in no time. To make it easier, try and buy honeystix in bulk and just break them open to take when you’re not feeling good. Buying honeystix in bulk also means you can have them on hand when you want to stir honey into your hot tea to help you fall asleep and feel better when you’re sick.
What is your favorite way to use honey? Let us know in the comments below!