Sweet by nature: How honey supports your health and everyday wellness

If you’d like, you can work your way through a hive of bee puns in a Parade blog post on honey, or you could buzz through this summary instead.

Writer Beth Ann Mayer lists eight ways in which a daily bit o’honey might sweeten your health.

1. You’ll get a quick energy boost. Honey has simple sugars that the body can break down, offering quick energy.
2. You might save on supplements. Since it has small amounts of vitamins and minerals, you may be able to get some of your nutrients from honey.
3. It may have anti-inflammatory properties. Honey is a source of antioxidants.
4. Your wounds might heal faster. That’s because of honey’s antimicrobial properties, says dietician Michelle Routhenstein.
5. You might strengthen your immune system. In addition to antioxidants, honey has natural enzymes and antimicrobial compounds, Routhenstein says.
6. Your cold won’t be as bad. Honey’s coating abilities can help with sore throats and coughs.
7. You may improve your heart health. Research is ongoing, but honey does have specific antioxidants that support overall cardiovascular health.
8. You might have better gut health. Honey contains prebiotics.

Ah, but there may be a stinger to all this upside. Honey can also cause blood sugar fluctuations that may put you at a higher risk for diabetes. It’s also not safe for everyone, especially people who have pollen or bee-product allergies. And if you have a weakened immune system, ask your doctor before consuming raw or unpasteurized honey.

Meanwhile, here are some interesting recipes that use honey:

• Honey Roasted Peanuts
• Instant Pot Honey-Mustard Salmon with Potatoes
• Honey Challah