Health

How does honey act in the body? Understanding its short-term and long-term effects

02/02/2021

It is not new that honey brings several benefits to human health and, for this reason, it is so consumed to fight and prevent infections and inflammatory processes. But do you know how honey works in the body to promote these effects? These effects are obtained thanks to different substances present in the product, which interact with human systems.

To find out how these interactions occur in more detail, keep reading our post! Below, we explain the different functions that honey can perform and how they occur in the body.

1. Antioxidant action

Among the substances that constitute honey, are flavonoids. These are essential to prevent the formation of free radicals, which are great villains for favoring the aging of cells in the body. In addition, flavonoids help to combat oxidation processes.

Therefore, the presence of flavonoids allows honey to be an ally in combating the aging of the body. In research developed around the product was observed that it helps in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, for example.

2. Action on the digestive system

Honey can also be an excellent alternative to sweeten your food, as it is much healthier than refined sugar. The sugars present in it are sucrose and fructose, both of which are easy for the human body to digest.

It can still be an excellent supplier of energy and nutrients, since its composition includes minerals, proteins, and vitamins, in addition to a good amount of glucose. Try, for example, to consume a little honey before physical activities!

3. Healing action

Thanks to the amount of glucose that is present in its composition, honey promotes the release of hydrogen peroxide, a fundamental substance for skin healing, Also, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and antifungal, serving to fight different types of infections.

Thus, it can be used in the treatment of wounds, helping both the regeneration of tissue and the fight against inflammation. Besides wounds, it can also be applied to painful pimples.

4. Moisturizing action

In addition to being an excellent pharmacological and gastronomic product, honey can also be used for aesthetic purposes. Its sugar molecules function as natural humectants, which help to replenish the hydration of skin and hair.

When combined with other ingredients, such as cinnamon or oats, honey can still serve as an exfoliant to remove dead cells and promote skin cleansing. 

5. Anti-inflammatory action

It can still be used as an expectorant, as its consistency confers mucolytic function. In other words, honey is a viscous substance that adheres to the mucus formed in the airways and facilitates its release.

Now that you already know how honey acts on the body, how about checking out recipes for facial masks? Access our post!