The Benefits Of Honey - The Original Nutricosmetic

Honey - The Golden Elixir 

Honey, the sweet gift from bees that has traversed time and culture to offer its sweet powers to us still today. Humans have been using honey for thousands of years as a food, sweetener, and medicine. It is often referred to as the "golden elixir" because of its colour, texture, and health benefits, giving it an almost mystical superpower quality.

Honey has always been symbolic of abundance, prosperity, purity and healing.

HONEY INGREDIENTS

Honey is a complex mix of carbohydrates (sugars), vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes, organic acids, pollen, fragrance and flavour compounds that give it its unique properties.

All honey begins with nectar. Whereas honey is thicker in consistency and has a low water content, nectar is about 80% water.

• Sugars: Honey is primarily made up of two types of sugars - glucose and fructose. These sugars provide a quick source of energy for the body.
• Enzymes: Honey contains various enzymes that help break down sugars and other compounds in the honey. These enzymes include diastase, invertase, and glucose oxidase.
• Vitamins and minerals: Honey contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, calcium, and iron. Even though these amounts are relatively low, they still contribute to the overall nutritional value of honey.
• Antioxidants: Honey contains various antioxidants like phenolic acids, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid. These antioxidants help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals, and so acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.
• Hydrogen peroxide: Honey contains small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, a natural disinfectant that gives honey its antibacterial properties. This makes honey an effective treatment for wounds and other infections.

HONEY HEALTH BENEFITS

We all know honey is a delicious and versatile food ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes. It can be added to teas, smoothies, and baked goods, or used as a natural sweetener in place of sugar.

It's important to note that while honey is a natural sweetener, it is still high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation. Raw, unpasteurized honey is generally considered to be the healthiest form of honey, as it contains the most nutrients and enzymes.

This Golden Elixir it has also been used for centuries for its overall health benefits: help fight infections, soothe sore throats, and heal wounds. Honey can also help boost energy levels, aid digestion, and promote better sleep.

1. Wound healing: Honey has been used as a natural wound dressing for centuries due to its antibacterial properties. It was used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans to treat cuts, burns, and other injuries.
2. Digestive health: Honey was used by the ancient Greeks and Romans to soothe digestive issues like upset stomachs and constipation. It was also used as a natural laxative.
3. Skin care: Honey was used by the ancient Egyptians as a beauty treatment to soften and moisturize the skin. It was also used by the Greeks as a face mask to help clear up acne and prevent wrinkles.
4. Energy booster: Honey was used by ancient civilizations like the Greeks, Romans, and Mayans as an energy booster. It was often consumed before or during physical activity to provide a quick burst of energy.
5. Preservative: Honey was used by ancient cultures as a natural preservative for food. Its antibacterial properties helped prevent food spoilage and allowed it to be stored for longer periods of time.

HONEY BEAUTY BENEFITS

Due to honey’s antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties, it is extremely beneficial when used topically, sometimes on its own, or when added to masks or lotions of creams.

1. Moisturising: Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture. This makes it an excellent ingredient for hydrating and softening the skin.
2. Anti-aging: Honey contains antioxidants that help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals (which accelerate the aging process) and lead to wrinkles and fine lines. Regular use of honey on the skin can help keep it looking youthful and radiant.
3. Acne treatment: the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts. It can be used as a spot treatment or added to face masks to help clear up the skin.
4. Gentle exfoliation: Honey contains natural enzymes that can help to gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells to leave smoother and brighter skin. It can be combined with other ingredients like oatmeal or sugar to create a natural exfoliating scrub!
5. Hair care: again, due to its moisturisig qualities, honey can be used as a natural conditioner to help soften and hydrate the hair. It can be applied directly to the hair or simply added to other hair care products like shampoos and conditioners.

THE CULTURAL IMPORTANCE OF HONEY

We find it interesting that honey has been used in various religious traditions and has significant symbolic and cultural importance.

Christianity: Honey is mentioned numerous times in the Bible and is often associated with abundance and prosperity. In the Old Testament, honey is referred to as a symbol of the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey. In the New Testament, John the Baptist is said to have survived in the wilderness by eating wild honey.

Judaism: Honey is traditionally used during the Jewish holiday of Rosh Hashanah, which marks the Jewish New Year. It is a symbol of the sweet year to come and is often eaten with apples to symbolize a good harvest, whilst being a reminder of the manna provided by God to the Israelites as they wandered the desert for 40 years.

Islam: Honey is mentioned in the Quran as a nutritious and healing food. It is also associated with the Prophet Muhammad, who is said to have praised the health benefits of honey and recommended it as a treatment for various ailments.

Hinduism: Honey is considered a sacred food in Hinduism and is often used in religious rituals and ceremonies. It is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of health conditions.

Buddhism: Honey is sometimes offered as a gift to Buddhist monks as a symbol of respect and gratitude. It is also used in some Buddhist rituals and is considered a pure and natural food.

At My Beauty Luv we believe honey was the original nutricosmetic, its powerful benefits can be seen with just a teaspoon a day, much like our products!  Keep it pure, keep it natural, and stay beautiful.