Greek, Egyptian, Indian, and Chinese societies have used honey for millennia to treat illness, wounds, and scarring, as well as for youthful rejuvenation. While honey has the capacity to inhibit bacterial growth internally, one review published in the 5Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology5 also asserts that the use of honey “keeps the skin juvenile and retards wrinkle formation.” That’s where honey comes in. Honey contains high levels of polyphenols, which have been found to reduce ROS levels7 effectively in cells. Polyphenols are plant compounds that act as antioxidant agents in the body and have been found in abundance in honey, with darker honeys found to have a higher phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Epidemiological studies also show that polyphenols have potent effects in the treatment of cancer8 and cardiovascular disease9. Moreover, these same antioxidants serve to reduce LDL cholesterol levels10 by keeping cholesterol out of the lining of the blood vessels. Oxidative stress has also been shown to cause inflammation11, internally and externally—another arena in which honey has proved effective for treatment. While honey on its own is obviously not going to cure cancer or heart disease, the studies clearly suggest a strong benefit of incorporating honey into your regular diet. In tissues, ranging from lung (for coughs and asthma)13 to throat1 to brain12, honey has proved an effective anti-inflammatory agent. From diminishing airway inflammation to reducing neuroinflammation and supporting the recovery of function and memory, honey can tame the cellular havoc14 caused by oxidation and disease. Again, you may not want it to be your only remedy for inflammation problems—but drizzling it on your oatmeal definitely isn’t a bad thing. Reap honey’s benefits by substituting it for other sweeteners and by seeking out honey with particularly high antioxidant concentrations, like Manuka and buckwheat honey7. And for the greatest medicinal benefit, make sure to procure honey that is raw and unfiltered—closest to its immortalized Mesolithic era art form.
