Honey has long been recognized for its many health benefits including wound healing and its antibacterial effects that help fight infection. More on that later, but first, if you want to use honey as a health supplement, it’s important that you understand why locally-produced, raw, unpasteurized honey is better than what’s on the shelves of the grocery store.
After being removed from the honeycomb, raw honey is honey that has not been heated or processed in any manner. This ensures that all its natural enzymes, antioxidants, and other essential elements are retained. Raw honey is thicker and may contain tiny particles of beeswax, pollen, and propolis, all of which are natural and healthy components of honey.
Beyond its rich antioxidant profile, honey has other benefits. Taken on its own or with warm milk or tea, this sweet nectar may actually give you a better night’s sleep too. Here’s why:
It promotes melatonin production. Honey in fact triggers a small insulin spike, which enables tryptophan to enter the brain more easily. The tryptophan is converted into serotonin and melatonin, both of which support a healthier and better quality sleep.
Honey stabilizes blood sugar levels. Taking a spoonful of honey before bed has proven to help stabilize your blood sugar levels throughout the night, preventing sudden energy dips that could disrupt your sleep.
Honey also has calming effects, which helps to soothe and relax the body. It will help relieve minor digestive discomforts, such as acid reflux, which might otherwise interfere with your sleep.
Nature’s natural remedy will also contribute to your gut health thanks to its prebiotic properties, feeding our gut with the beneficial “good” bacteria which in turn influences the gut-brain connection, thus positively impacting sleep quality.
Finally, honey will stabilize your blood sugar levels and helps your liver. Why is that important to a good night sleep? Honey provides a steady release of glucose which keeps the liver’s glycogen stores full and supports the brain throughout the night. Taking a small amount of honey before bed will stabilize your blood sugar which will prevent sudden energy dips that could disrupt sleep or even wake you up due to hunger.
