Apart from being used as a natural sweetener for centuries, honey has several other medicinal properties. It is used in a wide variety of foods, including teas, baked goods, and as a condiment. Honey is considered a healthy alternative to refined sugars. It is used in traditional healthcare and several home remedies for weight loss, bloating, belly fat reduction, and diseases like cough and cold, constipation, and skin diseases.
The Effect Of Honey On Digestion
The digestive process in humans is a complex one. It begins in the mouth, and the consumed food travels through different processes and organs. Honey, which is comprised of two easily digestible sugars, glucose and fructose, helps reduce the complexities of the digestive process with the enzymes present in it.
These enzymes help break down the carbohydrates and proteins into smaller units, making them easily adsorbable. Additionally, its antibacterial properties help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. However, a larger intake of honey can cause reverse effects, leading to digestive problems such as diarrhea and bloating.
Benefits Of Consuming Honey With Warm Water
Consuming warm water mixed with honey stimulates the digestive system and boosts the synthesis of digestive enzymes, which helps reduce constipation, bloating, and other digestive problems.
1. Aids Digestion
Drinking warm water mixed with honey and lemon aids in properly functioning the digestive system. It promotes the release of digestive juices such as bile and stomach acid, ensuring the easy breakdown and adsorption of the food. This results in a smooth bowel movement, reducing bloating and flatulence.
2. Helps with Weight Loss
Honey mixed with warm water helps to lose weight by increasing the body’s metabolism. The consumption of this drink creates a feeling of fullness and curbs cravings. It also helps to maintain a healthy weight by keeping people hydrated. The consumption of honey with warm water before a meal helps to reduce calorie intake.
3. Helps to Remove Toxins from the Body
Consuming honey and warm water helps to remove the toxins in the body. This will help to keep the body free from radicals and toxins that lead to breakouts and constipation. Unhealthy eating habits will result in the accumulation of toxins and free radicals in the body. Honey and warm water reduce the effects of these harmful toxins in the body by acting as liver tonics.
4. Increases Immunity
It will offer protection against common infections and illnesses brought on by a changing climate. Honey is a common treatment for the flu and cough. In addition to having antibacterial properties, honey is high in antioxidants. It delays the onset of disease and prevents the spread of bacteria.
5. Maintains Healthy Skin
The oil-controlling properties of lemon and the antioxidants in honey work to maintain healthy skin. It prevents acne and pimples, keeping the skin smooth and clean.
6. Maintains the Electrolyte Balance
Additionally, honey and lemon water have the wonderful benefit of preserving the body’s electrolyte balance. This drink will help you stay hydrated in the summer.
7. Works as a Diuretic
Water with honey and lemon works well as a diuretic. This indicates that it aids in the urination process. The retention of excess water in the body leads to edema and hypertension. Consuming honey and lemon water will help avoid these problems.
8. Prevents Kidney Stone
The diuretic and antibacterial properties of lemon and honey help the body eliminate bacteria and other undesirable materials that might lead to kidney stones. Concentrated and acidic urine may cause a burning sensation, which may later result in the formation of kidney stones. Since lemon-honey water is alkaline, it can greatly aid in preventing this.
Does Honey Cause Gas and Bloating?
Certain honey varieties, such as raw honey, may include higher concentrations of bee pollen and wax, which can be difficult for some people to digest and result in digestive problems like bloating and gas. Furthermore, certain individuals might be hypersensitive to the organic substances present in honey, such as propolis, pollen, and royal jelly.
It’s crucial to remember that not all honey varieties will result in bloating and gas. Indeed, studies have demonstrated the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities of particular honey varieties, such as Manuka honey, which may help enhance digestive health. Another characteristic of manuka honey that sets it apart is the high concentration of methylglyoxal, an antibacterial component.
It’s also important to note that whether or not honey causes digestive problems depends on the amount consumed. Having a lot of honey at once can be too much for the digestive system, which can cause bloating and gas. It is advised to spread the honey intake throughout the day in moderation rather than having large amounts at once.
How To Reduce Bloating Caused By Honey?
Normally, honey helps to reduce bloating and other digestive problems. But in certain cases, some variants of honey cause bloating and gas. In most cases, bloating due to honey happens because of the larger amount of honey consumed. Generally, it is mild and resolves on its own after some time. But if the problem persists, seeking professional help is the best remedy.
Conclusion
Honey is a natural sweetener with several medicinal and anti-bacterial properties. However, similar to all other medicinal elements, the excess use of honey can also cause reverse problems. Therefore, it is important to note the variant and amount of honey consumed. Furthermore, it is advisable to consult a professional doctor before including honey in the diet, as it may affect blood sugar levels and cause health issues for people who are allergic to it.
