Everyone’s talking about bulletproof coffee with MCT oil and ghee, but maybe what they should be talking about is coffee and honey. Throughout history, health practitioners have used honey as a cure for many illnesses. Some hospitals even use it to treat the wounds of their patients. Moreover, coffee is loaded with antioxidants which can combat low-energy, type-2 diabetes, certain types of cancers, and more.
You can get most of the health benefits of honey by using the raw version. While you can use the honey that you buy from grocery stores, some of the nutritional value goes away in the pasteurization process. So, as a rule, the more local and less processed, the better.
And, while cold-brew coffee is trending, you might want to stick to your hot morning cup o’ joe. Why? Because of science. According to a recent study, heating coffee may release more of the acids responsible for higher antioxidant levels.
This article will introduce some of the ways that the delicious combination of honey and coffee can treat common ailments.
Wonderful Antibacterial Properties
Raw honey can actually kill the bad bacteria in your body. Honey contains an antiseptic called hydrogen peroxide. How effective your honey is in fighting bacterial infections will largely depend on the brand and type. On a similar note, coffee has been shown to inhibit the food--poisoning causing bacteria, e-coli.
Some people use honey to treat their stomach ulcers. Research even shows that honey can effectively treat H. pylori bacteria, which is a cause for some ulcers. Honey can also act as a prebiotic. Prebiotics assists the good bacteria in your intestines. This helps your digestion and boosts your overall health.
So, a combination of coffee and honey can help you maintain your gut health.
Miraculous Anti-Aging Properties
Certain types of honey and all types of coffee contain plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Honey can have as many antioxidants as vegetables and fruits. Antioxidants help protect you and your bodily system from free radicals.
Free radicals can not only make you look older. They can also contribute to the presence of cancer or heart disease in your body. An antioxidant compound, known as polyphenols, can actually prevent heart disease.
Surprising Wound Healing
Hospitals actually use manuka honey to treat the wounds of their patients. Not only does manuka honey kill germs, but it also helps with the regeneration of tissues. This type of honey can help accelerate the time you spend healing from your wounds. It can also lower the rate of infection you experience.
Try a combination of coffee and honey as a DIY facial mask for relief of dry and acne-prone skin. Most people wake up the next morning with a glowing face.
Disclaimer: The honey that these hospitals use to treat wounds is sterilized. Please do not use the honey purchased from a store to treat any injuries you may have. And, avoid topical use if you have any skin allergies.
Quick Sore Throat Soothing and Congestion Relief
Use a spoonful of honey in your coffee to soothe a sore throat. The next time you get a cold, add honey to your coffee and sip to heal. You can also use the combination to suppress a bad cough. Some studies have shown honey to be just as effective as over-the-counter medications in treating coughs.
Additionally, theophylline and theobromine (minerals contained in coffee) are excellent bronchodilators. Some people drink coffee when they feel an asthma attack coming on.
This is How to Compliment Your Diet with More Honey
Honey is a sweetener, which means it does contain carbs and calories. But, it’s lower on the glycemic index than white sugar and high fructose corn syrup. A good tip is to toss out all the syrups and the sugars from your kitchen and replace them with pure, raw honey and products derived from it.
While you can certainly dump honey into your morning brew by the spoonful, a more fun way to get more honey in your cup is with honey lollipops. Honey lollipops are just like the sugary confections you ate as a child. But they’re made up almost entirely of honey, so they're better for you. Stir them into your hot cup of coffee (carry them anywhere without making a mess) or just suck between sips.
In the end, there is no wrong way to combine your coffee and honey!
About the Author: Kara Brook is an artist with a lifelong fascination for beeswax who paints and sculpts with it. In 2010, she started beekeeping to produce her own encaustic medium and has developed a passion for the battle against the dangerous decline of the bee population and the precious healing properties of honey. Follow @waxingkara on Twitter to see what she shares next.
