The past two decades have brought a resurgence of interest in learning more about antimicrobial and wound healing properties of honey. Studies conducted in various parts of the world indicate the following:

* Honey is a natural source of energy for the body. Sugars are the fundamental unit of energy for our bodies. Honey is high in monosaccharide glucose and fructose. These sugars are quickly absorbed, providing the body with boost of energy. Doctors say that these sugars works best to enhance athletic performance and prevent fatigue.
* Dr. Susan Percival of the University of Florida's Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found the honey is rich in vitamins, amino acids, calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc-, all of which are essentials to good health. Honey contains several compounds that function as antioxidants. Antioxidants perform the role of eliminating free radicals, which are reactive compounds in our bodies. Free radicals are created through the normal process of metabolism and are believed to contribute to many serious diseases when left unchecked. Antioxidants play a large role in the prevention of cancer and heart disease.
* Research by Peter C. Molan Ph.D., Associate Professor of Biochemistry, has shown that honey stops the growth of dental plaque bacteria and reduces the amount of acid produced, which stops the bacteria from producing dextran (a component of dental plaque).
* Honey has anti-inflammatory effects. It is used to relieve sore throat pain.
* Honey is a carbohydrate and will increase the level of tryptophan-an amino acid that is used in the production of serotonin-, which is a neurotransmitter in the brain that will induce a sense of calm and drowsiness. That is why some people drink a cup of water with a spoonful of honey before sleep.
* A regular administration of honey helps to prolong and to give a better life quality to the seniors. The famous Chinese doctor, Tao Hongjing believes that: "People that want to have a long and healthy life should use honey daily". In recent research, it was demonstrated that in a survey of 100 people aged over 100 years old, over 80% of them regularly consumed honey. Honey benefits human longevity due to its high-energy action, and the presence of chemical elements, vitamins and enzymes that are important for the good operation of the human body.

Answered by Alok , an ibibo Master, at 12:46 PM on December 22, 2008

In the ancient world, honey was used for medicinal reasons as well as a sweetener. In fact, until antibiotics came onto the scene in the 1930s, honey still had a place in treating a variety of ailments. Now, as more bacteria are becoming drug-resistant, some doctors are again making use of the healing properties of honey.

Raw honey contains an enzyme, glucose oxidase, that produces hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water. Hydrogen peroxide is a mild antiseptic and can be used to treat and clean superficial cuts and wounds. Glucose oxidase is destroyed by pasteurization, or by intense heat, so most commercial honeys do not have this benefit. However, if you buy raw or unheated honey, you can take advantage of the antiseptic properties of honey.

Other healing components are present in raw honey. Before pasteurization, it contains propolis, enzymes, and bee pollen, which can all stimulate new tissue growth. Other healing properties of honey exist in the essential oils, polyphenols, and flavonoids, which may be present in raw honey, depending upon the plant that the pollen comes from.

Exfoliation is another use for honey. Honey contains many organic acids, which are very mild. When used on skin, these acids can loosen the bonds of the dead skin cells, allowing for easier exfoliation. Gluconic acid is one of the other properties of honey that can be beneficial to skin. Gluconic acid is one of the mildest alpha hydroxy acids, and can minimize wrinkles and lines, balance oily skin, increase elasticity, and stimulate collagen production.

Honey also contains amino acids, which can help the skin retain moisture. Applying honey to the skin lets these moisturizing properties of honey go to work, as well as stimulating collagen and elastin production. This leads to smoother skin. The high sugar content of honey also contributes to moisturizing, as it is a good humectant. In addition, honey contains bioflavonoids, which are anti-inflammatory, anti-histamic, and anti-viral. These properties of honey help prevent breakouts, reduce puffiness, and calm pores.

Finally, honey is often called a "free-radical scavenger." Raw honey has a very high antioxidant content, and can reduce and reverse the damage that free radicals cause on your skin. It can do so without overly drying out your skin, unlike many soaps.

The health-promoting properties of honey depend, of course, on where the bees get the pollen and how it is processed. Honey is actually a natural preservative and doesn't need additives to keep from spoiling. Amazingly, honey pots found in ancient Egyptian tombs contained honey that was unspoiled!

Answered by Debashis , an ibibo Master, at 12:41 PM on December 22, 2008