What are the health benefits of honey?

From the Guidelines

Honey should not be used for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers due to the low certainty of its benefits and potential adverse effects, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. When considering the health benefits of honey, it is essential to prioritize morbidity, mortality, and quality of life as outcomes. While honey may have antibacterial properties and be useful as a natural cough suppressant, its use in wound healing is not supported by high-quality evidence.

Health Benefits of Honey

• Honey may offer relief for cough symptoms in children, as suggested by the Chest guideline and expert panel report 1.
• Honey is rich in antioxidants, which may help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Different types of honey may have varying levels of beneficial compounds, with darker honeys generally containing higher levels of antioxidants.

Limitations and Precautions

• The use of honey for wound healing in diabetes-related foot ulcers is not recommended due to the low certainty of its benefits and potential adverse effects 1.
• Honey is still a form of sugar and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
• More research is needed to confirm the potential prebiotic properties of honey and its effects on digestive health.

Recommendations

• For children with acute cough, honey may be considered as a natural cough suppressant, but its effectiveness is not better than dextromethorphan 1.
• Honey should not be used as a replacement for standard medical treatment, but rather as a complementary therapy under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

From the Research

Health Benefits of Honey

The health benefits of honey are numerous, with a focus on its wound healing properties. Some of the key benefits include:

• Stimulation of tissue growth and enhanced epithelialization [ 2 ]
• Minimized scar formation [ 2 ]
• Antibacterial properties, making it effective against a broad range of microbes [ 3,4 ]
• Anti-inflammatory activities, which accelerate the wound healing process [ 3 ]
• Promotion of autolytic debridement and re-epithelialization [ 3 ]

Therapeutic Applications of Honey

Honey has been used to treat various dermatological disorders, including:

• Microbial infections [ 5 ]
• Atopic dermatitis [ 5 ]
• Psoriasis [ 5 ]
• Necrotizing fasciitis [ 5 ]
• Ulcers [ 2,5 ]
• Burns [ 2,6 ]

Mechanisms of Action

The mechanisms of action of honey in wound healing are attributed to its:

• Hydrogen peroxide content [ 2,3,4 ]
• Acidity (low pH) [ 2,4 ]
• Osmotic effect [ 3,4 ]
• Presence of antioxidants, lysozyme, polyphenols, and flavonoids [ 4 ]
• Immune modulating and anti-inflammatory properties [ 4 ]