5 Ways to Incorporate Raw Honey into Your Natural Diet!
There are many benefits of incorporating raw honey into your diet, including helping to boost your immune system, easing seasonal allergies, and soothing sore throats and coughs. No wonder it’s so popular! But how do you incorporate raw honey into your everyday meals? Read on to find out how you can get the most out of this natural food source!
1) Replace processed sugar with raw honey
Sugar is processed and stripped of all its nutrients. In its place, it leaves behind a host of unhealthful substances that interfere with normal body functions. Honey, on the other hand, is still considered by some nutritionists as nature's original sweetener. It is made by bees from nectar gathered from flowering plants. Its trace minerals are preserved (unlike refined white sugar), along with many vitamins and enzymes—all of which support healthy digestive processes and immune systems. Wild honey also contains antioxidant compounds that help reduce your risk for diseases like cancer and heart disease. You can get honey in raw form at health food stores or online suppliers.
2) Mix honey with lemon and drink before meals
Mix 1 tbsp. of honey with a few drops of lemon juice and drink it before meals. This will help suppress your appetite and make you feel full faster. It is also a good way to burn calories naturally, so if you're watching your weight, mix 1 tbsp of honey with a few fresh mint leaves for an all-natural appetite suppressant that won't leave you jittery or crash-y. Be sure not to overdo it on the honey; some studies show that large amounts can lead to high blood sugar and insulin spikes.
3) Add raw honey to smoothies
Pure honey is a delicious addition to smoothies. It contains naturally occurring sugars, amino acids, and antioxidants that are beneficial for your body. Don’t add too much honey—and don’t mix it with milk or other ingredients that inhibit absorption of its nutrients. Just a small amount will give you added sweetness without too many calories or carbs
4) Take it internally as a cough remedy
A significant amount of research has been done on honey and coughs, which is one of its most popular uses. In some studies, honey was found to be as effective at relieving cough symptoms as over-the-counter medications without any of the negative side effects. In one study that looked at over 500 patients with a chronic cough, using pure honey alone or in combination with dextromethorphan, known more commonly by its brand name Robitussin DM. When compared with a placebo (no treatment), both honey and dextromethorphan/honey were equally effective in relieving patients' chronic coughs.
5) Eat it directly from the spoon!
One of the easiest ways to incorporate raw honey into your diet is by eating it straight from a spoon. Add in some cinnamon for added sweetness and antioxidant properties. You can also try spreading some on toast with peanut butter, rolling it into balls and freezing it for a tasty dessert, or adding a dollop to your coffee or tea. No matter how you choose to use raw honey, make sure that you purchase products that have been minimally processed and are free of additives, chemicals, and pesticides. Make sure to check out our Best Food list below! (This post was made after we published our Best Food List)
6) Best Breakfast you could have daily
If you can’t find a local honey supplier, order your raw honey online. After all, clean food is best sourced from local farmers; wildflower honey can be hard to come by if you live in an urban or suburban area. Look for Wild organic products that are 100% pure and free of any additives or preservatives. With raw honey available so widely these days, it’s easy to enjoy daily as part of a well-rounded diet. Take advantage of natural sweeteners like manuka honey or wild varieties such as clover, buckwheat and sourwood for a variety of flavors.
