By Naseerah Nanabhai
29-06-2022

For thousands of years cultures around the world have consumed honey. The sticky amber liquid is a by-product of flower nectar and the upper aero-digestive tract of the honey bee and is known to have numerous health benefits. We have outlined some of these benefits below:

1. A good source of antioxidants – Raw honey contains an array of plant chemicals that act as antioxidants. Some types of honey have as many antioxidants as fruit and vegetables. Antioxidants help to protect your body from cell damage due to free radicals.

2. Heal wounds – Because of its antimicrobial properties honey may have potential health benefits for microbial inhibition and wound healing.

3. Phytonutrient powerhouse -The phytonutrients in honey are responsible for its antioxidant properties, as well as its antibacterial and antifungal power.

4. Help for digestive issues – Honey is sometimes used to treat digestive issues such as diarrhoea and stomach ulcers.

5. Soothe a sore throat and cough – Honey is an old sore throat remedy that soothes the ache and can help with coughs. Add it to hot tea with lemon when a cold virus hits.

Honey is described as a healer of disease both in the Qur’an and Hadith. In Sahih Bukhari, we read that the Prophet (peace and blessings upon him), said: “Honey is a remedy for every illness and the Qur’an is a remedy for all illnesses of the mind, therefore I recommend to you both remedies, the Qur’an and honey.”