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ANTIMICROBIAL, ANTIVIRAL, AND ANTIPARASITIC ACTIVITY

Honey’s antimicrobial effect can be attributed to its low water activity; antibacterial agent hydrogen peroxide; and non-peroxide antibacterial substances such as aromatic acids, phenolics, and flavonoids. The low pH level can also be responsible for the antibacterial activity.

Some of honey’s antimicrobial properties can be destroyed by heat, light, and storage. It is thus best to store honey in a cool, dark place.

ANTIOXIDANT EFFECTS

Protection against oxidation is thought to prevent some chronic diseases. Honey has been found to contain significant antioxidant activity including glucose oxidase, catalase, ascorbic acid, flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoid derivatives, organic acids, Maillard reaction products, amino acids, and proteins.

Fresh honey will have higher levels of antioxidants compared to honey that was in storage for a long time.

Certain honey, such as buckwheat and manuka honey, have higher levels of antioxidants.

ANTICANCER / ANTITUMOR ACTIVITY

All honey exhibited antimutagenic and antitumor activity. Nigerose, another sugar, present in honey, has an immunoprotective activity. Studies indicate that honey activates the immune system and honey ingestion may be advantageous with respect to cancer and metastasis prevention. Also, honey given orally before tumour cell inoculation may have a decreased effect on tumour spreading.

In another study, honey was an effective agent for inhibiting the growth of different bladder cancer cell lines in vitro.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS

Honey is an effective anti-inflammatory agent and works by preventing the formation of free radicals released from the inflamed tissues. The reduction of inflammation could be due to the antibacterial effect of honey or to a direct anti-inflammatory effect.

Honey often used in on wounds as a topical treatment and as an oral remedy.

ALLERGIES

It is hypothesized that intake of honey will help your body build immunity against pollen. There are many anecdotal evidences to support this; however, no scientific study has verified this. In experiments, honey showed an immunosuppressive activity. Eating honey stimulates antibody production.

Therefore, the alleviating effect of honey on allergy symptoms may not be entirely due to traces of local pollen in the honey.

COUGH SUPPRESSANT

Penn State College of Medicine research team found honey to be a more effective cough suppressant compared to over-the-counter medicine. Honey did a better job reducing the severity, frequency and bothersome nature of nighttime cough from upper respiratory infection.

Since over-the-counter medicine are not recommended for children under 6 years old, due to its lack of effectiveness and side effects, honey is the better solution when it comes to alleviating coughs for children.

This study used buckwheat honey, and it is the sought-after remedy for cold symptoms.

Honey has not only antioxidant and antibacterial effects, but also soothing effect.