When exploring healthy food options, it is always best to look for natural and not chemically manufactured foods. Often these foods have been with us for centuries, because even though people in the ancient world might not have fully understood why certain foods helped their health, they understood the results. Today we seem to have forgotten much of the health benefits of these natural foods, and it is a reason to try to include, in moderation foods such as natural honey.
What are some of the benefits we can get from honey, especially with the liver? Here are a few:
1. Provides the good bacteria. Liver health is vital to overall health, and a healthy liver is dependent on a well-balanced gut bacteria. Honey has been found to help to keep our good bacteria levels elevated. Raw honey contains ten different species of bacteria that are important for maintaining liver health. All it takes is a small amount of honey to help maintain a good balance of gut bacteria.
2. A great antioxidant. Antioxidant stress reduction is important for all cells in the body, but honey has been found to not only help in warding off liver cell damage but also fatty liver issues. This is due to the significant lipid lowering effect exhibited by honey. Fatty liver disease is becoming more common among people consuming the typical western diet, and is often a precursor for additional liver problems.
Honey's antioxidant properties are attributed to its polyphenols, a type of antioxidant. The main source of polyphenols is dietary and is found in a number of plant foods. Bee pollen, of which honey derives, is known as an excellent source of this powerful antioxidant.
3. Controlling blood sugar levels. Honey contains a nearly equal ratio of glucose and fructose, which is considered to be responsible for providing adequate glycogen storage in the cells of the liver. Impaired glucose metabolism can be caused by the release of stress hormones that can be triggered by insufficient glycogen storage. Promoting better blood sugar levels can for at least some people can control fatty liver disease issues as well as factors leading to insulin resistance.
There are some great ways to incorporate honey into your diet, but keep in mind that it is predominantly sugar. And we all know that sugar can cause health issues, so always take your honey in moderation. But done right, such as mixing it with herbal tea, and honey's minerals and enzymes will boost the effectiveness of the herbs it is mixed with. Or mix powdered herbs and honey into a paste and consume a teaspoon of the mixture internally.
If you are sick, a great natural healer is raw garlic and a teaspoon is honey. The healing power of garlic and honey is a good way to fight the germs that are causing you problems. Or adding it to peanut butter brings out the best in both, and it tastes great as well.
The liver is an incredible organ, and we have many ways to keep it healthy. It plays such a big part in our physical and mental capabilities. Check out our website http://liverissues.com/ for more information about keeping weight off, read more about healthy exercise. Rich Carroll is a writer and avid health advocate now living in Chicago.
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