Honey water can be an excellent option for those looking for a quick health boost. Not only is it easy to make and inexpensive, but it can also provide a wide range of unexpected health benefits.
What is Honey Water?
Honey water, as the name suggests, is a beverage made by combining honey with warm water. This health tonic is typically consumed first thing in the morning, before meals, or before you go to bed, but its benefits can be accessed at any time of day. Used in traditional medical applications for generations, this simple at-home tonic is becoming popular across the world as it is an inexpensive and effective strategy to improve your overall health. [1]
Honey makes your water flavorful and delicious. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Benefits of Honey Water
The most important health benefits of honey water include its ability to aid in weight loss, improve the body’s immunity, reduce the allergic response of the body, clear up respiratory issues, strengthen cardiovascular health, and help with digestion, among others.
Reduces Allergies
Honey is known to suppress the body’s allergic response by optimizing the immune system. This can reduce unnecessary inflammation around the body, particularly for people with sensitive systems that respond to minor stimuli. [2]
Weight Loss
Drinking water can help you feel full, which will reduce your likelihood of overeating or snacking between meals. Honey can also satisfy your sweet tooth, thus helping you avoid unhealthy, sugary snacks with far more carbohydrates. This beverage is also known to increase metabolism, which can increase passive fat-burning, further aiding weight loss efforts.
Boosts Immune System
Honey has powerful antibacterial qualities, aided by the presence of hydrogen peroxide. In addition to this, honey has good levels of vitamin C, which can help to stimulate the production of white blood cells and defend the body against foreign agents and infectious pathogens. [3]
Protects Respiratory Health
One of the most well-known uses for honey water is as a remedy for respiratory issues, such as a sore throat, coughing, or sinus congestion. This combination of warm water and honey can help clear out the sinuses, soothe inflammation in the respiratory tracts, and suppress coughs. [4]
Aids in Digestion
Honey in every form is known for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body, particularly on the stomach. If you are suffering from nausea, indigestion, cramping, bloating, excess flatulence, or any other gastrointestinal problems, a daily dose of honey water can quickly soothe those irritating and uncomfortable symptoms. This can even help improve nutrient uptake efficiency! [5]
How to Make Honey Water?
Making honey water takes just a couple of minutes with this easy DIY recipe.
Healing Honey Water Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups water
- 1-2 tbsp honey
Instructions
- Boil 2-3 cups of water in a pot or saucepan.
- Allow the water to sit for 2-3 minutes.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey - depending on your sweet tooth - once the water is cool.
- Stir in other ingredients and enjoy!
Notes
Do not add the honey to boiling water, as this will cause denaturing of the proteins and compromise the nutritional quality of the beverage.
Side Effects
There are a few possible side effects of drinking honey with warm water, particularly if you consume an excessive amount, such as elevated blood sugar levels, possible tooth decay, and weight gain.
- Blood Sugar: Honey does contain a moderate amount of sugar per serving, which can cause problems for diabetic patients who need to keep their blood sugar under control. [6]
- Tooth Decay: As with any sugar-rich substance, honey and water can spread sugar across your teeth, which could increase your risk of tooth decay and cavities.
- Weight Gain: With more than 60 calories per tablespoon, a single cup of honey water could represent more than 5% of your daily caloric intake, which could eventually lead to weight gain.
