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Boost Gut Health and Reduce Cholesterol With This Natural Sweetener

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Not only is honey sweet and delicious, it also has many health benefits. It’s full of nutrients and antioxidants and it’s also a great alternative to sugar if you’re looking to cut down.

Scroll down to see all the ways honey can benefit your health.

It contains antioxidants.

Many high-quality honeys contain antioxidants which have been linked to reduced risk of inflammation, heart attacks, strokes, and some types of cancer. Buckwheat honey in particular (Buy on Amazon, $10.08) is believed to boost the antioxidant levels in your blood. 

It can reduce cholesterol.

It has been known to reduce LDL cholesterol, which is the kind of cholesterol that can cause heart attacks and strokes, while simultaneously raising “good” HDL cholesterol. 

It aids healing.

Honey was first used for healing wounds by the Egyptians, and it’s still used to this day. Raw honey naturally contains hydrogen peroxide, an antiseptic. There have been a lot of studies into how using honey for the treatment of burns, wounds, and ulcers have been a success. 

Honey and lemon is great for coughs: If your cough is keeping you awake at night, try a warming mug of honey and lemon. This concoction has been used as a natural remedy for coughs and sore throats for centuries, and some research has suggested that honey is as effective as some over-the-counter medicines. Simply add one to two spoonfuls of honey to a cup of hot water along with a slice or two of lemon for a warming drink before bed. 

It’s good for your gut.

Honey is often used to combat digestive issues as it’s a potent prebiotic, meaning it nourishes that probiotic bacteria that are crucial for good digestion and overall health. 

Things to Consider

Although honey has a lot of health benefits and is often a better alternative to sugar (especially refined sugar), it’s important to remember that it’s high in sugar and calories.  That’s why it’s really important to choose a honey that is high quality and that doesn’t include added syrup or artificial sweetener.

And like with most foods, you should only consume it in moderation. For example, drizzling a bit over your morning cereal instead of a sprinkle of sugar is a healthy swap to make.

This article originally appeared on our sister site, First For Women.

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