Health Benefits of Honey

Abstract

In addition to being used as food, honey has been used as an alternative medicine for thousands of years. Honey has a great potential to be used as a medicine because it is not suitable for microorganisms , it is very acidic and has a very high sugar content, which causes an osmotic effect that prevents the growth of some microorganisms , moreover, in some honey, hydrogen peroxide is found, which has a strong antibacterial effect. However, properties and appearances of honey vary greatly according to the floral source in which the bee collects the nectar, so some honey also have a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Recently, there are several studies, mainly in vitro, that prove the effectiveness of honey for various medical purposes due to its components and its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, antifungal, and anticancer properties.

Recent advances and opportunities related to the use of bee products in food processing

“…Honey has many benefits for human health and has been used in which has a protective function, preventing tissue inflammation (Almasaudi, 2021;Ferreira Da Cruz et al, 2019;Othman, 2012).…”

“…Flavonoids and phenolic acids are scavengers of toxic free radicals. They prevent oxidative damage to cells that lead to aging, cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular dysfunction (Almasaudi, 2021; Ferreira Da Cruz et al, 2019).…”

“…Research shows that one of the bee products, Manuka honey, in combination with other compounds supporting treatment has shown antiulcer activity. It reduces ulcerations and completely protects against mucus changes, which has a protective function, preventing tissue inflammation (Almasaudi, 2021; Ferreira Da Cruz et al, 2019; Othman, 2012).…”

“…Flavonoids and phenolic acids are scavengers of toxic free radicals. They prevent oxidative damage to cells that lead to aging, cancer, metabolic disorders, and cardiovascular dysfunction(Almasaudi, 2021;Ferreira Da Cruz et al, 2019).Honey has strong anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antibacte-rial properties. There is now evidence that honey plays an essential role in the prevention of cancer.…”

Study of Honey as a Sweet Remedy against Fungal Supremacy

“…According to various studies by Sikorski (2004) [10]; White and Doner (1980) [11] and Gheldof and colleagues (2002) [12], the honey is variable from colourless to dark brown; it can be liquid, viscous, or solid, with the variations in flavour, aroma, and composition as per the floral source in which the honeybee collects the nectar; and also with the influence honey environmental factors like temperature and humidity. Cruz in 2019 [7] stated that honey is great potent medicine with the antibacterial, antifungal anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, anticancer and antiviral properties, due to presence of high sugar, osmotic pressure and hydrogen peroxide in diluted honey. According to Madigan and co-workers (2010) [13] Mostly people relate the fungi with organic matter decomposition or superficial fungal infections, but fungi can cause various human diseases, from mild to firmly established systemic diseases.…”