The Proven & Unproven Health Benefits Of Honey

By Sandee LaMotte, CNN
(CNN) — Move over, prehistoric bears. Humans have loved honey since the Stone Age.
Rock art pictures of honey harvesting, which at first glance look like drawings from A.A. Milne’s Winnie-the-Pooh, date to about 8000 B.C.
Beeswax has been found on pottery dating as far back as 7000 B.C., most likely used for waterproofing. The ancient Egyptians offered honey to the gods and then joined the Greeks, Romans and Chinese in using it as a salve for wounds and a treatment for fevers and stomach ailments.
Today, proponents of honey tout its miraculous healing properties, claiming that it can prevent cancer and heart disease, reduce ulcers, ease digestive problems, regulate blood sugar, soothe coughs and sore throats, and increase athletic performance.
But just how many of these uses, ancient or modern, have been proved by science?
Thumbs up: Antibacterial properties
There’s no doubt honey has the power to kill bacteria. Studies have shown that it is effective against dozens of strains, including E. coli and salmonella. A specific type of honey from New Zealand, called manuka honey, along with Malaysian Tualang honey, has been shown to fight staph and the digestive bacteria responsible for peptic ulcers, H. pylori.
What makes honey antimicrobic? Most bees deposit hydrogen peroxide into the honey as they synthesize flower pollen. Add that honey is naturally acidic, and you have a recipe for antibacterial properties.
That would explain honey̵...

Source: WBZ-TV - Breaking News, Weather and Sports for Boston, Worcester and New Hampshire - January 20, 2018 Category: Consumer Health News Authors: Health – CBS Boston Tags: Health News Honey Source Type: news