7 Benefits of Forest Honey for Health

Mthe benefits of forest honey are no less than other types of honey. This is thanks to a number of nutrients in it which have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even antibacterial effects. It is not surprising that many people consume forest honey to treat various health problems, such as colds and coughs.

Forest honey is honey that is harvested from wild beehives in the forest, not the result of cultivation or livestock. In Indonesia, there are many types of forest honey, ranging from Sumbawa forest honey, to Timorese black honey that comes from forests in eastern Indonesia, such as East Nusa Tenggara (NTT).

Similar to other honey, forest honey also contains the nutrients needed to maintain a healthy body, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, amino acids, and antioxidants.

Benefits of Forest Honey for Health

Forest honey produced in each region has a different texture and color. This is because the source of flower nectar sucked by honey-producing wild bees can be different. Some come from flowers, some come from fruits.

Therefore, slight nutritional differences may occur. However, you don't need to worry because forest honey that comes from any area will be equally beneficial for health.

If consumed regularly, the following are the various benefits of wild honey that can be obtained:

1. Increase the body's immunity

Consuming forest honey can help increase body immunity. The benefits of forest honey are obtained thanks to the phytonutrient content in it. In addition to phytonutrients, forest honey also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

This means that consuming forest honey regularly will help the immune system stay healthy so that it is stronger in fighting infections caused by bacteria and fungi. That way, you don't get sick easily.

2. Accelerate wound healing

Applying forest honey to minor burns can speed up wound healing. This is because the antibacterial properties present in forest honey are effective in killing bacteria that are commonly found in wounds, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

Not only that, the low pH of forest honey, which is 3.2–4.5, is useful in inhibiting bacterial growth and increasing oxygen circulation. As a result, the wound will heal faster.

However, you need to note, not all types of burns can be treated with wild honey. Therefore, it is recommended that you consult your doctor first before applying or dressing the wound with forest honey.

3. Relieves coughs and sore throats

Drinking a cup of tea or warm water mixed with forest honey and lemon juice can soothe a sore throat. In fact, cough complaints that usually accompany a sore throat can also be resolved

Research shows that consuming 2 teaspoons of honey before bed can reduce coughing and improve sleep quality in children with respiratory infections.

The results of this study show that the effectiveness of honey in suppressing coughs is no less than that of cough medicines containing dextromethorphan. So, there's nothing wrong with using wild honey as a natural remedy for coughs or sore throats.

4. Maintain digestive health

Although it needs further research, forest honey can be used to treat digestive disorders, such as diarrhea. In fact, there is also an opportunity for honey to be used as a medicine to treat the bacterial infection Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) which is the cause of stomach ulcers.

This benefit can be obtained because forest honey contains preboitik. Prebiotics are needed to increase good bacteria in the intestines which play a role in maintaining digestive health and body health.

5. Maintain brain health

Consumption of forest honey can help maintain brain health. The benefits of forest honey can be obtained thanks to the polyphenol content which can minimize the occurrence of inflammation in the hippocampus, which is the part of the brain that functions to manage memory.

Apart from polyphenols, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of forest honey are also beneficial in maintaining brain health.

6. Maintain bone health

The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds in forest honey are beneficial for bone health. Moreover, forest honey also contains minerals that play a role in supporting healthy and strong bones, such as calcium, potassium and phosphorus.

Calcium and phosphorus are needed to build and maintain strong bones. Meanwhile, potassium in forest honey is useful in preventing the wasting of calcium through urine. Thus, consumption of forest honey is beneficial in maintaining bone health.

7. Minimizing the risk of chronic disease

Frequent exposure to free radicals is one of the factors that can increase the risk of chronic disease. So, the risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, can be reduced by consuming wild honey regularly.

This is because the antioxidant compounds in forest honey, namely flavonoids and phenolic acids, are useful in counteracting free radicals that can damage cells in the body.

Forest honey is indeed useful. However, don't try to give honey to babies under 1 year old because it has the potential to cause food poisoning, known as botulism.

In addition, it is important not to overdo it. The reason is, forest honey also contains sugar which if consumed in excess can have a negative impact on health

For those who have certain conditions, it is better to consult a doctor before consuming it regularly. The goal is to find out the right dosage so that the maximum benefits of forest honey can be obtained.

Label : Healthy living cat_Healthy living