According to Bee Culture Magazine, 486.3 million lbs of honey were consumed in the U.S. in 2015; that’s around 1.51 lbs per person. Honey has become so popular because it’s so versatile: You can eat it directly, spread it as jam or mix it with a drink. There are so many different ways that honey can be used by everyone from online culinary arts students to home cooks, and there are likely a few that you’ve never thought of:
1. Restore your energy
Whether you’re working out or just looking for a midday pick-me-up, don’t reach for that energy drink or coffee to restore your drive. According to Organic Facts, honey contains 64 calories per tablespoon and is very easy for even the most sensitive stomachs to digest, making it a great source of energy. It’s also been proven to help boost athletic performance, recuperate muscles and maintain blood sugar levels. Dieters can mix honey with warm water and can substitute it for sugar as a sweetener to improve overall health.
2. Preserve fruit reserves
The trip you took to pick strawberries, cherries or grapes was a lot of fun, but your haul will spoil if you don’t take measures to preserve it. If you don’t want to turn your fruit into jam, use a honey sauce and bottle at home! Seasonal Eating suggested mixing one part honey to 10 parts water, and then covering your berries. The honey preserves and intensifies the flavor while ensuring your fruit is good to eat. Feel free to mix different types of berries in a jar, and be sure to pack them in tightly without squishing them too much.
“Honey can help your injuries will heal faster and with less pain.”
3. Put it on your wounds
Honey has a number of healing properties that make it a good substitute for antiseptic solutions. When honey is applied to an open wound, the glucose breaks down and releases hydrogen peroxide – the main chemical used for cleaning wounds and helping them heal quickly, Ultimate Lifespan stated. The honey’s consistency also prevents wounds from sticking to dressing and scarring. You can use these properties to soothe burns and relieve inflammation. Honey helps your injuries will heal faster and with less pain.
4. Boost your beauty
Flawless hair and skin is something that only movie stars or expensive treatments can achieve, right? Honey can actually help boost your beauty in a number of ways. Mix honey with coconut oil in a 1:2 formula and use as a facial scrub to clear off dead skin and remove bacteria and impurities. The ingredient can also be rubbed onto your skin to soften it. Leave it on dry or cracked skin for 30 minutes, and then wash off.
Honey isn’t just good for your skin; it can be used for your hair too. After you wash your hair, coat the ends with a little bit of honey, Ecosalon suggested. Rinse after a few minutes, and your hair will be less frizzy and extra conditioned. Pouring a mixture of one teaspoon of honey mixed with a quart of water can make your hair shiny and bright as well. Honey might just be the most delicious, cost-effective beauty treatment available.
Honey is part of dishes enjoyed around the world, but that’s not all it’s good for. The ingredient can be used to revitalize your beauty, give you energy, heal wounds faster and preserve fruits. Experiment with honey’s versatility to find out its benefits for yourself.
