On the menu of It’s much better! this week, a food that has the power to stimulate our immune defenses: honey! Dr. Jimmy Mohamed explains that honey has properties that make it a natural remedy against cough and mild infections. “When you are sick, a spoonful of honey immediately makes you feel better”he says.
Honey therefore acts as a lubricant for the throat, thereby reducing pain. Additionally, it contains an enzyme, glucose oxidase, which produces hydrogen peroxide, a natural antisepticl. “That’s why we say that honey helps fight infections,” he adds.
Studies have even shown that in children suffering from rhinopharyngitehoney is more effective than cough syrups. “Syrups, as a general rule, do not work too well for children,” specifies Dr Mohamed, emphasizing the benefit of favoring a spoonful of honey.
Precautions and advice for use
However, certain precautions should be taken. “Never honey before the age of one year”warns Dr Mohamed, due to the presence of botulinum toxin which can be dangerous for infants. In addition, he advises against the use of metal spoons to consume honey, because “the metal will distort what is positive in the honey.”
Finally, be careful not to heat the honey. “Water that is too hot will decompose, in the same way as steel, the beneficial structures of honey,” he explains. It is therefore better to consume honey alongside a hot drink rather than mixing it directly.
Although honey is a sugar, it remains a quality natural sugar. “Don’t tell me, I replace all my sugar with honey”warns Dr Mohamed, recalling that moderation is essential. Thus, honey, in addition to being delicious, turns out to be a precious ally for our health, provided it is used wisely.
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