As the sun sets and bedtime approaches, have you ever considered adding a spoonful of honey to your evening routine?
Well, buckle up because honey isn’t just a tasty treat; it also has some cool health benefits.
In this article, we’ll discuss the benefits of honey before bed to ensure you get the most out of this incredible gift of nature.
Here are the top 5 benefits of honey before bed:
- Insulin Regulation
- Soothes Sore Throat
- Quick Energy Source
- Relaxation
- Improved Sleep Quality
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Benefit 1: Improved Sleep Quality
Honey is a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin—hormones crucial for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
Consuming honey before bedtime supplies the body with the necessary building blocks to enhance the production of these sleep-inducing hormones, ultimately leading to improved sleep quality.
Moreover, supporting the idea that honey might help improve sleep, BetterSleep indicates that it provides the energy required for normal bodily functions during sleep.
Benefit 2: Natural Sweetener
Choosing honey as a natural sweetener before bedtime offers a healthier alternative to refined sugar.
Unlike processed sugars, honey contains trace elements, vitamins, and minerals that contribute to its nutritional profile.
The slow release of sugars in honey also prevents the rapid spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar levels, providing a sustained and gentle source of energy throughout the night.
Benefit 3: Insulin Regulation
Honey has a moderate impact on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.
Consuming honey before bedtime may help regulate insulin levels (source), ensuring a more stable blood sugar environment during the night.
This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with diabetes or those who experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels, contributing to overall metabolic health.
Benefit 4: Soothes Sore Throat
The natural antimicrobial properties of honey make it an effective remedy for soothing a sore throat and suppressing coughs, an idea supported by various studies.
Before bedtime, a warm drink with honey can provide relief to irritated throat tissues, facilitating a more comfortable and undisturbed night’s sleep.
The viscosity of honey also forms a protective layer, further reducing irritation.
Benefit 5: Antioxidant Boost
Honey contains a variety of antioxidants, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Consuming honey before sleep provides an antioxidant boost, aiding in the neutralization of free radicals.
According to a study, This antioxidant capacity of honey contributes to the prevention of several acute and chronic disorders such as inflammatory, allergic, thrombotic, diabetic, cardiovascular, cancer, and others.
All this can contribute to the overall health and well-being of the consumer.
Benefit 6: Weight Management
The sensation of fullness induced by honey may contribute to better weight management.
An online study suggested that consuming honey with just water on an empty stomach or with lemon, amla, ginger, and cinnamon helps boost metabolism and promotes weight loss.
Likewise, consuming honey before bed can help curb late-night cravings, reducing the likelihood of unhealthy snacking.
This, combined with its natural sweetness, makes honey a satisfying and nutritious option for those looking to manage their weight effectively.
Benefit 7: Quick Energy Source
Another remarkable benefit of honey is that the natural sugars in honey, primarily fructose and glucose, provide a quick and easily digestible energy source.
Therefore, consuming honey at night can be beneficial for individuals with low blood sugar, ensuring a steady supply of energy during the night without causing a rapid spike in blood glucose levels.
Benefit 8: Reduced Allergies
According to Healthline, local honey may contain small amounts of local pollen, and regular consumption could assist in desensitizing the body to these allergens.
Therefore, by incorporating honey into bedtime routines, individuals may experience reduced allergy symptoms over time, contributing to a more comfortable and uninterrupted sleep.
Benefit 9: Relaxation
Honey’s role in promoting relaxation is attributed to its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin plays a key role in mood regulation and relaxation.
Likewise, Frontiers mentions that honey can reduce stress-induced increases in corticosterone levels, indicating that it has anti-stress effects.
In short, we can say that taking honey before sleeping can create a calming effect, making it easier to transition into a more relaxed state conducive to sleep.
Benefit 10: Improved Blood Circulation
Honey’s potential positive effects on blood circulation are tied to its unique composition and the presence of bioactive compounds.
When consumed before bedtime, honey may contribute to the improvement of overall circulatory health, providing the efficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Flavonoids in honey, have been associated with promoting vasodilation. Vasodilation refers to the widening of blood vessels, allowing for increased blood flow.
Likewise, the antioxidants found in honey play a crucial role in maintaining the health of blood vessels.
Benefit 11: Joint Health
Studies show that honey can help reduce joint pain. Having honey before bed might be helpful for people with arthritis or joint problems.
Just Bee Honey suggests adding half a teaspoon of these ingredients to a warm honey drink or tea twice a day, which could help with joint pain.
Therefore, honey’s anti-inflammatory effects can make sleep more comfortable, especially for people with joint issues.
Benefit 12: Hydration Support
Honey’s moisture-retaining properties can contribute to hydration, which is essential for various bodily functions, including maintaining fluid balance.
Consuming honey before bedtime, perhaps in a warm beverage, can assist in supporting hydration levels throughout the night, preventing dehydration and potential sleep disturbances.
Honey Before Bed Benefits FAQs
1. What is the best time to take honey?
The best time to take honey is in the morning, preferably on an empty stomach. This helps promote digestion and boost energy levels.
2. What does honey do for you in the bed?
Honey is believed to have aphrodisiac properties, and some people use it as a natural remedy to enhance intimacy.
However, scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
3. What are the 10 health benefits of honey?
- Antioxidant properties
- Relaxation
- Soothes sore throat
- Cough relief
- Hydration Support
- Natural energy source
- Skincare
- Allergy relief
- Improved sleep quality
- Weight management
4. Can I mix honey with milk?
Yes, you can mix honey with milk. It creates a tasty combination and is often consumed for its potential health benefits.
5. What not to mix with honey?
Avoid mixing honey with very hot liquids, as it may compromise its natural enzymes and nutritional properties.
Additionally, infants under one year of age should not consume honey due to the risk of botulism.
6. Can I add honey to hot milk?
While adding honey to warm milk is fine, it’s advisable not to use excessively hot liquids, as high temperatures can diminish some of honey’s beneficial properties.
7. Can we mix honey with cold milk?
Yes, you can mix honey with cold milk for a delicious and nutritious beverage.
8. Is honey mixed with warm water or milk good?
Yes, mixing honey with warm water or milk is a popular remedy for soothing sore throats, promoting better sleep, and providing a natural energy boost.
9. Is warm milk and honey good for sleep?
Yes, warm milk and honey are often used as a bedtime remedy to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. The combination is believed to have calming effects.