The secret to sleeping better, burning more fat and boosting energy

But why do bees make honey? Because it’s their food source! So what makes honey so nutritious? According to Benefits of Honey, honey is approximately 80 percent natural sugar and 18 percent water.

The remaining 2 percent is vitamins and minerals, as well as pollen and protein. Though honey is high in sugar, it is not bad for you when consumed in moderate amounts. In fact, the vitamins and minerals make honey really quite healthy. Continue reading to learn how regularly consuming and otherwise using honey can benefit your health!

1. More energy. Nutra Ingredients reports a study by the University of Memphis Exercise and Sport Nutrition Laboratory found honey to be an effective pre- and postworkout energy source for athletes. This is because, unlike other carbohydrates, honey does not cause blood sugar to drop after the initial spike. Honey has also been found to improve power and speed in endurance athletes.

This is good news for everyone, not just athletes. Instead of drinking a sugary soda for a mid-day pick-me-up, try eating a piece of toast with a tablespoon of honey.

2. Burn fat. Not only does honey give you more energy, it also helps you burn fat! Mike McInnes, founder of the “Hibernation Diet,” says that consuming a spoonful of honey before bedtime can help burn fat. This is because honey can speed up your metabolism and reduce stress hormones as you sleep. Try a detox drink made from cinnamon tea and honey, as recommended by Natural News.

3. Heal cuts and burns. According to Dr. Axe, manuka and linden honey are particularly good for healing cuts and wounds. This is because they have strong antibiotic properties. Rub honey directly on the affected area. You can also use these types of honey to heal acne.