Benefits of Honey

When it comes to honey, we normally believe all store brands of honey contain the same health benefits, after all, it only is one ingredient. Though what makes the difference is the process it undergoes before its put on the market shelves. Pasteurized honey is the common type found, being highly processed and typically sold by large suppliers. Pasteurization uses heat to destroy enzymes and chemically alters it. The main reason pasteurized honey is produced is because it attracts customers with an improved appearance and longer shelf life. 

Honey is one of those things that's best to purchase in its raw state/unpasteurized. In its pure form, it contains bee pollen, where much of the beneficial vitamins and enzymes lie. You'll also know no artificial sugars are added. Now on to the health benefits of natural honey that'll further increase your liking for this sweet nectar. 

1. Natural remedy for cough and sore throat 

The consistency of honey allows it to smoothly coat the throat and reduce irritation. It also contains certain bacteria that kills the infection. When combined in a cup of warm water with lemon, it can further supplement your recovery. 

2. Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients 

It has powerful antioxidants and cancer-fighting phytonutrients, found in the propolis, or known as "honey glue" that the bees use to sterilize the beehive. 

3. Treats burns and wounds

Honey has been used as a natural cure for first-aid treatment for wounds, burns, and cuts for its antiseptic and antibacterial properties that helps keep external wounds clean and free from infection. 

4. Skin enhancer 

Honey holds effective anti-bacterial qualities, which can be applied as a mask or an overnight spot-treatmeant for blemishes, often leaving a result of clearer skin. It can also be moisturizing, helping to soothe inflamed skin conditions and dryness. 

5. Promotes digestion

Intaking honey-lemon water helps food easily transfer through the digestive track. There are enzymes such as invertase, diastase, catalase, and inulase, which are aids to digestion and can also help treat ulcers and diarrhea. 

6. Sleep relief 

Not only can honey be combined to be an energy booster, it has soothing properties to make you feel relaxed enough to rest. It can help facilitate the action of tryptophan, which tends to make people feel sleepy. 

Besides drinking honey-lemon water, I love using it as a sweetener for my yogurt bowls and sometimes, even for baking. Next time, try using raw honey as your sweetener instead of reaching for the refined sugars. A teaspoon a day is a good amount to intake, especially if it's with that honey-lemon water to start your day. 

Introductory Segment

I wanted to start a segment about the benefits of certain foods, added to the lifestyle section of my blog to provide some variety posts outside of fashion-related things. Mostly, it's a reference point for me and a reminder for why I should intake more of these types of foods. I'm no specialized expert when it comes to nutrition, though I try my best to be health conscious of what I'm eating and look for ways I could improve. The earth has provided us an abundance of ways to nourish ourselves, that resorting to processed foods seems unnecessary. Instead of having potato chips as a snack, I like having baked kale with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. The point is to have a diet consisting of whole ingredients, nothing artificially flavoured, because the earth can really provide all the wonderfully tasting nutrients your body needs. When it comes to packaged goods, it's ideal to intake foods that have required the least steps to reaching its final product. Obviously to remain sane, it's acceptable to indulge in sweets and junk food sometimes. I know I can't always deny a buttercream cupcake. These posts can be a little guide you can refer to, or to inspire you to incorporate these types of foods into your everyday lifestyle. 

Another Day

Currently, I'm having an obsession for long-coats. You can either feel like a lab geek (because it resembles what they'd wear), or empowered as the wind blows through the ends of it as you casually walk. It was actually a very cold, snowy day when these photos were taken. I only lasted ten minutes outside before my fingers began to stiffen. These coats are made out of a light fabric material, so they'd be more suitable for Spring weather. There are ones appropriate for winter, but they're quite expensive to make up for how much material and thickness is needed. I can't wait for warmer temperatures, so I can wear this long-coat with jeans and sneakers for that minimalistic look, though that probably won't happen for a while knowing how cold it gets in Canada. 

Jacket :: Forever 21     Sweater :: Forever 21     Jeans :: Topshop     Boots :: Zara