Looking for a simple and powerful method to boost your health? The benefits of hot water with honey are remarkable in several ways. From improving digestion to strengthening the immune system, this nutrient-packed drink can promise various health benefits. Let's dive into this article and learn how adding honey to hot water can be the healthiest approach to support your overall wellness. Read on!
Top 10 Science-Backed Benefits of Hot Water With Honey
A combination of honey and hot water can be a powerful addition to your everyday routine in the following ways:
1. Strengthens Immunity & Fights Infections
Honey has antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties that help fight off infections. It helps enhance your body’s natural defense system, reduce the risk of colds, flu, and throat infections, and also helps soothe a sore throat & cough.
2. Improves Digestion & Relieves Bloating
Warm honey water acts as a natural prebiotic, supporting good gut bacteria. It helps flush out toxins from the stomach, aids in smooth digestion, and prevents acidity. It also relieves bloating & indigestion.
3. Relieves Constipation Naturally
Honey has mild laxative properties, while warm water softens stools foreasy bowel movements. It helps stimulate bowel movements and prevents hard stools & bloating. Keeps the gut hydrated & healthy.
4. Boosts Energy & Reduces Fatigue
This combination can be a natural and quick boost to your energy levels. The natural sugars like glucose and fructose in honey give an instant energy source and warm water helps with the rapid absorption of sugar, making it the perfect option after exercise or to kick off your morning.
5. Gives You Radiant, Glowing Skin
Looking for radiant, glowy skin? Try honey-infused warm water as the antioxidants such as phenolic acids and flavonoids in honey can fight off oxidative stress, thus, preventing skin aging. This combo also detoxifies the body, improves skin appearance, and reduces acne, giving a glowy skin.
6. Aids in Weight Loss & Controls Appetite
Drinking honey-infused warm water can boost metabolism which can aid in burning off stored fat. According to a study, honey can delay the response of Ghrelin, a hormone responsible for reducing appetite. It helps speed up fat burning, prevents overeating & sugar cravings, and also supports a healthy weight loss journey.
7. Treats Sore Throat & Cough
Honey forms a coating layer on the throat which helps prevent irritation. In addition, it also reduces nasal congestion and inflammation. The warmth of the water decreases sinus pressure, relieving discomfort from sore throat and cough.
8. Supports Heart Health
The antioxidants in honey reduce oxidative stress & bad cholesterol, lowering the risk of heart disease. Honey-water combo reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), lowers blood pressure & inflammation, and supports healthy blood circulation.
9. Detoxifies the Body & Boosts Metabolism
Honey helps cleanse the body by flushing out toxins, while warm water increases sweating and urination. It also helps promote natural detoxification,removes waste through sweat, and urine, and supports liver function.
10. Keeps you Hydrated & Balances pH Levels
Hydration is key to a healthy body! Warm honey water provides electrolytes that help maintain fluid balance.
It helps prevent dehydration. Regulates body temperature & circulation. Also keeps you feeling refreshed & energetic.
Can I Drink Warm Water with Honey Every Day?
Yes, you can have it every day as it provides several health benefits. However, be careful about overall sugar intake, especially if you have diabetes as honey has a high natural sugar content. So, always seek medical guidance first.
Additionally, Ayurveda advises that warm honey can cause "ama" called toxicity in the body which may turn honey's properties into harmful effects once consumed. "Ama" basically is the buildup of toxins or mucus in the system that can contribute to many illnesses.
Important Considerations:
Moderation is key: As honey has natural sugars, avoid excessive consumption to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels.
Consider water temperature: Ensure to use warm (not very hot) water as high water temperature can lower the nutritional value of honey.
Best Time to Drink Honey Water for Maximum Benefits
The best time to consume honey-infused warm water is generally in the morning. However, having it at specific times has its benefits:
Early Morning: Drinking it in the early morning on an empty stomach can boost metabolism and improve digestion, promoting bowel movements. It also gives a quick energy boost to start an energetic day.
Before a workout: Having it before hitting a gym or practicing exercises can give a quick energy boost as honey contains natural sugars. It also prevents dehydration and promotes muscle healing.
Before Bedtime: Consuming it before going to bed can help relax your mind and give a quality sleep.
How Much Honey Should You Use?
The ideal dose of honey in a day is 10-12 g which is equal to 1-2 teaspoons. As honey contains around 80% of natural sugars, people who are diabetic and overweight should avoid it.
Who Should & Shouldn’t Drink Honey Water?
People living with these conditions can drink honey-infused warm water to enjoy its health benefits:
Digestive issues: Honey can prevent digestive problems like indigestion, bloating, and heartburn.
Excessive weight: Honey can reduce cravings and appetite and improves metabolism which can help shed off fat.
Weak immune system: Honey can boost immunity, making it the best drink to enjoy if you have a weak immune system or are prone to infection risks.
Dry skin: Honey with warm water can maintain skin moisture and also detoxify the body, improving skin health.
Upper respiratory infections: Honey can lower the frequency and severity of respiratory infections such as cough.
Who should avoid it:
These people should be cautious about this drink as it can lead to further complications:
Diabetics: Natural sugars in honey can increase blood sugar levels. So, if you have diabetes type 2, always seek a doctor's guidance before adding this drink to your routine.
Allergic to Bee Products: If you are allergic to any of the bee products, avoid this drink. In some cases, honey can contribute to allergic reactions like trouble breathing, rashes, or itching.
Young Children: Though rare, honey can cause a severe gastrointestinal issue called infant botulism (a condition that occurs when bacteria that builds toxins in the body is swallowed). Hence, according to research, honey should not be given to infants under 1 year old.
Potential Side Effects of Warm Water & Honey
Though drinking warm water with honey is generally safe, it can also come with a few side effects that you need to be aware of:
Upset stomach
Diarrhea
Allergic reactions like itching, trouble breathing, and rashes.
Increased blood sugar levels
Weight gain (though helps manage weight, excessive use can lead to weight gain due to high-calorie intake).
Tooth decay (because of natural sugars and if oral hygiene is not followed)
Toxicity (as per Ayurveda's perspective)
If you experience these issues that last for a longer period, discontinue its use and see a doctor.
Final Thoughts
The benefits of hot water with honey go beyond just hydration—they nurture your body from the inside out. From boosting digestion and soothing sore throats to aiding weight management and promoting glowing skin, this natural remedy offers numerous benefits with minimal effort. You can enjoy it any time of the day but mostly in the early morning for an instant energy boost. However, avoid excessive consumption, especially if you are diabetic as honey is naturally rich in sugars which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels. Also, it can lead to an upset stomach, allergic reactions, diarrhea, or toxicity risk. So, always seek a doctor's supervision before incorporating it into your daily routine.
Start taking hot water with honey and experience its results!
Read Also: Honey & Milk: A Healthy Combo
अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्नों
Is honey water good at night?
Yes, due to the natural calming properties of honey, taking it at night can help with relaxation and quality sleep.
Can warm honey water help with acne?
Yes, the antibacterial effects of honey can help reduce acne by killing bacteria causing this skin issue, thus, producing healthy skin.
What type of honey is suitable for making honey water?
Use raw, unprocessed honey to make warm honey water as this type of honey is extremely rich in pure nutrients, offering maximum health benefits.
Can diabetics consume warm water with honey daily?
Yes, they can but in moderation as honey is highly rich in natural sugars. So, always watch over your blood sugar levels and consult a doctor for proper advice.
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