Health News

Honey - More Than a Sweet Treat

People have used honey as a sweetener for thousands of years and, as with many natural substances, ancient people used it for its medicinal purposes. As a sweetener, honey is a far better alternative than refined sugar, which too many people use. Refined sugar has no nutritional value at all and actually robs the body of vitamins and minerals, it's also addictive. Honey, on the other hand is composed of glucose and fructose and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate.

Health benefits

Do you have a sore throat? Honey contains natural anti-inflammatory properties which help heal the infections quickly and naturally. It also has different phytochemicals which are non-nutritive plant chemicals which have protective and disease preventive properties that kill bacteria, viruses and fungus. Honey also contains Hydrogen peroxide, which is a well-known antimicrobial agent. This means it has a wonderful antibacterial effect and is great for healing wounds like mouth ulcers and cold sores.

Because of these properties, honey is also useful for external wounds like cuts, scratches and burns. This is due to the oxidase enzyme which is introduced to the honey by bees. This slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide at an adequate level to be helpful against bacteria while not harming the skin tissue. Honey draws moisture from the body to the area of the wound. This helps prevent scarring and promotes much quicker healing for burns and bed sores if they have been dressed with honey early enough.

Honey is an excellent treatment for bacteria-caused diarrhea. Mixed with 4 parts water, the honey helps kill the bacterial infection and also acts as a dehydration agent due to its acids and natural sugars.

For skin problems, like acne or dry skin, mix a teaspoon of honey with the same amount of olive oil and lemon juice and apply to the affected area. The anti-bacterial elements and the ability to draw water from the body to the surface of the skin moisturize and repair the skin tissue. For dry or damaged hair, mix a table spoon of honey with a cup of warm water for a shine replenishing rinse.

Finally, honey is delicious and can be eaten or drunk in hundreds of ways. What better a way to start the day than a table spoon of honey drizzled over a bowl of fresh fruit? My kids love it and can't wait for their daily hit! What other medications can match that?

Children's Health and Omega 3

Numerous studies have found those supplementing children’s diets with Omega 3 Fatty acids, has the potential to improve learning abilities and reduce behavioral problems. According to a study published in the 5 May 2005 edition of Pediatrics, children's reading, spelling and general learning behavior improved over a six month period taking fish oil supplements, which are rich in Omega 3.

Other participants of the trials were put on a placebo for the same period and developed in a regular manner over the six months. Further tests carried out revealed that those who were on the placebo actually showed obvious signs of improvement, once they transferred over to the fish oil treatment over a three month period.

Researchers say that the brain needs these acids for healthy brain development but cannot store them for long. Due to today's western diets, our children are not eating enough oily fish, such as salmon, macrel or tuna and are therefore not being able to replace lost Omega 3s.

Problems caused by lack of Omega 3

The following problems have been attributed to lack of Omega 3:

• allergies (eg eczema, asthma, hay fever)
• poor concentration
• memory problems
• depression
• excessive mood swings
• undue anxiety
• difficulty sleeping
• problems with reading

Of course, these may also be attributed to other health problems not associated to Omega 3 deficiency.

Supplements

Omega 3 supplements are readily available in most drug stores. However, they can be expensive, so you'll need to shop around.

Natural Sources of Omega 3

Oily fish such as: salmon, mackerel, fresh tuna trout, sardines, pilchards, whitebait, herring and kippers are great. It's recommended that your children eat at least two 140g servings per week. Other sources of Omega 3 include nuts, seeds oils including Flax seed and rapeseed, leafy green vegetables and red meat.

With a regular diet of the above foods, not only will your children have sufficient Omega 3 intake, they'll also benefit from the other nutrients fish have to offer such as calcium, vitamins A and D and selenium, which helps protect cells from damage. Plus, all oily fish is delicious in taste and can be served in a whole host of different ways.

Go on mums, serve up the fish and boost your kids' brains!