A: The benefits are many, but mostly, the original hive nutrients are left intact. The minerals, live enzymes, vitamins, and antioxidants are not destroyed by heating.
University of Illinois food scientists discovered that honey packs the same antioxidant punch as spinach and strawberries. Studies reveal that eating 2-4 Tbs. of honey daily can raise antioxidant levels in your bloodstream by 10%. The antioxidants stop cholesterol from sticking to blood vessel walls and help prevent buildup of plaque in arteries. Honey can stimulate B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes to multiply, thus boosting the immune system. Honey has been used for centuries to improve poor digestion, oral health, sore throat, cough, allergies, burns, wounds, scars and rashes. Honey is more effective than antibiotic ointments on a cut or burn. It reduces infection, speeds healing and reduces scarring. In one study 87% of patients with honey-coated burns healed completely within 2 weeks, compared to just 10% of those treated with standard Rx, silver sulfadiazine. Also, the honey destroyed 100% of the bacteria that cause infection. Eating 1-2 Tbs. of honey helps people exercise harder and longer and keeps them from feeling sluggish afterwards. Honey is antibacterial, anti-microbial, and anti-irritant.