7 Magical Benefits of Raw Honey That You Didn't Know

You’ve probably seen a jar of raw honey on a shelf and wondered, "What's the big deal? Isn't all honey the same?" The truth is, raw honey is a world away from the clear, uniform liquid you find in most supermarkets. It's a natural, unpasteurised, and unfiltered golden elixir that comes straight from the hive, retaining a wealth of nutrients, enzymes, and compounds that are often destroyed in the high-heat processing of conventional honey.

Think of it as a living food. Raw honey is a powerhouse of health benefits that go far beyond its role as a simple sweetener. It's a natural remedy, a beauty aid, and a nutritional supplement all rolled into one. Here are seven surprising benefits of raw honey that you likely didn't know.

1. It’s a Gut-Health Powerhouse

While you might think of honey as just sugar, raw honey is a potent prebiotic. Unlike processed honey, which has had its beneficial components stripped away, raw honey contains oligosaccharides, which are complex sugars that act as a food source for the good bacteria in your gut. These beneficial bacteria, or probiotics, are essential for proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and a strong immune system.

By feeding your gut's friendly microbes, raw honey helps create a healthy digestive environment. It can help reduce bloating and gas and may even alleviate symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). A spoonful of raw honey in water each day can be a simple, sweet way to support your gut flora and, in turn, your overall health.

For optimal gut health, take a teaspoon of Raw Organic Pink Lychee Honey mixed in a glass of cold or warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast. 

2. It’s a Potent Natural Antibiotic and Antifungal

Long before modern medicine, honey was used to treat wounds and infections. This isn't just folk wisdom; it's backed by science. Raw honey contains a powerful enzyme called glucose oxidase, which creates hydrogen peroxide when mixed with the fluids of the body. Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known antiseptic that fights off harmful bacteria, making raw honey an effective topical treatment for minor cuts and scrapes.

Furthermore, its low moisture content and acidic pH create an inhospitable environment for microbes, making it difficult for bacteria and fungi to thrive. The sticky nature of honey also creates a protective barrier over wounds, preventing further contamination and promoting faster healing.

Take a teaspoon of 20+ Active Raw Organic Coffee Bean Honey mixed in a glass of cold or warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast.

3. It Can Help Alleviate Allergies

This benefit might be the most surprising of all. Some raw honeys have a natural anti-allergy / antihistamine effect on the body, but without the side effects and drowsiness of allergy medication.

The effect is instant as long as it's taken correctly. Take a teaspoon of Raw Organic Red Gumbo Limbo Honey mixed in a glass of cold or warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast.

4. It’s a Natural Energy Source for Athletes

For centuries, athletes have used raw honey as a natural performance enhancer. Unlike refined sugar, which causes a rapid spike and crash in blood sugar, honey's unique composition of fructose and glucose provides a more sustained energy release. Glucose is absorbed quickly by the body, giving an immediate boost, while fructose is absorbed more slowly, ensuring a lasting supply of energy.

This makes raw honey an excellent pre-workout snack or a natural alternative to energy gels during long endurance activities. It fuels your muscles without the unpleasant sugar crash, helping you maintain peak performance for longer periods.

Take a teaspoon of Raw Organic Golden Pilosa Honey in a glass of cold or warm water as pre and post workout fuel.

5. It Can Promote Restful Sleep

If you have trouble falling asleep, a spoonful of raw honey might be the solution you’ve been looking for. When consumed before bed, honey helps your liver produce glucose, which keeps your brain's glycogen levels stable throughout the night. This prevents your body from having to produce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are released when your blood sugar drops too low.

These hormones can interrupt your sleep cycle. By keeping your glycogen levels steady, honey helps you stay in a restful, deep sleep. 

Take a teaspoon of Raw Organic Pacific Avocado Honey in a glass of warm milk an hour before bedtime. 

6. It's a Beauty and Skincare Secret

The same antibacterial and antifungal properties that make raw honey a great remedy for wounds also make it a fantastic addition to your skincare routine. Honey is a natural humectant, meaning it draws moisture from the air into your skin, helping to keep it hydrated and soft.

You can use raw honey as a face mask to cleanse pores and fight acne, or as a gentle exfoliator. Its anti-inflammatory properties can also help soothe irritated skin, reduce redness, and calm conditions like eczema. For a simple and effective facial treatment, apply a thin layer of Raw Organic Rivera Gum Honey to your face, leave it on for 15-20 minutes, and rinse with warm water.

7. It's an Antioxidant Powerhouse

The darker the honey, the richer it is in antioxidants. Raw honey contains a variety of antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids, which help neutralise free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cellular damage, leading to chronic diseases and premature aging.

By regularly consuming raw honey, you're giving your body a natural defense against this oxidative stress. This can help protect your heart, support brain health, and reduce your risk of certain diseases. The antioxidants also contribute to honey's anti-inflammatory effects, making it a valuable food for managing chronic inflammation.

For an antioxidant boost, take a teaspoon of Raw Organic Pacific Avocado Honey mixed in a glass of cold or warm water on an empty stomach first thing in the morning before breakfast. 

Conclusion

Raw honey is far more than just a sweet treat. It's a natural, multi-functional food that offers a wide range of health benefits, from improving gut health and fighting infections to boosting athletic performance and enhancing your skin. By choosing raw honey over its processed counterpart sugar syrup, you’re not only enjoying a more complex and delicious flavor, but you’re also embracing a pure, wholesome product that supports your body in surprising and powerful ways. So, the next time you're looking to buy honey, go for that jar of raw honey—it's a small change that can make a big difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Raw Honey

1. How can you tell if honey is truly raw? True raw honey has an aroma which is different to processed supermarket honey. It can be clear and runny or opaque and cloudy. Raw honey often crystallises quickly. Unlike processed honey, it may contain small bits of pollen, propolis, or beeswax, giving it a thick and slightly grainy texture.

2. Is it safe to give raw honey to children? Raw honey is safe to be given to children as long as they are over one year old. Raw honey should never be given to children under one year old. This is due to the risk of infant botulism, a serious illness caused by spores that can be present in raw honey.

3. Does raw honey expire or go bad? Raw honey has an incredibly long shelf life and can last indefinitely if stored properly. It contains hydrogen peroxide and bacteria cannot survive in hydrogen peroxide. Its low moisture and acidic pH also create an environment where bacteria cannot thrive, so it won't spoil.

4. Why does raw honey get thick and grainy (crystallise)? Crystallisation is a natural and expected process for raw honey and is a sign of its purity. It occurs when the glucose separates from the water, and you can easily re-liquefy it by placing the jar in a bowl of hot water.

5. What is the difference between raw honey and organic honey? Raw honey refers to the minimal processing it undergoes (unpasteurised and unfiltered), while organic honey is a certification based on the beekeeping practices and the environment where the bees forage. A honey can be raw, organic, both, or neither. The best type of honey, in its purest, most natural form, is raw organic honey.