We have all seen that getting to the gym every day, eating healthy, and living a sober life do not save people from falling ill often. It is not because of our flawed lifestyle, but an upset immunity system. COVID-19 made us understand how important immunity is in saving us from disease and disorders. Now, our near markets are completely occupied with those products whose label declares them immunity boosters. On the internet also, one can find many home remedies for boosting immunity. But rather than getting confused by seeing all this, it would be better if you analyze your kitchen. Your kitchen can be full of ingredients that can work as nectar not only for immunity but for your entire health. One of these natural ingredients is honey. We have all used it either as a substitute for sugar or as a topical remedy. But do you know it also helps in boosting immunity? Well, that's a point we are going to discuss in this blog.
Honey conventionally has been considered a medicine that recently came into the spotlight for its possible immunity-boosting capacity, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory role thus bestowing its immune-stimulating property. Honey or ‘Madhu’ in Ayurvedic sacred writings is probably the chief medicine used in Ayurveda. Himalaya Honey has a commendable nutritional value. Its immunomodulatory effects may offer promising prospects for individuals with immune-related disorders.
Bioactive compounds present in honey may modulate the immune system by maintaining the body's resistance against infection and promoting health in general. The antioxidant activity of forest honey strengthens the immune system by protecting immune cells against oxidative damage for optimal function. Therefore, regular consumption of honey may result in an enhanced immune status and hence may be recommended as a healthy diet.
How Our Bodies Fight Against Diseases
Viruses and infections entering our body initiate a very elaborate immune response. The mode of action our immune system undertakes is explained below.
Innate Immunity:
First Line of Defence: Skin and the mucous membranes are among the body's natural barriers that act to keep the virus out.
Immune Cells: Activated cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and natural killer cells attack and destroy the virus.
Active Immunity:
Our body learns to recognize that virus and neutralize it with specific antibodies.
Memory Cells: These cells remember the virus for a rapid and more effective response in case we are exposed again.
Honey has also been found as an immunity enhancer due to its unique properties. As per one study in Heliyon Journal, honey can do the following:
Trigger Immune Cells
Honey can act as an activator for some immune cells, including T- and B-lymphocytes and neutrophils. These are greatly involved in responding to infections, especially with the production of substances such as cytokines. This is amplifying the interferon levels in the immune system. Honey raises IFN-γ levels of protein with antiviral effects. This particular protein may be complex to a virus-like spike and membrane proteins targeting it for destruction.
Stimulates Antibody Production
Honey, through stimulation of B-cells and T-cells, encourages the production of antibodies. These antibodies are like the "soldiers" of the body, shaped in a particular manner to target viruses and eliminate them.
Reduces Inflammation
Honey is an anti-inflammatory agent. It dampens inflammatory markers responsible for exacerbating inflammation within the body. This lessens the virus-induced damage.
A Spoon of Nutrients and Antioxidants
In forest honey, you'll find vitamins, benefical acid glutathione, and essential minerals that work all together to boost our immune health. It also breaks down dangerous enzymes and toxins in the body, thereby improving health.
Promotes Repair and Healing
Honey can stimulate activities that can help restore degenerated tissues. This enables it not only to combat infection but also to aid the body in its recovery from infection.
Unique Actions of Forest Raw Honey
Forest raw honey is special because it is less processed and less filtered, making it the most nutritious and pure kind of honey. It supports the body's functions because of its mineral and vitamin contents: zinc, iron, selenium, and a range of B vitamins such as B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, B6, and vitamin C.
Regulates Blood and Enzyme Counts
Honey regulates the blood sugar level, decreases harmful enzymes in the liver and muscles, and increases blood levels of immune cells, including monocytes and eosinophils, which further enhance the capability of the body to fight infections.
Conclusion
It is more than a sweetener and serves as an immune booster for the body, naturally activating immunity cells to help reduce inflammation for healing, hence protecting the body from various infections and supporting overall health. However, its full potential against some viruses needs further studies for validation.
