raw honey Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Delicious Breakfast Banana Green Smoothie

AHA Publisher — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 07:00:19 +0000

Dr. Don Colbert – Delicious Breakfast Banana Green Smoothie INGREDIENTS 2 cups baby spinach leaves, or to taste 1 banana 1 carrot, peeled and cut into large chunks 3/4 cup organic plain Greek yogurt, or to taste 3/4 cup ice 2 tablespoons raw honey DIRECTIONS Put spinach, banana, carrot, yogurt, ice, and honey in a blender; blend until smooth. For added benefits: add one scoop of Green Supremefood To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Colbert click here.

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THIS Sugar-Alternative May Lead the Charge Against Deadly Antibiotic Resistance

AHA Publisher — Fri, 30 Apr 2021 07:00:20 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Every year, at least 2.8 million Americans develop an antibiotic-resistant infection – and more than 35,000 of them lose their lives. Scientists warn that certain bacteria have become resistant to existing antimicrobial treatments, causing common infections to become difficult – or even impossible – to treat. This frightening situation has led the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to label antibiotic resistance as one of the biggest public health challenges of our time – and has triggered a scramble among researchers to develop alternative antimicrobial strategies. Now, it appears that an ordinary nutrient and sweetener could hold the key. A 2020 review published in Antibiotics sheds new light on the antibacterial properties of honey and proposes it as an effective alternative therapy against multidrug-resistant bacteria. Let’s take a look at how honey combats disease-causing microbes. Nature’s Intelligence in Action: Honey’s Constituents Work Together to Destroy Pathogens Researchers say that no single ingredient can account for the remarkable antibacterial properties of honey. Rather, dozens of compounds work synergistically, each increasing the power of the others. For example, honey contains over 30 organic acids, including acetic, butyric, and gluconic acids. The resultant acidity and low pH create an unfavorable environment for microbial growth right from the start. Various polyphenols and flavonoids also contribute to antimicrobial effects. In addition, honey’s high sugar and low water content create osmotic pressure and stress on microorganisms. Honey also produces hydrogen peroxide – a powerful antibacterial agent in its own right – and contains a compound known as methylglyoxal (MGO). The main antibacterial compound in Manuka honey, MGO is considered one of the most effective pathogen-destroying constituents of honey. Finally, honey contains an antimicrobial peptide known as bee defensin-1. Researchers think bee defensin works by creating pores within bacterial cell membranes, thereby causing cell death. While the purpose of defensin in bees is to fight devastating larval infections, this remarkable peptide also strongly inhibits a variety of pathogens, including B. subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The Potent Antibacterial Properties of Honey Extend to MRSA and Hard-to-Treat Biofilms According to the review’s authors, honey can inhibit a wide variety of pathogens, including E. coli, multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa, and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Promisingly, honey even works against vancomycin-resistant S. aureus – currently, one of the foremost pathogens to infect chronic wounds. And, it wasn’t only in test tubes that honey displayed its powers. The team cited a case in which Manuka honey promoted effective wound healing against a leg ulcer colonized by MRSA. Honey has also been shown to act against biofilms, layered communities of bacteria that are notoriously difficult to dislodge and treat. “Honey is effective in disturbing the biofilm strengthening in both drug-sensitive and drug-resistant bacteria,” the authors declared. In addition to helping prevent communities of bacterial species from forming in the first place, honey significantly inhibits the metabolic activity of existing biofilms. While the researchers advised using medical-grade Manuka honey, they noted that “common” honey samples – including Canadian sweet clover, blueberry, and buckwheat honey – also acted as antibacterial agents, with action against E. coli, S. aureus, and MRSA. By the way, research suggests that bacteria do not become resistant to honey. Honey’s hundreds of compounds, all working synergistically, make the development of “honey-resistance” difficult, if not impossible. Research Has Shown That Medicinal Honey Promotes Healing of Burns and Other Wounds In one 2011 review, the authors evaluated 26 different studies and concluded that for mild to moderate superficial and partial thickness burns, honey was more effective than conventional treatment for reducing microbial colonization and speeding healing. Now, a decade later, even more research on honey’s therapeutic effects has accumulated. Honey is currently acknowledged as an effective treatment for diabetic foot ulcers (serious complications of diabetes that can lead to amputation). In fact, in one study published in International Wound Journal, Manuka honey-infused dressings healed an impressive 97 percent of patients’ diabetic ulcers – and accomplished this more speedily and effectively than conventional dressings! Some natural health experts advise using medical-grade honey on inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema. Naturally, you should consult your own integrative doctor before using topical honey to treat skin disorders or any other condition. Keep in mind that the review authors stressed that honey used for medical purposes must be free of pesticides, heavy metals, and spores – and guaranteed in its antibacterial efficacy and safety for patients. The Delicious Takeaway: Consuming Honey Pays Off in Sweet Health Dividends Of course, you can also obtain health benefits from honey merely by eating it. Studies have shown that honey has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities. In fact, in two separate studies, buckwheat honey was found to significantly boost the body’s antioxidant capabilities. Honey may also lower blood pressure, reduce harmful LDL cholesterol and decrease fats in the blood while raising levels of beneficial HDL cholesterol. Surprisingly, some studies show that honey can even play a role in promoting weight loss. When consumed in modest amounts, honey can be a part of a healthy diet, particularly when used as an alternative to white sugar. (If you have prediabetes or diabetes, you should seek guidance from your nutritionist or physician.) Many natural health experts advise Manuka honey as the most therapeutic, but other varieties have been shown to benefit health as well. Because of honey’s content of calories and sugars, daily amounts should not exceed two tablespoons for women and three for men. In general: the darker the honey, the more polyphenols it contains – and the higher the antioxidant value. As researchers work towards more effective ways of fighting the growing threat of antibiotic resistance, there is little doubt that honey will play an important role. Sources for this article include: CDC.gov Sciencedaily.com ACS.org Wiley.com Healthline.com Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Watermelon Agua Fresca Recipe

AHA Publisher — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 07:00:54 +0000

Dr. Axe – Are you in need of a refreshing drink to cool down with this summer? You’ve got to try this fruity, sparkling Watermelon Agua Fresca. Agua fresca, or “fresh water,” is a popular drink in Mexico and throughout Central America. They’re made by combining water with sugar and fruits to create a sweet and tasty beverage. My version uses cooling benefit-rich watermelon and honey to keep it free from refined sugars. When mixed with sparkling water, the result is a fizzy beverage you’ll want to drink all summer long. Start by blending the watermelon, raw honey and fresh lime juice in a blender until the watermelon is smooth. Mix in the Pellegrino before pouring. Garnish the drink with lime slices or mint leaves before serving. Make a big batch of this Watermelon Agua Fresca to keep in the refrigerator for hot nights or for serving at barbecues. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups watermelon, cut into pieces ½ cup water ½ tablespoon raw honey ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice ½ cup sparkling water DIRECTIONS: Blend watermelon, water, honey and lime juice in a blender. Stir in sparkling water just prior to serving. Garnish with lime slices and mint leaves if desired. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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Secret Detox Drink Recipe (A Natural Detox Drink Recipe)

AHA Publisher — Sun, 17 May 2020 07:00:58 +0000

Dr. Josh Axe, DC, DMN, CNS – If you are feeling weighed down and sluggish, it may be time for my secret detox drink, which can help cleanse your body and make you feel rejuvenated. For many years, I’ve added detox drinks to my health regime because as toxins leave my body, I feel clear-headed and energized. Plus, recipes like this one don’t require a blender or juicer, so they are simple and easily accessible. This is a simple beverage recipe that takes only minutes to prepare and includes key ingredients for natural detoxification, including lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne pepper. It’s both refreshing and energizing, so give it a try today for the little boost we all need from time to time. Why Drink the Secret Detox Drink? Unfortunately, it’s nearly impossible to avoid the everyday chemicals that threaten your health, especially when they’re hidden in our clothing, furniture, soaps and shampoos. On top of that, we are constantly exposed to environmental pollutants, and dangerous chemicals in our foods like heavy metals, pesticides and preservatives. In order to avoid toxic overload that will leave you feeling fatigued, moody, bloated and achey, it’s a great idea to use detox drinks to help cleanse and purify your body. My secret detox drink contains some of the best ingredients for detoxification. Apple cider vinegar has shown to improve your metabolism and digestive function, while working to cleanse your liver and lymphatic system. Lemon juice has an alkaline effect on your body and helps to regulate your pH levels. Drinking lemon water, or adding it to your drinks and juices, can help to boost your energy levels, detoxify your body, keep skin glowing (thanks to vitamin C) and improve immune function. Cinnamon, cayenne pepper and ginger contain therapeutic compounds that help to reduce inflammation, aid digestionand boost your metabolism, which is a helpful step toward weight loss. That’s why drinking ginger tea, for example, is so popular. It contains valuable compounds that boost your health and promote detoxification. An optional ingredient for your detox drink is raw honey. I like to add raw honey to many of my health drinks and detox smoothie recipes because it’s a nutrient-dense natural sweetener. It adds a little sweetness to this drink while nourishing the body with antioxidants. INGREDIENTS: 1 glass of warm or hot water (12–16 ounces) 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½–1 teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 1 dash cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon raw, local honey (optional) DIRECTIONS: Warm the water. Mix all ingredients together. Best served warm but drink at desired temperature. Secret Detox Drink Nutrition Facts One glass of my secret detox drink made using this recipe (with the honey) contains roughly the following: (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) 48 calories 0.5 grams protein 0.4 grams fat 11 grams carbohydrates 1.2 grams fiber 6 grams sugar 0.8 milligrams manganese (47 percent DV) 753 IUs vitamin A (32 percent DV) 13.3 milligrams vitamin C (18 percent DV) 0.07 milligrams vitamin B6 (6 percent DV) 0.6 milligrams vitamin E (4 percent DV) 0.6 milligrams iron (4 percent DV) 0.3 milligrams vitamin B3 (3 percent DV) 10 milligrams magnesium (3 percent DV) 120 milligrams potassium (3 percent DV) 0.02 milligrams copper (3 percent DV) How to Make the Secret Detox Drink The first step in making my secret detox drink is to warm 12 to 16 ounces of water. Now all you have to do is add your ingredients. Start by adding 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to your warm water. Then stir in ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon and a dash of cayenne pepper. The last two ingredients are 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of raw, local honey, which is optional, but will add a little sweetness to your drink. Stir it all together, and your detox drink is ready to enjoy. I like to have it when it’s still warm, but you can drink it at any temperature. For more intense detoxification, I recommend drinking this detox drink three times daily about 20 minutes before meals for two weeks to flush out toxins. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to cleanse your body and boost your energy, have this drink once a day before breakfast or lunch. To read the original article click here. For more articles from Dr. Axe click here.

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