Honey has a long history of use and production, serving as a key ingredient in baked goods, cooking recipes, and even juices. It's increasingly popular as a natural substitute for sugar in many foods, making them healthier. Honey offers a variety of health benefits when consumed on its own, especially for both children and adults, due to its rich content of vitamins and minerals. Honey is also used in many natural skincare products, thanks to its beneficial properties for the skin. Furthermore, it has been used for centuries to treat wounds and skin ulcers due to its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, along with hydrogen peroxide, which is known for its disinfecting abilities.
In this article, Dr. Mounis Rahim, Professor of Nutrition and Therapeutic Health, discusses the various health benefits of honey for children, including its use in treating sore throats, stomach pain, and boosting immunity in natural remedies.
Health Benefits of Honey for Children
Before introducing honey to your child, it is crucial to consult a pediatrician to avoid any allergic reactions and to determine the appropriate quantity based on the child’s age. Several studies highlight the benefits of honey, especially when consumed on an empty stomach, in addition to its general advantages. Here are some of its key benefits:
1. Improves Digestive Health:
Honey is known to support gastrointestinal health. It can alleviate some digestive problems such as diarrhea and has been shown to be effective in treating gastric ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori bacteria. For children with digestive issues, two teaspoons of honey on an empty stomach can accelerate healing and alleviate pain.
2. Rich in Antioxidants:
Honey contains antioxidants like phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which help protect body cells from damage, thus preventing diseases like cancer and heart disease.
3. Treats Cough and Cold:
Raw honey can be an effective remedy for soothing coughs and reducing the severity of colds in children. It also acts as a natural treatment for sore throat pain. Honey can be given directly by the spoon or mixed with hot drinks and lemon.
4. A Good Source of Energy:
Carbohydrates are a primary source of energy for the body, and honey provides approximately 17 grams of carbohydrates. It also contains fructose, which is absorbed more slowly than glucose. Therefore, honey is an excellent addition to breakfast, especially for active children and athletes, as it helps maintain energy levels throughout the day.
Honey in Food:
Despite the potential benefits of consuming honey on an empty stomach or at any time of day, it can also be incorporated into meals for additional advantages:
Honey has a mild sweetness, making it a great addition to breakfast.
Unlike other types of honey, white honey retains moisture for longer periods, making it an excellent substitute for sugar in baking and desserts.
When using honey in baked goods, it thickens the batter, so you may need to increase the amount of other liquids to achieve the desired consistency.
Add ¼ teaspoon of baking soda per cup of honey to maintain the quality of your baked goods.
Reduce the baking temperature when using honey in recipes, as it caramelizes faster than sugar at higher temperatures.
Honey for Boosting Children's Energy:
Children, who are always active, require more energy. Honey is an ideal food for providing the necessary energy due to its content of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. It also contains various sugars like glucose and fructose.
Improves Digestive Health:
Some children may suffer from stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, or constipation. Honey can help alleviate these digestive issues, making it a great natural remedy for these common problems.
Boosts Immune System Health:
Honey is rich in antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, which help the body fight off diseases and infections. It boosts the immune system and is particularly helpful for children who are vulnerable to colds and illnesses, especially during the winter months when their immune systems are still developing.
Accelerates Wound Healing:
Honey promotes faster healing of wounds and burns due to its antioxidant properties and its ability to fight bacteria. It cleanses wounds and helps repair skin tissue quickly.
Supports Liver Health:
Honey also supports liver function by helping the body detoxify and eliminate harmful substances, making it beneficial for the overall health of children.
Precautions and Risks of Honey
While honey is beneficial for most children, it does come with certain precautions:
Honey contains certain bacteria that can produce toxins causing food poisoning, so it is not recommended for children under one year old due to the risk of botulism.
Honey should also be avoided by adults with compromised immune systems.
Recommended Honey Dosage for Children:
The amount of honey a child can consume depends on their age:
Children under 12 months: Honey should not be given to children younger than 12 months to avoid the risk of botulism.
Children aged 12-24 months: One teaspoon of honey is recommended.
Children aged 3-6 years: One tablespoon of honey per day is safe.
By following these guidelines and consulting a doctor, you can safely incorporate honey into your child's diet for its many health benefits.
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