One of the most potent superfoods happens to be a very common pantry item. Honey is more than just a sweet, fragrant syrup — it is a powerhouse of nutrition that can take your health to new levels.

Most honey has been mainstreamed to the point that the typical brands hanging out on grocery store shelves are over-processed and devoid of enzymes and nutrients, which is why it is important to consume only “raw” honey. Unprocessed and not heated above 115 degrees Fahrenheit, raw honey is a powerful remedy to everyday ailments, and all it takes is a few teaspoons per day to taste and feel the benefits.

Honey use dates back some 8,000 years and is cherished in many religions. And while honey is mostly comprised of carbohydrates in the form of fructose and glucose, it has many medicinal applications. Unpasteurized, raw honey is full of live enzymes, healthy bacteria, antioxidants and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and C. It is also loaded with minerals such as magnesium potassium, calcium sodium chlorine, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, sulfur, zinc and phosphate.

Raw honey provides an energy boost with its carbohydrate content — 17 grams per tablespoon — and can give you that extra morning or midday push. It also has a prebiotic and probiotic affect on the body, which contribute to the growth of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract and a properly functioning digestive system. Raw honey also supports a strong immune system, as it has strong antibacterial and anti-fungal properties that fight bacterial and viral diseases. And with its antioxidant content, raw honey may help to slow the aging process and prevent cancer. Other reported benefits include treating infertility, eczema, anemia, acne, morning sickness, sore throats, and high cholesterol.

Because raw honey is not pasteurized, there is always the off-chance that you encounter a bad batch with harmful bacteria, but the benefits far outweigh the costs. The bees’ hard work shouldn’t be ignored either — raw honey is an underrated natural remedy to some of your most common ailments and it’s worth the slightly higher price. To benefit the most from raw honey, take a spoonful of it in the morning on an empty stomach or mix a teaspoon into warm tea or water.

Photo Credit: SionaKaren

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