How Honey Can Boost Your Immune System

In our previous post we discussed the many health benefits of honey, but did you know that honey can also help boost your immune system during the upcoming cold season?!

Tea is one of the healthiest beverages you can drink because it’s loaded with antioxidants that may reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke and certain cancers. It often contains less caffeine than coffee but can still give you mental alertness.

Tea may also boost the immune system and help you manage your weight. Plus, it’s an all-around great beverage that has plenty of flavor and no added sugars or chemicals as other drinks do.

Did you know that you can make your tea even healthier depending on the type of sweetener you put into it?

That’s right!

Honey is a popular way to sweeten your tea, and it’s packed with healthy plant polyphenols and other phytochemicals. As a matter of fact, research has found that a particular probiotic bacteria found in honeybees may stimulate the immune system in humans.

Immune-Boosting Bacteria

The probiotic bacteria found among honeybees is called Lactobacillus kunkeei. The bacteria was recently studied on behalf of winemaking because it was found in the winemaking fermentation process. But the bacteria is also contained in honey, in bee pollen and in the royal jelly made in the hive.

Scientists have learned that Lactobacillus kunkeei stimulate the cells’ immunity processes. In the study, researchers gave the heat-killed bacteria to 11 healthy adults for one month and found that it significantly stimulated the immune system.

In addition to these findings, researchers have also discovered that honey has antioxidant and antibacterial properties that can aid digestive function and help fight disease.

Where to Find the Best Honey

Tin Roof Teas has a great selection of sweeteners that include infused honey and regular honey. All of our infused honey products are organic and contain natural flavors such as lavender and hibiscus.

Or, choose from our flavored jars of honey such as Wild Blueberry Honey or Creamed Honey Pumpkin Spice – perfect for the fall and winter! We also have portable honey that comes in small, squeezable packets.

Honey has therapeutic benefits, just as tea does, so the two can make a powerful combination. Our advice: start your morning off right with a warm cup of tea and a splash of honey.