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Research On Sweet Uses of Honey

Doctors suspect papaya may help boost the immune system because it's so rich in antioxidants. Now, they're conducting a study to find out if papaya - taken in crystal extract form - can help further protect people from the flu.

Dr. Marc Weksler of New York's Weill Cornell Medical Center says, "This year, we're trying - whether by adding antioxidants to the conventional license flu vaccine, we can stimulate a greater percentage of old people to be protected against influenza."

No matter how well fruit works, your best defense against the flu is the vaccine.

Another food may help boost your immune system, too - and may also speed up the healing process. You probably drink it in tea or maybe put it on toast. But honey could have added benefits.

These bees produce honey for hospitals. But it's not on the menu. This honey treats skin infections.

Naturopathic doctor Mark Stengler says, "It does have a natural anti-inflammatory affect so the wounds heal more quickly."

Medical journals cite more than 600 cases of honey treating wounds. Recently, a British teenager with severely infected skin got better with honey after traditional treatments failed.

Stengler says, "They have done studies where people that use the honey topically in bandages and so forth recover 25% faster than people who do just the regular treatment."

It turns out, honey is a natural antiseptic. Many types of bacteria can't survive in the gooey stuff. It helps wounds heal, swelling go down, and tissue grow back. Burns even heal better with honey.

So far, treatment centers in the U.S. and Canada aren't buzzing over the news. Wound care specialist Dr. Robert Vallone says substituting the sweetner for standard care can be a sticky proposition. "Alternative medicine is coming around. It's very popular these days. However, it does take time for acceptance."

The National Honey Board backs many of the studies, but is pushing for more clinical testing in America. Until then, consumers will have to settle for honey at tea time.

And by the way, another study says a spoonful of honey right before a workout is a good energy booster.

*Courtesy of the National Honey Board *