The Natural Benefits of Honey: Sweetener Could Fight Antibiotic Resistance

Honey is known as a natural sweetener, but it provides other useful benefits. It can be used as a natural energy booster, a cough suppressant, and even for skin improvement. Researchers have now unearthed a new, potential medical use for the sweetener.

At the 247^th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Dallas, Texas, researchers presented honey's potential role to fight infections on multiple levels. They believe that the natural sweetener can reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics, which has been a major problem in the medical world.

Several studies suggested that honey disrupts the formation of biofilms, which are disease-causing bacteria. Honey contains antioxidants, including phenolic acids, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, and ellagic acid. Antioxidants inhibit the oxidation of other molecules, particularly ones that contribute to cell damage. Honey's antioxidant activity is believed to be effective against E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, among others, the study mentions.

Susan M. Meschwitz, PhD, led the study and found that honey utilizes hydrogen peroxide, acidity, the osmotic effect, high sugar concentration, and polyphenols to kill bacterial cells. Perhaps the most effective, the osmotic effect draws water from the bacterial cells, which dehydrates and kills them.

"The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance," said Dr. Meschwitz, in a news release. "We have run standard antioxidant tests on honey to measure the level of antioxidant activity and have separated and identified the various antioxidant polyphenol compounds."

This could be a big break for medicine, adding to honey's useful natural properties. Honey has proved to be healthy for the body in various ways: one tablespoon provides 17 grams of carbohydrates for essential fuel, it is used in hand lotions and moisturizers to attract and maintain moisture, and it helps mitigate the harmful effects of the cold and flu by soothing sore throats and sinus drainage.