4 Foods and Drinks to Pair With Honey for Better Digestion and Stronger Immunity

Honey pairs naturally with a variety of everyday ingredients and foods to create simple combinations that may help support digestion, immunity, energy, and overall well-being.

1. Hot Water

Mixing honey with warm or hot water is a simple, hydrating way to enjoy several potential health benefits. Drinking honey water may:

• Relieve cold or allergy symptoms: The combination of honey and warm water can help soothe a sore throat and even ease a cough.
• Boost your energy: Honey contains glucose and fructose, which can be used as a quick energy source.
• Support digestion: Studies suggest that honey, particularly raw or minimally processed, may help balance your digestive system by supporting beneficial gut bacteria.
• Help with weight management: Drinking honey water as a substitute for more sugary drinks can help you reduce calorie intake. Honey may also help regulate blood sugar levels and appetite in some people.

2. Milk

Mixing honey with milk creates a comforting beverage that offers several nutritional and health benefits. For example, it may:

3. Apple Cider Vinegar

Combining apple cider vinegar (ACV) and honey makes an herbal tonic sometimes called “oxymel,” which may help:

• Improve digestion: ACV contains probiotics that help support a balanced gut microbiome. Honey contains prebiotics, which promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria.
• Control blood sugar: ACV can help your body use insulin more efficiently, which supports blood sugar control. While honey is a source of sugar, it raises blood sugar more slowly than refined sugar.
• Boost the immune system: ACV and honey both contain antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds that can help support your immune system.

4. Garlic

Garlic honey is made by combining whole garlic cloves with honey and allowing them to ferment for a few weeks to several months in a jar. Once fermented, the mixture can be used in recipes or consumed directly. Combining garlic and honey can help:

• Support heart health: Garlic may help lower cholesterol levels and, in people with mildly high blood pressure, reduce blood pressure.
• Regulate blood sugar levels: Studies suggest that garlic may enhance the effects of metformin (a blood sugar-lowering drug for diabetes) and stimulate insulin production. Honey, while a source of sugar, has a milder impact on blood sugar levels and may be a suitable alternative to refined sugar for people with type 2 diabetes.
• Deliver antioxidants and other beneficial compounds: Honey and garlic both contain antioxidant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties.