Honey is Winnie the Pooh’s favorite snack for good reason. Not only does it add a sweet kick to whatever you drizzle it on, but it’s a medicinal food, one that is packed with health benefits. Before we dive into the main benefits of honey, it’s important to note the difference between raw honey and the honey you find in the grocery store. Most of the honey you see on grocery store shelves has been pasteurized to remove yeast and crystallization and to extend its shelf life. It’s good for you, but nowhere near as powerful as raw honey. If you want to unlock the key benefits of honey, you need to get the raw stuff. The first benefit of raw honey is that it has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. It’s effective against pathogens like E.coli and salmonella and can improve your body’s ability to deal with wounds, bed sores, and ulcers. On top of that, it can serve as natural cough medicine. Another benefit of raw honey is that it has antioxidants. These antioxidants help lower the number of free radicals in your body, which is the lead cause of damage to your DNA and lead to illness. With the powerful antioxidants of raw honey, you can fight the free radicals to have a healthier body. Lastly, raw honey is great because it provides energy. Honey is primarily fructose and glucose so it’s a natural energy source for the body, and perfect for any athlete searching for a natural boost.