A prescription for honey anyone? With cold and flu season approaching, you will be pleased to hear that honey just received superior marks as a remedy for symptoms of upper respiratory infections relative to standard over-the-counter meds.

For this report, scientists reviewed 14 previously published studies looking at the use of honey for typical cold symptoms and cough relative to medications. The results? Relative to drugs including antihistamines, decongestants, and pain meds, honey clearly won out with overall better symptom control including being 33% better for reducing cough frequency and 44% better for reducing cough severity. And unlike the drugs, honey is widely available, cheap, and virtually free of side effects. (Toddlers under 1 should avoid honey, however.)

Honey, particularly raw honey, is filled with potent antimicrobial compounds as well as beneficial antioxidants. Honey is thus a wise choice when you want a little added sweetness in your diet. (British Medical Journal http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjebm-2020-111336)

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