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Home / News / Spoonful of Mediterranean diet ‘superfood’ a day helps islanders live to 100 years old - Surrey Live
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Spoonful of Mediterranean diet ‘superfood’ a day helps islanders live to 100 years old - Surrey Live

Nov 02, 2024Nov 02, 2024

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A gastronomy expert has suggested that raw honey could be a key factor in the longevity of residents on the Greek island of Ikaria, known as one of the world's 'blue zones' where people live exceptionally long lives. Diane Kochilas, who resides on the island, believes that raw honey could be contributing to the extended lifespan of Ikaria's inhabitants.

Honey, whether raw or processed, is widely recognised for its numerous health benefits which could potentially enhance life expectancy when combined with other factors.

Anecdotal evidence from an islander suggests that a local recipe featuring garlic, ginger, sage and honey was considered the "penicillin of his generation", while another dubbed it as "natural Viagra," reports the Express.

Although the impact of honey on sexual health remains unexplored, various studies have investigated its potential benefits in other areas. A 2021 article published in the BMJ concluded: "Honey was superior to usual care for the improvement of symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. It provides a widely available and cheap alternative to antibiotics."

The report also suggested that "honey could help efforts to slow the spread of antimicrobial resistance, but further high quality, placebo-controlled trials are needed".

Research published in 2020 suggested that honey may be more effective than usual care in alleviating symptoms of colds and flu, including cough frequency and severity.

Furthermore, experts from CBD.co believe that honey's anti-inflammatory properties could also help reduce snoring. A spokesperson explained to GloucestershireLive: "Honey boasts impressive anti-inflammatory properties, which can work wonders for reducing snoring."

"When your throat is less irritated and inflamed, your airways are more open, making it less likely you’ll snore. Try mixing one teaspoon of honey into a cup of hot water, chamomile tea, or ginger tea."

"You can enjoy this cosy cup sometime between dinner and bedtime. It works really well as part of a soothing pre-bed routine to help you wind down and relax."