Milk and honey are both nutritious foods, and when combined, they can affect the body in several helpful and sometimes unexpected ways. Many people know this mixture as a bedtime drink, but it can influence your health in other areas too.
1. Helps With Better Sleep
Milk mixed with honey has long been used as a natural remedy for poor sleep. Both foods contain tryptophan, an amino acid that helps the body produce serotonin and melatonin. These hormones help the body relax and signal that it is time to sleep.
In one small study involving older adults, people who took milk and honey twice a day for three days reported better sleep quality.
This combination may also support a healthy gut. Milk and honey contain substances that help good bacteria grow in the digestive system. A healthy gut is linked to better sleep and overall well-being.
2. Supports Strong and Healthy Bones
Milk is well known for supporting bone health because it contains calcium and vitamin D.
Calcium is needed to keep bones strong. If the body does not get enough calcium from food, it starts pulling it from the bones, which can weaken them over time. Vitamin D helps the body absorb and keep calcium, and most milk is fortified with this vitamin.
Honey contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help protect bones. Some animal studies suggest honey may slow bone loss and even help fractures heal faster.
3. May Help With Wound Healing
Milk and honey may also be useful when applied to the skin, although research is still limited.
In one animal study, wounds treated with a mixture of milk and honey healed faster than wounds treated with milk alone, honey alone, or even an antibiotic cream. This suggests the combination may support skin repair, but more research is needed in humans.
4. Can Support Heart Health
Health experts recommend including low-fat or fat-free dairy products as part of a heart-friendly diet.
Although whole milk contains more saturated fat, some recent studies suggest it may not be as harmful as once believed. Research shows whole milk can increase good cholesterol and does not appear to raise blood pressure.
Honey may also help the heart by lowering bad cholesterol and reducing total cholesterol levels. Together, milk and honey may offer some heart health benefits when consumed in moderation.
5. Adds Calories to Your Diet
A cup of whole milk contains about 150 calories, while one tablespoon of honey adds around 64 calories. This makes milk with honey a filling snack or drink.
However, it is important to consider these calories as part of your daily intake to avoid unwanted weight gain.
6. Contains Added Sugar
Even though honey is natural, it is still counted as added sugar in the diet. It mainly contains glucose and fructose. Health guidelines recommend limiting added sugar intake to avoid health problems.
Milk contains lactose, which is a natural sugar and is not considered added sugar.
7. May Be Difficult to Digest for Some People
People with lactose intolerance may struggle to digest milk and can experience bloating, gas, diarrhea, or nausea. Using lactose-free milk can help reduce these problems.
Honey contains fructose, which some people also find hard to digest. Honey is considered a high-FODMAP food and may trigger digestive discomfort in people with conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
8. May Increase Certain Skin Problems
In people under 30 years old, drinking milk and consuming dairy products has been linked to a higher risk of acne. Some young children with eczema are also more likely to have a milk allergy.
Allergic reactions to honey are rare, but they can happen. Mild reactions may include itching or hives, while severe reactions can cause swelling or breathing difficulties.
Milk and honey can be beneficial for many people, but they are not suitable for everyone. As with most foods, moderation and individual tolerance matter.
