Honey is rich in nutrients and antioxidants, has antibacterial properties, and can play a role in diabetes management as part of a balanced diet. But that's not all. Honey is a syrupy substance honeybees make from plant nectar. It is a common ingredient in many foods and is available in many forms. The product also has several potential health benefits and plays a role in many home remedies and alternative medicine treatments. Here are 5 unique health benefits of honey. 1. Contains a variety of nutrients: One tablespoon, or 20 grams (g) of honey contains: 61 calories, zero grams of fat, zero grams of protein, 17 grams of carbs, zero grams of fiber, 1 percent of the daily value of riboflavin, and 1 percent of the daily value of copper. Honey is essentially pure sugar, with no fat and only trace amounts of protein and fiber. It contains small amounts of some nutrients, but most people typically don't consume enough honey for it to be a significant dietary source of vitamins and minerals. Still, it's worth noting that honey is rich in health-promoting plant compounds known as polyphenols. 2. Rich in antioxidants: Minimally-processed honey contains many important bioactive plant compounds and antioxidants, such as flavonoids and phenolic acids. Darker varieties of honey tend to offer more antioxidants than lighter varieties. Antioxidants help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) in your body, which can build up in cells and cause damage. This damage can contribute to conditions like premature aging, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. As such, many of honey's health benefits are attributed to its antioxidant content. 3. Better for blood sugar levels than regular sugar: Regarding blood sugar management, honey may offer some slight benefits over regular sugar. Although honey raises your blood sugar level just like other types of sugar do, the antioxidants it contains may help protect against metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Researchers have found that honey may increase adiponectin levels, a hormone that reduces inflammation and improves blood sugar regulation. There's also evidence that daily honey intake may improve fasting blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. However, while honey may be slightly better than refined sugar for people with diabetes, people should consume it in moderation. It's also important to know that some producers dilute honey with syrup. Although honey adulteration is illegal in most countries, it remains a widespread problem. 4. May improve heart health: Honey may also help prevent heart disease. According to one review, honey may help lower blood pressure, improve blood fat levels, regulate your heartbeat, and prevent the death of healthy cells — all factors that can improve your heart function and health. One observational study including over 4,500 people over 40 associated a moderate honey intake with a lower risk of high blood pressure among women. A rodent study also showed that honey helped protect the heart from oxidative stress. Additionally, raw honey typically contains propolis, a resin that bees produce from sap-producing trees and similar plants. Propolis may improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels. All told, there's no long-term human study available on honey and heart health. More research is needed to understand honey's effects on heart health better. 5. Promotes burn and wound healing: There is a historical precedent for the use of topical honey treatment for wound and burn healing. The practice is still common today. A review of 26 studies on honey and wound care found it most effective at healing partial-thickness burns and wounds that have become infected after surgery. Manuka honey, specifically, may have positive applications in burn treatments. However, if you have a severe burn, home remedies are not a viable substitute for emergency care, and you should seek medical attention immediately. Researchers theorize that honey's healing powers come from its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. From the above, honey has been shown to have positive effects when ingested and when applied topically on wounds. However, it is important to remember that taking honey too frequently can affect your health negatively, and that it is not a substitute for the proper treatment of wounds.