Last time we blew your minds with 4 Health Benefits of Cherries That Will Make You Chipper, and if you thought we’d stop there, prepare to be re-mesmerized.

Bees may frighten us with their buzzing and stingers, but we love their honey, that delicious ingredient that adds a depth of flavor to beverages, snacks and chef-worthy dishes. 

If you love the sweet taste of honey, you’ll be happy to know it is also quite healthy, and you bet your sweet nectar that we’re about to explore its health benefits. 

1. Honey Contains Polyphenols

Poly what?

Polyphenols are plant-based compounds found in foods such as fruit. Polyphenols have been linked to many potential health benefits, including:

• Lowering blood sugar levels
• Reduced risk of heart disease
• Prevention of blood clots
• Improved digestion
• Improved brain function

2. A Powerful Antioxidant

We can’t avoid the word “antioxidant” because it shows up in every healthy food. So deal with it! 

Fresh, unprocessed honey is rich in antioxidants and the darker the variety, the more antioxidants you’ll find. Antioxidants help neutralize the potential damage caused by reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. As a benefit, polyphenols can help combat the signs of premature aging.

3. A Healthy Alternative to Sugar

Now that you’re an expert in polyphenols, you’ll be happy to know that the polyphenols in honey can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels, especially when compared to basic sugar. 

To be clear, honey does still raise blood sugar levels, but it also helps improve blood sugar regulation because it can help increase levels of the hormone adiponectin. Just be sure you’re using pure honey without any additional sweeteners or syrups. 

4. Improved Heart Health

Honey can reduce the risk of high blood pressure. In addition, the propolis in raw honey could improve your triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Aren’t we just so sciencey?

5. Aids in Wound Healing

Honey has been used as a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment dating back to ancient Egypt. 

When honey is applied to burns and wounds, it can help promote healing and can also ease discomfort related to skin conditions such as psoriasis. Whatever you do, don’t lick it while it’s doing its healing thing. 

6. Calming Coughs and Soothing Sore Throats

Some contend that honey is the ideal natural cold medicine, offering an excellent cough suppressant. 

Just a spoonful has been known to calm coughs without the side effects of over-the-counter medicines. In fact, studies have found it to be better than diphenhydramine, a medicine commonly used to ease troublesome coughs. 

It can also help soothe painful sore throats. If it’s a little too sweet on its own, add a generous spoonful to your tea or a cup of warm water with a squirt of fresh lemon.

🚨🚨🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨🚨🚨

We usually go with one siren emoji, but in case you’re tired today, this will wake you up. 

We can’t talk about honey without mentioning our Breakfast Tray Gift Basket, featuring a mini honey jar, Bonne Maman lemon curd, Sticky Fingers scone mix, and more. 

While honey might be the ideal treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, it makes an excellent alternative to sugar, thanks to its many health benefits.  

About Basketworks

BasketWorks is a woman-owned gift basket company located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients. Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.

A new home is exciting, but I swear, in commercials they make it seem like it’s completely stress-free. 

In real life, we know that’s just not the case. Buying a new home is exciting, but it’s also terrifying because it’s one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. And don’t get me started about move-in day. 

As a friend, family member, or concerned citizen, here’s where you can help. Imagine surprising the new homeowner in your life with very practical move-in gifts? Where do you start?

Read on.

1. A Gift Card For Furniture 

Not that you’re responsible for furnishing the new home, but a gift card for furniture is a nice contribution. 

A little something can help with their choice of chairs, tables, couches, beds, or what-have-you. 

Plus, they can use the gift card to purchase other items needed to complete their home, such as rugs, lamps, or pillows. 

The only downside is that they may have to wait a while for their new furniture to arrive, but 1) it will be worth it, and 2) it’s not your problem. 

2. A Nice Set of Towels 

Move-in day has lots of moving pieces. 

You’ve got to coordinate the movers, connect cable and utilities, run to Costco, etc. 

Then you realize after washing your hands, that you’ve nothing to dry them with. Doh. 

That’s why a set of brand new, fluffy, fragrant towels is always appreciated. If you want to be a rockstar, you can special order personalized monogrammed towels. 

3. A Potted Plant

A potted plant can turn a regular home into your dream home. 

No it can’t. I just wanted to make fun of that cliché. 

What it can do is add a touch of greenery to any space and really brighten up a new home. Also, it’s a gift that keeps on giving, as the recipient will be able to enjoy the plant for years to come…if they remember to water it and keep it in the sun.

4. A Homemade Meal

After a long day of moving in, people typically opt for a quick and dirty dinner like ordering a pizza. 

There’s nothing wrong with that; however, how nice would it be for your new homeowner friend to receive a homemade meal? 

Now that’s love. Since you know this person or family well, it will be easy to pick one of their favorites. If you’re not a cook, you can always order and deliver from their favorite restaurant. 

5. Cleaning Supplies

No, this is not a way of saying, “Eww, you need to clean up.” Rather, it conveys, “Welcome to adulthood! Here are all the things you need to keep your new place clean.” 

Of course, some people may not be thrilled to receive a box of cleaning supplies as a housewarming gift. But hey, at least you’re giving them something they’ll actually use. And who knows? They might even appreciate it more than a bottle of wine or a scented candle.

If you want to go the extra mile, offer to do some of the cleaning yourself. 

🚨SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT🚨

Yeah, we’re becoming less and less subtle about these, not that subtlety was ever our forte. 

The best gift for new homeowners is our Lemon Fresh Gift Basket which will elevate a kitchen to new heights with lemon basil multi-surface cleaner, room spray, foaming soap, hand cream, kosher lemon tea, and more! 

Now go make someone’s moving day!

About BasketWorks

BasketWorks is a woman owned gift basket company, located in the north suburbs of Chicago (specifically Northbrook, IL) since 1997. We are proud to offer a variety of gifts and gift baskets appropriate for all occasions. Each of our packages is built to order, allowing for customization at no additional cost to our clients.

Contact us today! Please subscribe to our blog post and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.