Is Raw Honey a Vasodilator? Understanding the Scientific Evidence

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

Studies have revealed that honey contains phenolic compounds and other antioxidants that can exert vasorelaxant properties, meaning they help relax and widen blood vessels. This article delves into the research to determine if raw honey is a vasodilator and how this affects your overall cardiovascular system.

Quick Summary

This article examines the scientific basis for raw honey's effect on blood vessels. It explores the role of its antioxidant and phenolic compounds in promoting vasodilation and improving various indicators of cardiovascular health, such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to scientific reviews and clinical studies.

Key Points

Vasodilatory Properties: Raw honey contains powerful antioxidants and phenolic compounds that have been shown to induce vasorelaxant (vasodilatory) effects.
Nitric Oxide Production: The mechanism involves stimulating the production of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that relaxes blood vessel walls and improves circulation.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Studies show honey can help lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and protect against oxidative stress, all contributing to better heart health.
Raw vs. Processed: Raw honey retains more of the beneficial bioactive compounds, such as bee pollen and propolis, which are often removed during the processing of conventional honey.
Integrate in Moderation: While beneficial, raw honey should still be consumed in moderation as a substitute for other sweeteners as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

The Chemical Composition Behind Raw Honey's Health Benefits

Raw honey is primarily composed of sugars, but it also contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and bioactive plant compounds like polyphenols and flavonoids. The specific composition varies based on the floral source, impacting its health properties.

The Role of Antioxidants and Phenolic Compounds

The cardioprotective effects of honey are strongly linked to its high antioxidant and phenolic content. Phenolic compounds can induce vasorelaxation by increasing nitric oxide (NO) production, which relaxes blood vessel walls. Antioxidants in honey combat oxidative stress, protecting the endothelium and preventing plaque buildup.

The Nitric Oxide Connection

Raw honey may act as a vasodilator by influencing nitric oxide (NO) production. Research indicates that honey contains NO metabolites and can boost the body's natural NO production. Higher NO levels promote vasodilation, improving blood flow and potentially lowering blood pressure. For more details on studies related to honey and heart health, refer to {Link: New Zealand Honey Co. https://newzealandhoneyco.com/blogs/honey-articles/honey-for-heart-health}.

Scientific Evidence

Research into honey's vascular effects includes studies on animal models and human clinical trials. Findings from animal research suggest honey can protect the heart from oxidative stress and help regulate vasomotor dysfunction, while some studies on rats indicate it may decrease elevated blood pressure and improve cholesterol profiles.

Human trials have also shown some effects. Short-term studies on healthy males found decreases in systolic blood pressure after consuming honey. Clinical trials involving individuals with cardiovascular risk factors reported improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels with regular honey intake. A 2023 review suggested that replacing other sweeteners with honey could benefit cardiometabolic risk factors, and a study on diabetic patients noted increased nitric oxide levels with honey supplementation.

Raw vs. Processed Honey

Raw honey, which is minimally filtered, retains beneficial components like bee pollen and propolis. Processed honey often undergoes heating and filtering, which can remove many of these compounds. For a detailed comparison of raw and processed honey features, see {Link: New Zealand Honey Co. https://newzealandhoneyco.com/blogs/honey-articles/honey-for-heart-health}.

Comparison Summary


Feature	Raw Honey	Processed Honey
Processing	Minimally filtered, unheated	Heated (pasteurized) and filtered
Beneficial Compounds	High content	Significantly reduced
Vascular Effects	More potent potential	Lower potential
Antioxidant Activity	Higher levels	Lowered activity

Incorporating Raw Honey

Incorporating raw honey into a heart-healthy diet can be beneficial, particularly when used instead of refined sugars. Ideas include adding it to beverages, oatmeal, yogurt, or using it in dressings.

Caution and Future Research

Raw honey is a sugar and should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. More extensive, long-term human studies are needed to further confirm findings and understand how different floral sources impact effects.

For more information on the broader health benefits of honey and its constituents, refer to resources like the National Institutes of Health. {Link: National Institutes of Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5295738/}

Conclusion

Evidence suggests raw honey acts as a vasodilator due to its antioxidants and phenolic compounds, promoting nitric oxide release and protecting against oxidative stress. This helps relax blood vessels, potentially improving blood flow and lowering blood pressure. Used moderately as a substitute for processed sweeteners, raw honey may support cardiovascular health. More research is beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raw honey contains antioxidants and phenolic compounds, which stimulate the body's production of nitric oxide (NO). This NO signals the blood vessels to relax and widen, a process known as vasodilation.

Some studies, including short-term human trials, have indicated that raw honey consumption can lead to a modest reduction in systolic blood pressure. This effect is often linked to its vasodilatory properties.

Yes, the vasodilatory potential of honey can vary depending on its floral source. Honeys with a higher concentration of flavonoids and polyphenols tend to have stronger antioxidant and vasorelaxant effects.

Processed honey is typically heated and filtered, which can reduce its antioxidant and phenolic compound content. As a result, it is generally considered to have less potent vasodilatory properties compared to raw honey.

In simple terms, they are used interchangeably. Both describe a substance or action that causes the relaxation and widening of blood vessels. 'Vasorelaxant' is the mechanism, while 'vasodilator' is the agent causing the effect.

As with any food high in sugar, raw honey should be consumed in moderation. The benefits are most notable when it is used to replace less healthy sweeteners in your diet rather than adding it on top of a sugary intake.

Honey still raises blood sugar, so individuals with diabetes should consult a healthcare professional before incorporating it into their diet. However, some studies suggest honey may improve certain cardiovascular risk factors in diabetics when used as a sugar substitute.