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SpencerLoco t1_j2dms7b wrote

Reply to comment by spayder26 in ELI5. Why is honey and lemon a popular cure for cold like symptoms. What makes lemon more effective than say an orange or lime? by alexkid_in_realworld

Let's not forget about the antibacterial properties of honey. It's not just there to taste nice, like any other syrup.

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berael t1_j2dx8d4 wrote

Pure honey is antibacterial because it sucks the water out of bacteria and kills them. Honey diluted into water is yummy bacterial food.

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Belzeturtle t1_j2e9q7w wrote

It's mostly anatibacterial for the reason you stated. But, it also contains methylglyoxal and hydrogen peroxide -- both are antibacterial.

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EmilyU1F984 t1_j2fjgpp wrote

In ppm ranges, making them completely ineffective.

Methylgyoxal is utter marketing mumbo jumbo for alternative medicine shills.

Not to mention, even at antibacterial concentrations, neither hydrogen peroxide nor MGO would have any effect at all abhobt cold like symptoms.

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