Bees are responsible for giving us bee pollen, manuka honey, propolis and royal jelly. According to many health blogs , if you want to improve your health then you need not look further than the bee*. However the hype surrounding these potentially life-enhancing substances can make it difficult to decide which ones are worth the investment.
BEE POLLEN
Worker honey bees pack pollen into pellets and the result is bee pollen. Bee pollen is sold in health shops all over. I was suckered into buying a packet of granules with the intention of adding it to my smoothies. It is reported to be energising and due to its nutrient-rich profile. Bee pollen is impressively abundant in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes making it a great source of nourishment for bees. However this doesn’t necessarily translate into human health benefits. I searched high and low but much to my disappointment I could not find a significant scientific basis for the health claims associated with bee pollen. Instead I found hypothetical implications for bee pollen’s nutrients and anecdotal evidence for the numerous health claims.
To buy or not to buy: No. There are other remedies that nature has provided us with that have been scientifically proven to improve skin, fertility, immune system, respiratory system and energy levels.
Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a present from the bees in New Zealand. While it may seem like an overpriced sweetener, many scientific studies have shown the advantages of stumping up the extra cash and using Manuka honey. What makes Manuka honey special is the high concentration of the antibacterial component, methylglyoxal.
What it’s good for:
Healing minor wound and burns
Manuka honey is able to stimulate production of special cells which help to repair tissue damaged. It is able to prevent wound infection and provide a protective barrier through its viscous nature. Studies have also shown that it is an effective topical treatment against wound infections that are resistant to antibiotics.
Immune system
The bacteria fighting action in Manuka honey make it a potent immune system defender. When supplementing with Manuka honey resist the urge to expose it to boiling hot temperatures as this will kill its anti-bacterial properties.
Soothe acid reflux
Antibiotics that are naturally found in Manuka honey help to sooth the outer lining of the oesophagus. Manuka honey taken 3 to 6 days, at least 3 teaspoons per day will help to sooth the acid reflux. It will also treat the oesophageal damage.
To buy or not to buy: Yes! Go out get it now. Make sure it’s UMF rated and at least 15+. Your body will thank you.
*(Unless you are a strict vegan or have bee product allergies then you might want to move it along)
