BENEFITS OF PROPOLIS HONEY
A colony of bees not only produces honey, but it also produces a compound known as propolis. It is produced from resin or green leaves. The combination of tree rubber, bee saliva and beeswax will produce a sticky, greenish-brown liquid that will be used as a coating to build their nest. This is called propolis. Usually these bees will use propolis to cover the holes in their nests. It aims to protect their hive from external threats such as predatory animals and sterilize every bee that wants to enter the hive.
Propolis contains more than 180 types of organic, 38 types of bioflavonoids including amino acids, minerals and all vitamins except vitamin K. One drop of propolis is equivalent to the benefits of 500 oranges. There are studies showing that propolis works as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti – inflammation besides stimulating the body’s immunity.
Each propolis produced has a different composition depending on the type of flower and the location of the bee. For example, propolis from European countries is not the same as propolis from Brazil. There are up to 300 compounds in propolis where the majority are in the form of polyphenols. These polyphenols known as flavonoids are antioxidants that act against disease and damage in the body. It is produced in plants as a protection. Besides propolis, this flavonoid is also usually found in fruits, vegetables, green tea and so on.
Propolis also has other special compounds such as pinocembrin which also acts as an antifungal. In fact, it is also known as antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory. Since it is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, it is not surprising that propolis can help speed up the wound healing process. Propolis can also help restore body cells and can restore tissues, cartilage and bones.
Propolis content
The content of propolis consists of:
- Carbohydrates
- Protein
- Fat
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Iron
- Vitamins B, C, E
- Polyphenols
- Flavonoids
- Essential Oils
Benefits of Propolis Honey
Anti-Cancer
- Propolis is also said to be anticancer where it can prevent cancer cells from multiplying and reducing the possibility of cells becoming cancer
- It can be used as one of the therapies for cancer patients but not as the main treatment for cancer
Oral and Dental Care
- Propolis is also used in dental and oral care because it can prevent the formation of calcium phosphate (the main cause of dental plaque)
- Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial in propolis allow it to prevent candidiasis bacteria and streptococci that can damage the teeth and mouth
- Can reduce the number of bacteria in saliva that can cause infection in the teeth and gums (periodontitis)
Skin Health Care
- Propolis is also one of the ingredients in skin beauty products
- Able to relieve skin inflammation due to weather changes
- It can control dead skin cells that can cause acne
- Protects the skin from free radicals resulting in healthier and younger facial skin
Wound Healing
- Propolis can help heal burns faster because of its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
- Topical propolis alcohol extract is more effective than steroid cream in reducing mast cells in surgical wounds
- The Assyrians used propolis to fight infections as well as heal wounds and tumours
Reduces Inflammation
- Propolis contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory that work to reduce inflammation such as arthritis
- In addition, propolis can stop the inflammation from continuing to swell
Controlling Sugar and Cholesterol Levels
- Consuming propolis in the daily diet is said to reduce cholesterol and blood sugar levels
- There are studies showing that propolis can prevent the occurrence of insulin resistance that causes type 2 diabetes
- Propolis can also reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels.
Strengthens the Body
- Propolis can increase and strengthen the body’s resistance so that the body is not easily infected
Maintaining Brain Health
- Propolis is said to reduce the risk of dementia because the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory content found in propolis helps the process of repairing brain nerve tissue and can improve memory
You may take propolis in your daily diet to prevent some diseases or for better health. However, please consult your doctor before consuming propolis. in your daily diet.
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