I always knew bees keep the cycle of life turning. They literally carry the weight of the mankind on their backs, pollinating 85-90% of all the world’s food crops. They are to be praised, not feared. In recent years though, what has most surprised me has been the vast benefits of their honey and its uses. Keep reading for 5 Surprising Bee Benefits.
As a kid, we learn in biology class about the bees and their importance to us, but when it comes to the discussion of honey, for most of the western world, it has been looked at as natural sweetener, and that’s about it. In the research I’ve done in my years now as a nutrition coach, I’ve come to value it on another level and have grown very curious about the medicinal benefits as well. I had the pleasure of visiting a childhood friend this weekend up in Northern California who has been growing her own bee hive. It blew me away how gentle the bees were, very non-threatening and productive. I did still wear the bee suit, but I honestly feel I would have been ok without it. Once I got back home to LA, I decided to share all that I learned with 5 Surprising Bee Benefits.
My friend Taylor taking me through her beehive was like Bio 101 again. I learned (or re-learned) that honeybees only live up to 40 days with a large majority of them being female, and that the Queen bee can live up to 5 years. There have been mass bee deaths in recent years; a strong indication of the level of toxic chemicals in use as well as our ever changing climate changes. Let’s hope our crops will continue to thrive with the help of our bee friends and produce all of the essential foods we need to survive.
Here are 5 Surprising Bee Benefits :
- Oh the sweet life! Honey is filled with antioxidants- protecting you from stroke, heart disease, and even cancer. Antioxidants contain flavonoids which also help to reduce inflammation in the body. 1 tbps per day should do the trick.
- Anyone out there scar pretty easily? Honey has antibacterial and antiseptic qualities that accelerate wound and burn healing. It can also help with dandruff, acne, and itchy skin. Overall it appears to be a great source for skin care. Apply topically to the affected areas or look for natural products that contain it.
- Ever heard of propolis? Honey bees produce this substance through their saliva and beeswax in order to seal any cracks in the beehive and also to ward off predators (they get stuck and trapped in it!). But the beauty of propolis for us humans is its 300 natural compounds including amino acids, steroids, etc. It can stop herpes simplex virus, treat candida, even fight off parasites.
- Bow down to the royal jelly, friends. This substance is extra amazing. Royal jelly is a gelatinous substance produced by honey bees to feed the queen bees and their young. But get this…look at all the B vitamins it contains! Thiamine (B1), Riboflavin (B2), Pantothenic acid (B5), Pyridoxine (B6), Niacin (B3), Folic acid (B9), Inositol (B8), Biotin (B7). No wonder it’s known for anti-aging, healthy immunity, and so many other benefits.
- Make me pretty please. Beeswax aka bee sweat (literally) can be found in some of our favorite beauty products; lip balms, homemade soaps, lotion bar sticks, natural deodorant, etc. We’ve found so many uses for it in our society can you imagine it no longer being available?
All of these beautiful options, like the 5 Surprising Bee Benefits, we would not have without the help of honeybees. Let’s love them (from afar mostly) and protect them as best we can. Have yourself a bee-autiful week!
XOXO,
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