Beyond a sweetener: raw, organic honey and a deeper look into its nutritional profile, benefits, and other bee components
You know the phrase “busy like a bee”? Just like the hardworking honeybees, our bodies are constantly working, utilizing not only energy but essential and non-essential nutrients too! It is crucial to provide our bodies with care and high-quality nutrition so that we can feel our best, reduce risk of illness and chronic disease, and enjoy life! Raw, organic honey and other bee components are just one of many foods/products that can help provide our bodies with better nutrition. Let’s take a look at some of the products prepared by honeybees!
Honey was originally used as a drug and ointment, and in most ancient cultures, honey has been used for both nutritional and medicinal purposes. Some of the major uses included stimulating healing of wounds, tissue regeneration, and alleviating gastrointestinal disorders, gingivitis, and various other pathologies. For most of human history, honey was an important carbohydrate source and the only largely available sweetener until industrial sugar production began to replace it after the 1800s.
In recent years, apitherapy has developed. Apitherapy is an alternative medicine branch offering treatments against many diseases based on honey and the other bee products (bee bread, bee venom, bee pollen, propolis, and royal jelly). The main bee products focused upon in this post are raw honey, bee pollen, propolis, and information surrounding royal jelly. These bee products are rich in bioactive compounds (essential and non-essential compounds that occur naturally as part of food chains) and can provide health benefits!
Before diving in, it is important to note that the nutritional values and profiles of these various components vary based on the properties of the flowers used by the bees, weather conditions, and processing. This can also influence the value of a specific honey for health-promoting purposes.
Raw Honey
Honey is a natural substance produced, when the nectar and sweet deposits from plants are gathered, modified, and stored in the honeycombs by honeybees. It is essentially a concentrated solution of sugars and contains about 180 different types of compounds:
Water (makes up a large portion)
Complex mixture of other saccharides (any series of sweet-tasting, crystalline carbohydrates)
Fructose and glucose are the most predominant sugars present and responsible for most of the physical and nutritional characteristics of honey! They are single sugar molecules that do not require further digestion.
Proteins
The protein content of honey comes mainly from enzymes and free amino acids.
Enzymes
Amino acids
There are about 18 essential and non-essential amino acids present in honey. The amino acid profile is likely characteristic of its botanical origin.
Organic acids
Polyphenols
The polyphenols in honey provide antioxidant properties (help to protect our cells against damage). Phenolic acids and flavonoids, like flavanones and flavanols, are some of the polyphenols found in honey.
Carotenoid-like substances
Vitamins
Depends on the botanical and geographical origin from the honeybee!
Essential minerals and trace compounds
Depends on the botanical and geographical origin from the honeybee! Among the essential minerals and trace compounds are thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, chromium, barium, nickel, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, and more!
The properties and activities of raw, unpasteurized honey include:
Gastroprotective
Potential to help with digestive issues like diarrhea and indigestion.
Possible prebiotic effects to help keep the gut flora healthy (the different microorganisms in our gut microbiome). One of the prebiotic effects includes not inhibiting the growth of common bacteria that help maintain a healthy GI tract.
Can protect against gastric damage done by alcohol, indomethacin (NSAID painkiller), and aspirin-induced lesions.
Honey may help in managing H. pylori infections where gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer complications are common.
Anti-inflammatory
This also includes supporting/boosting the immune system!
Wound healing
Involving tissue regrowth and soothing burns.
Cardioprotective (protecting the heart)
Antioxidant (protecting our cells against damage)
Antimicrobial
Honey contains antibacterial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antifungal properties. It also contains a natural antiseptic, hydrogen peroxide.
Honey may help kill dental plaque-causing bacteria too!
Potential anticancer effects
May help with coughs and sore throats.
Honey coats the lining of the throat and eradicates bacteria while soothing out the irritating, scratchy feeling that causes the cough.
If you want to get all the benefits of honey, but the raw and organic kind as commercially bottled honey goes through harsher filtration processes and pasteurization which can cause the honey to lose most of their beneficial health properties by removing pollen, enzymes, and antioxidants. If you are adding raw, organic honey to teas/hot beverages, make sure that the water temperature is not boiling as you will lose the beneficial nutrients and enzymes.
Bee Pollen
Pollen is the male seed of a plant used by flowers for fertilization and bees collect these seeds as their primary source of dietary protein. They use it for two reasons: to produce “beebread,” which is pollen mixed with nectar and enzymes and the ideal food for the larvae; and they consume the pollen to secrete royal jelly and bee wax.
Bee pollen is packed with minerals, amino acids, and vitamins. It is an excellent source of 18 amino acids, including all essential amino acids, and all three “branched-chain amino acids”.
Essential amino acids = histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.
Branched-chain amino acids = leucine, isoleucine, and valine.
Bee pollen is also high in vitamin C and contains the entire vitamin B-complex!
B-complex = B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), B12 (cobalamin).
Some of the potential benefits of bee pollen include:
The phytonutrients found in bee pollen have potent antioxidant activity which can help reduce oxidative stress and help reduce chronic inflammation.
Antibacterial effects
Anti-inflammatory effects
Antiviral effects
Anticancer effects
Liver-protective properties
Bee pollen can be taken raw (add into smoothies, oatmeal, salads, and more) or as a capsule. It can also be applied topically to a wound or irritated area on the skin, however it is important to work with a doctor or medical professional. Controlled micro-dosing during times of seasonal high pollen count may help reduce the seasonal allergies, but the key is to start low and go slow – again, work with a professional!
Propolis
Propolis is generally known as the “bee glue.” It is a resinous substance accumulated by the bees from different types of plants. Propolis functions in sealing holes and cracks for the reconstruction of the beehive and more!
It is composed mainly of resin (50%), wax (30%), essential oil (10%), pollen (5%), and other organic compounds (5%).
Organic compounds in propolis include phenolic compounds, esters, flavonoids, terpenes, beta-steroids, aromatic aldehydes, and alcohols.
Propolis also contains important vitamins:
B1 (thiamin)
B2 (Riboflavin)
B6 (pyridoxine)
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
It also contains useful minerals:
Magnesium
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Copper
Zinc
Manganese
Iron
Propolis also contains a few enzymes.
Bee propolis is sometimes called the original antibiotic and was used in ancient fold medicine as a one-stop remedy! It contains antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anticancer properties in its waxy substance. Some of the main potential health benefits include:
Relieving symptoms of colds and the flu and it may boost the immune system.
It may help treat acne.
Propolis may protect the skin and heal burn wounds.
Promoting dental and oral health and treating and preventing gingivitis.
It can be used to treat mouth sores.
Propolis may heal diabetic ulcers.
It may also help reduce chronic inflammation!
Propolis is available in supplements, syrups, throat lozenges, cosmetics, and salves.
You can take it as a supplement or keep a soothing propolis throat spray to-go at the first signs of a sore throat.
Salves made from propolis can come in handy for accidental burn wounds in the kitchen or irritating skin rashes.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is a white and viscous jelly-like substance that is secreted from the worker bees. It is known as a “superfood” and is solely consumed by the queen bee; however, it is also fed to bee larvae for the first three days of their lives and then they are fed with honey and bee pollen. If a beehive wants to raise a new queen bee, then the worker bees keep feeding the larvae the royal jelly. For humans, royal jelly is classified as a “functional food,” meaning that it has positive effects on health beyond basic nutrition.
Approximately 185 organic compounds have been detected in royal jelly and royalactin is the most important protein present. The other components making up the composition of royal jelly include:
Glycoprotein compounds known as Major Royal Jelly Proteins (MRJP)
Water (50%-60%)
Proteins (18%)
Carbohydrates (15%)
Lipids (3%-5%)
Mineral salts (1.5%)
Various vitamins
As previously stated, royal jelly is considered a functional food for humans. It is also considered a nootropic substance (enhances cognition and memory and facilitates learning) and has antiaging properties. Studies have shown that royal jelly can promote longevity, stimulate mental function, and potentially protect against Alzheimer’s Disease. Other potential benefits include:
Antimicrobial and antifungal properties thanks to the Major Royal Jelly Proteins (MRJP).
Reducing inflammation through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Potentially influencing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of developing heart disease.
It may reduce the symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Promoting wound healing and skin repair.
Helping fight infection through antibacterial properties.
While royal jelly is considered a superfood and functional food boasting with potential benefits, the production and extraction of the royal jelly has an ethical dilemma and, in most cases, is not cruelty-free since the queen bee needs the royal jelly to have enough protein to lay eggs, and the extraction usually takes place from the larvae cells.
Potential Side Effects from these Products
It is important to work with a medical doctor or medical professional. Honey is NOT recommended for infants/babies under 1 year of age due to the risk of infantile botulism. Introduction of bee products should be done slowly (and with a medical professional) through micro-dosing while monitoring and listening to one’s body. Always be cautious when pregnant or breastfeeding as not enough research has been done in these areas. Bee products are mostly safe to use but NOT recommended for persons who have had any previous allergic reaction to pollen, bee stings, or other bee products – speak with a health practitioner first.
Raw, unpasteurized honey – not recommended for immunocompromised individuals; check with your doctor before using it!
Bee pollen - possible allergic reactions can occur when consuming bee pollen.
Propolis – certain conditions like asthma and bleeding problems can be worsened by propolis and is best avoided.
Disclaimer
Every individual is unique and responds differently to foods, food chemicals, supplements, etc. and therefore the information in this blog post is strictly information and should not be used to replace any medical or healthcare advice from your medical doctor or healthcare provider. Always be sure to check with your doctor or healthcare professional first before starting anything, especially if you are on any current medications or supplements, have an underlying health condition (and in this case, asthma, bleeding problems, breathing issues, etc.), or have any previous allergic reactions (again, in this case, any previous reactions to pollen, bee stings, or other bee products).
If you are looking for raw, organic honey, check out your local farms or head over to your nearest Farmer’s Market! My favorite local farm that offers honey is Sutton Ridge Farm. Check out their honey and other products by clicking the following link: Sutton Ridge Farm
Sources:
Cianciosi D., Forbes-Hernandez T.Y., Afrin S., Gasparrini M., Reboredo-Rodriguez P. et. al. Phenolic compounds in honey and their associated health benefits: a review. Molecules. 2018. 23:2322. doi:10.3390/molecules23092322
Scepankova H., Saraiva J.A., Estevinho L.M. Honey health benefits and uses in medicine. Springer International Publishing. Bee Products - Chemical and Biological Properties. 2017. 83-96. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-59689-1_4
Pasupuleti V.R., Sammugam L., Ramesh N., Gan S.H. Honey, propolis, and royal jelly: a comprehensive review of their biological actions and health benefits. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Logevity. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1259510
Bogdanov S., Jurendic T., Sieber R., Gallmann P. Honey for nutrition and health: a review. American Journal of the College of Nutrition. 2008; (27):677-689.
Manyi-Loh C.E., Clarke A.M., Ndip R.N. An overview of honey: therapeutic properties and contribution in nutrition and human health. African Journal of Microbiology Research. 2011; 5(8):844-852. doi:10.5897/AJMR10.008
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