The health of humans and the earth depends on honeybees. Honey and other bees have therapeutic qualities, and honeybees are important pollinators who enable them to obtain sustenance.
There are almost 20,000 species of bees in the globe, and the United Nations is connected to more than 4,000 of them. Few of these are managed by humans, and the majority are wild variety.
Bees are valued not only for producing honey, but also for pollinating many kinds of plants and animals, protecting food supplies, and fostering biodiversity.
But bee populations are currently declining due to a number of issues, including the use of pesticides and urbanization, which has a detrimental effect on numerous natural systems.
.
Honey production will be impacted by the bee population drop, but the global impact on food security and biological diversity is more significant.
The world might seem very different without them.
Why are bees important?
“Many reasons make honeybees important. They have historical significance, contribute to human health, and play a role in maintaining a healthy ecological system. Although not all bees produce honey, it is a significant factor in why people value them. Honey is a natural sweet substance with many potential health properties.
People have used honey and honey-related items for therapeutic purposes for thousands of years.
According to reliable sources, it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-cancer qualities.
In traditional medicine, honey is used for various health conditions, Although many of these uses lack scientific support;
They are still included.
- eye diseases
- bronchial asthma
- throat infections
- tuberculosis
- thirst
- hiccups
- fatigue
- dizziness
- hepatitis
- constipation
- worm infestation
- hemorrhoids
- eczema
- ulcers
- wounds
Honey Bees with Potential Health Benefits
In the realm of products created by honey bees that can potentially benefit human health, the following are included:
- Propolis: A resin produced by honey bees.
- Honeycomb: The bees’ wax structure.
- Bee Bread: Pollen stored by bees.
- Royal Jelly: A nutritious secretion.
- Beeswax: Used in various applications.
- Honey Bee Venom: Research from 2020 suggests a component in bee venom, melittin, may have the potential to kill cancer cells.
Pollination
In recent years, it has become clear that honey bees are not just essential for honey production. They play a crucial role in pollination, where they use their bodies to transport pollen grains among flowers.
Nearly 75% of crops produce better yields when animals assist in their pollination. Among all animals, honey bees dominate in both wild and cultivated plants, visiting over 90% of the world’s top 107 crop types. In other words, honey bees are vital for the growth of numerous crops, including many food plants.
Historical Significance
People around the world have been working with honey bees for centuries. The significance of honey and beeswax extends from direct harvesting to cultural beliefs.
For instance, ancient Greeks considered honey bees as symbols of eloquence. In the 19th century, beekeepers in New England used their bees to raise awareness about significant events in human society. Meanwhile, indigenous people in Northern Australia used beeswax when creating rock art.
For historians, honey bee products are essential artifacts of ancient times. This is because beeswax creates a “chemical fingerprint” that researchers can use to identify specific components in historical remains.
Society and Environment
Honey bees are highly intelligent, and people have applied their knowledge of bee behavior and social interactions when creating human initiatives.
For example, researchers have suggested that studying honey bee behavior can assist experts in devising emergency plans for evacuating people from crowded environments. Additionally, observing the dance of honey bees can help scientists understand environmental changes.
Overall, honey bees have a profound impact on human society and the environment.”
Please note that this translation is based on the provided text, and while efforts have been made to maintain a reader-friendly tone, some nuances of the original Urdu content may be lost in translation.
What are the health benefits of honey?
In raw honey, there are healthful elements that are not present in processed honey. Possible health benefits include relief from coughing, wound healing, diarrhea treatment, and much more.
Honey offers many benefits for health. Raw honey, which is harvested straight from the bee’s hive, contains healthy bee pollen, bee propolis, and a good amount of antioxidants.
Research has not confirmed that raw honey has more health benefits compared to regular honey, but some believe that honey processing and pasteurization may reduce the beneficial elements. Some people think that raw honey provides more health benefits than regular honey.
Benefits
- antibacterial action
- wound-healing effects
- dietary antioxidants
- anti-inflammatory effects
1.Antioxidant Effects
Researchers believe that honey brings some important health benefits through its antioxidant properties.
Natural honey contains compounds that function as antioxidants, including phytochemicals, flavonoids, and ascorbic acid.
Antioxidants remove free radicals from the body, reducing oxidative stress. Scientists have linked oxidative stress to various chronic conditions, including many types of cancer. Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants can reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Some people speculate that pasteurization reduces the number of antioxidants in honey, meaning that pasteurized honey may not offer the same benefits as raw honey.
There is no specific research on how pasteurization affects the antioxidants present in honey, but studies indicate that heating other foods can reduce their antioxidant content.
2. Nutrition
Honey contains specific nutritional components that can contribute to its health benefits when consumed. The nutritional content and chemical composition of raw honey vary between different countries and environments.
A reliable factor, partially dependent on the type of flowers from which bees collect their nectar, is responsible for the composition of honey. Despite these factors, honey still contains beneficial compounds, such as antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins.
One tablespoon or 21 grams (g) of raw honey contains approximately 64 calories and 16 grams of sugar. These values may vary between brands and sources.
Natural honey also contains small amounts of the following vitamins and minerals:
- Niacin
- Riboflavin
- Pantothenic acid
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Potassium
- Phosphorus
- Zinc
Natural honey contains sugar. Honey has slightly more fructose than sugar. Research has linked it to various health issues. However, when consumed in moderation alongside its fructose content, honey can be a healthier option compared to table sugar. Some studies suggest that honey may have protective effects against diabetes and certain types of honey can help improve cholesterol levels.
People with diabetes or those on a sugar-restricted diet can choose to consume honey in moderation to avoid significant fluctuations in their blood sugar levels. Pure honey has a glycemic index (GI) of 58, meaning it has a moderate effect on blood sugar levels. Learn more about GI measurements here.
3. Antibacterial action
Honey is a natural antibacterial and antimicrobial agent, a reliable source. It contains hydrogen peroxide and glucose oxidase, and its pH level is low, meaning it can kill harmful bacteria and fungi. Additionally, due to its unique chemical structure, it does not aid in the growth of yeast or bacteria.
Because of its antibacterial properties, people can use it to clean wounds.
- Escherichia coli or E. coli, a bacterium that causes food poisoning and wound infections.
- Staphylococcus aureus or S. aureus, a bacterium responsible for skin infections.
- Helicobacter pylori or H. pylori, a bacterium that results in persistent gastritis and stomach ulcers.
4. Wound healing
Multiple studies have suggested that honey works well as a dressing for healing wounds. Trusted sources confirm that honey is beneficial for wound healing due to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Some evidence also indicates that honey has antiviral and antifungal properties.
Furthermore, honey possesses acidity, which aids in removing oxygen from wounds and promotes healing. Apply raw honey directly to regular cuts and burns, then cover the wound with gauze or a bandage. Alternatively, people can purchase Manuka honey products for wound care from local drugstores or choose from various brands online.
5.Relief from Cough
Multiple studies have suggested that honey may be more effective than some over-the-counter (OTC) cough medicines for relieving coughs. Many cough medicines are not safe for young children, so honey can be a good alternative for children aged one year or older.
A meta-analysis suggests that honey can provide an effective way to reduce the severity and frequency of nighttime coughing in children. A small-scale study has shown that a particular type of honey, combined with milk, is as effective as an OTC medicine in alleviating coughs.
To relieve coughing, take a spoonful of raw honey and avoid consuming other fluids or food immediately afterward to allow the honey to coat the throat.
“Multiple studies have recommended that honey performs exceptionally well as a dressing for healing wounds.
An investigation from reputable sources confirms that honey is valuable in promoting wound healing thanks to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.
Furthermore, there is some evidence suggesting that honey also possesses antiviral and antifungal qualities.
Moreover, honey has the advantage of promoting quick recovery by facilitating the removal of oxygen from wounds.
For direct application on minor cuts and burns, you can apply raw honey, or you can purchase Manuka honey products for wound care from local pharmacies.
