Honey Bee Facts

1. The honey bee has been around for millions of years.

2. Honey bees, scientifically also known as Apis mellifera, are environmentally friendly and are vital as pollinators.

3. It is the only insect that produces food eaten by man.

4. Honey is the only food that includes all the substances necessary to sustain life, including enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water; and it's the only food that contains "pinocembrin", an antioxidant associated with improved brain functioning.

5. Honey bees have 6 legs, 2 compound eyes made up of thousands of tiny lenses (one on each side of the head), 3 simple eyes on the top of the head, 2 pairs of wings, a nectar pouch, and a stomach.

6. Honey bees have 170 odorant receptors, compared with only 62 in fruit flies and 79 in mosquitoes. Their exceptional olfactory abilities include kin recognition signals, social communication within the hive, and odor recognition for finding food. Their sense of smell is so precise that it could differentiate hundreds of different floral varieties and tell whether a flower carried pollen or nectar from meters away.

7. The honey bee's wings stroke incredibly fast, about 200 beats per second, thus making their famous, distinctive buzz. A honey bee can fly for up to six miles, and as fast as 15 miles per hour.

8. The average worker bee produces about 1/12th teaspoon of honey in her lifetime.

9. A hive of bees will fly 90,000 miles, the equivalent of three orbits around the earth to collect 1 kg of honey.

10. It takes one ounce of honey to fuel a bee's flight around the world.

11. A honey bee visits 50 to 100 flowers during a collection trip.

12. The bee's brain is oval in shape and only about the size of a sesame seed, yet it has remarkable capacity to learn and remember things and is able to make complex calculations on distance travelled and foraging efficiency.

13. A colony of bees consists of 20,000-60,000 honeybees and one queen. Worker honey bees are female, live for about 6 weeks and do all the work.

14. The queen bee can live up to 5 years and is the only bee that lays eggs. She is the busiest in the summer months, when the hive needs to be at its maximum strength, and lays up to 2500 eggs per day. Click here to learn more about the Honey Bee Life Cycle,

15. Larger than the worker bees, the male honey bees (also called drones), have no stinger and do no work at all. All they do is mating.

16. Each honey bee colony has a unique odour for members' identification.

17. Raw honey is the most original sweet liquid that honeybees produce from the concentrated nectar of flowers. Collected straight from the extractor; it is totally unheated, unpasteurized, unprocessed honey. An alkaline-forming food, this type of honey contains ingredients similar to those found in fruits, which become alkaline in the digestive system. It doesn't ferment in the stomach and it can be used to counteract acid indigestion.

18. A lot of honey found in the supermarket is not raw honey but "commercial" regular honey, some of which has been pasteurized (heated at 70 degrees Celsius or more, followed by rapid cooling) for easy filtering and bottling so that it looks cleaner and smoother, more appealing on the shelf, and easier to handle and package. Pasteurization kills any yeast cell in the honey and prevents fermentation, which is a concern for storing honey with high moisture content over a long period especially in warm weather. While fermentation does not pose a health danger (mead is fermented honey), it does affect the taste of honey. Heating also slows down the speed of crystallization in liquid honey. On the downside, when honey is heated, its delicate aromas, yeast and enzymes which are responsible for activating vitamins and minerals in the body system are partially destroyed.

By-products in honey production include;

• Royal Jelly
• Propolis
• Beewax
• Bee Pollen
• Bee Bread

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly is a substance of complex chemical structure produced by the young nurse bees as larva food.  Although it is not quite as well-known as bee pollen, royal jelly equals pollen in its salutary effects.

The young nurse bees make royal jelly, it is a secretion from glands on the tops of their heads.  For 2-3 days, royal jelly is the only food given to all young larvae in their maturation process, while for the queen larvae, it is the specific food for their whole life period.  During the 3 days in which the worker bee larvae are fed on royal jelly, they reach the maximum development; their weight multiplies about 250 times.  The queen (fed only on royal jelly for her entire life) reaches maturity 5 days earlier than the worker bees; and, when she is fully grown, her weight is double that of the working bee.  The span of the worker bee's life is about 35-40 days; while the queen lives 5-6 years and is extremely prolific.  She is fertilized once, and from that moment on can lay as many as three thousand eggs a day during the season.  As incredible as this may seem, she can lay that many eggs for five years.  Any creature that has that amount of energy and vitality has to be respected!

This rich concentrated food is not just useful for the bees.  It contains remarkable amounts of proteins, lipids, glucides, vitamins, hormones, enzymes, mineral substances, and specific vital factors that act as biocatalysts in cell regeneration processes within the human body.

Although some of the elements found in royal jelly are in microgram quantities, they still can act supremely with co-enzymes as catalysts or can act synergistically. (That is, the elements' action combined is greater than the sum of their actions taken separately.)  Royal jelly is rich in protein, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-6, C, E, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, inositol and folic acid.  In fact, it contains seventeen times as much pantothenic acid as that found in dry pollen.

On analysing royal jelly found that it is rich in proteins and vitamins of the B complex and especially in pantothenic acid, the vitamin B which has been associated with longevity and in restoring grey hair to its original colour. The United States Department of Agriculture has said that one gram (1/30 oz.) contains the following:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamin )-1.5 to 7.4 micrograms
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)-5.3 to 10.0 micrograms
• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)-2.2 to 10.2 micrograms
• Niacin (Nicotinic acid)-91.0 to 149.0 micrograms
• Pantothenic Acid-65.0 to 200.0 micrograms
• Biotin-0.9 to 3.7 micrograms
• Inositol-78.0 to 150.0 micrograms
• Folic Acid-0.16 to 0.50 micrograms
• Vitamin C-a trace
• Vitamin E-none

Royal jelly, one of the most valuable products of the hive, is secreted by glands of bees and is intended mainly for feeding larvae and queen throughout their life. This is why the queen lives for up to five years, while a working bee lives on average 40 days.  

Mainly contains: proteins, sugars, lipids, enzymes, vitamins and minerals: K, Ca, Na, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mg and especially potassium. All necessary amino-acids necessary for the body are found in royal jelly, being identified 29 of essential amino-acids and derivatives. The composition of royal jelly also contains significant amounts of vitamins: B complex (especially B1 and B5), C, F, PP. Royal jelly is the richest natural product in vitamins / volume unit.

Recommendations:

- Liver disease - regardless of origin or stage – as exceptional protector and liver regenerator;

- Strengthening the immune system, with body tonic and regenerating effect;

- Periods of acute or chronic fatigue and stress, states of convalescence;

- Anemia, general body strengthening, including with the third age people to slow degenerative processes specific to the age;

 - Skin care, with an exceptional nutritional role to prevent and reduce fine wrinkles and increase skin elasticity and tonicity;

 - Deficiencies of minerals and vitamins.

Administration: In its natural state under the tongue about 0.1 g in the morning on an empty stomach or mixed with honey 2 teaspoons each day. 3-4 times per year courses. For cosmetic use mix 2g of royal jelly in face cream or mask. Royal jelly in pure condition is preserved in a refrigerator at a temperature of 2-5 C and when mixed with honey at room temperature 18-25 C.

Warning! Royal jelly should not come into contact with metal, so it is advisable to use only plastic spoons

Propolis

Propolis is a waxy, resinous sap which bees collect from the buds of trees and plants to use as a sterile sealant for their hives. The substance contains an amazing range of more than 180 compounds, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and flavonoids

The Constituents of Propolis:    Chemically speaking, propolis is a very complex mixture. Its chemical elements vary according to its source.  Colours range from golden brown to brownish green to reddish brown to blackish brown.  A broad analysis composition reveals approximately 55 percent resinous compounds and balsam, 30 percent beeswax, 10 percent ethereal and aromatic oils, and 5 percent bee pollen.  Many flavonols contribute to propolis.  Other components include cinnamic acid, cinnamyl alcohol, vanillin, caffeic acid, tetochrysin, isalpinin, pinocembrin, chrysin, galangin, and ferulic acid.

Propolis is another medicinal marvel from the beehive.  Research shows it offers antiseptic, antibiotic, antibacterial, anti fungal, and even antiviral properties.  Propolis is Nature's premiere preventive.  It is so powerful in action, it is often called Russian penicillin in acknowledgement of the extensive research the Russians have mounted on this wonder worker from the bees.  Propolis demonstrates strong antimicrobial properties against various bacterial and fungal infestations.  Even streptococcus bacteria have been shown sensitive to propolis

Propolis, the natural antibiotic, works against harmful bacteria without destroying the friendly bacteria the body needs.  Propolis has also been proven effective against strains of bacteria that resist chemical antibiotics.

The field of influence of propolis is extremely broad.  It includes cancer, infection of the urinary tract, swelling of the throat, gout, open wounds, sinus congestion, colds, influenza, bronchitis, gastritis, diseases of the ears, periodontal disease, intestinal infections, ulcers, eczema eruptions, pneumonia, arthritis, lung disease, stomach virus, headaches, Parkinson's disease, bile infections, sclerosis, circulation deficiencies, warts, conjunctivitis, and hoarseness.

Propolis helps regulate hormones and is an antibiotic substance that stimulates the natural resistance of the body.  Propolis may be used by everyone, sick or healthy, as a means of protection against microorganisms.  Propolis is also efficient against conditions caused by bacteria, viruses, or different fungi.  Propolis cures many diseases because it is a special natural substance with strong effect.

Use it as part of your daily program of supplementation.  It has helped the bee society survive and thrive for over 45 million years.  It may well help you survive ... for a long time!

Propolis is a product produced by a specialized group from the bee colony. It is collected from buds, leaves and bark of conifers, poplars and willows. To the resin crude material, the bees add salivary secretions and wax.  

 Propolis has important antiseptic properties and special effects in the case of respiratory diseases. Practically insoluble in water, the fine particles of propolis remain for a longer period of time attaching to the oral, pharyngeal or stomach mucosa ensuring during all this time aseptisation of that area.

With its antibacterial, antibiotic, healing, anti-inflammatory and immune action, propolis is known as the most powerful existing natural antibiotic.

Recommendations:

- Oral mucosa diseases: gingivitis, stomatitis, candidiasis, Paradontosis type diseases;

 - Respiratory diseases: bronchitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis, viral respiratory infections, flu or cold, whether or not feverish; - Immune system strengthening;

 - Gastritis and starting stage of stomach ulcers;

 - Full range of renal diseases, including symptoms that accompany different stages of prostatitis, with strong antiseptic,     antiinflammatory and even chemotherapy role;

 - Liver disease, as an adjunct to basic treatment, with anti-inflammatory role;

 - Intestinal parasitosis;

 - Skin diseases of fungal type and superficial burns.

Administration: It is used as such, mixed with honey or as a tincture of propolis (30% concentration).

BEESWAX

Beeswax is the oldest and purest wax in the world. There are no artificial ingredients. Beeswax has been used in hundreds of products, including: candles, cosmetics, soap, potpourri, adhesives, lubricants, fly paper, furniture polish, and paint removers. It also has many uses, like: Easter Egg decorating, sculpting, lubricating of thread and nails, waxing bowstrings, coating on waffle irons, and many, many other craft uses. Beeswax has a relatively low melting point range of 62 to 64 °C (144 to 147 °F). Care of beeswax products is very simple: occasionally buff with a soft cloth or warm with a blow dryer to return original lustre and honey scent, insuring many years of enjoyment

BEE POLLIN

Bee Pollen is made by honeybees, and is the food of the young bee. It is considered one of nature's most completely nourishing foods as it contains nearly all nutrients required by humans. Bee-gathered pollens are rich in proteins (approximately 40% protein), free amino acids, vitamins, including B-complex, and folic acid.

Bee pollen is a complete food and contains many elements that products of animal origin do not possess. Bee pollen is more rich in proteins than any animal source. It contains more amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese of equal weight. About half of its protein is in the form of free amino acids that are ready to be used directly by the body.

It is important to recognize that a one teaspoon dose of pollen takes one bee working eight hours a day for one month to gather. Each bee pollen pellet, contains over two million flower pollen grains and one teaspoonful contains over 2.5 billion grains of flower pollen.

FACTS OF BEE POLLEN

Bee pollen is a holistic remedy used throughout the world. Unfortunately the vast amount of uses that pollen can be used for are often overlooked.

Pollen is a natural product collected by bees from flower and enriched with enzymes. It an be found in the form of granules of different colours and sizes and is easily assimilated by the body.

It contains about 35% protein, 55% carbohydrate, 2% fatty acids and 3% minerals and vitamins.

It is particularly rich in B vitamins (especially B12) with A, C, D and E and from the minerals class the highest concentrations are registered by: K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. Besides these, it includes significant amounts of lecithin, beta carotene and Se. It is worth mentioning that it contains 22 amino acids, 27 minerals and approximately 5,000 enzymes and coenzymes. It is considered by nutritionists as the ideal food. This combination of elements and makes it an excellent source of antioxidants and, of course, a good liver regenerator.

Recommendations:

 - The whole range of liver diseases, being an effective protector and liver regenerator;

 - beneficial properties in the case of anaemia, stress and fatigue states or states of protein de-nutrition;

 - Major role in increasing body immunity and in the process of its strengthening in case of physical and intellectual efforts, exams and competitions;

 - Helps in preventing rheumatoid problems specific to the third age;

 - In diseases of the colon and constipation.

Bee pollen is a complete food and contains many elements that products of animal origin do not possess. Bee pollen is more rich in proteins than any animal source. It contains more amino acids than beef, eggs, or cheese of equal weight. About half of its protein is in the form of free amino acids that are ready to be used directly by the body.

It is important to recognize that a one teaspoon dose of pollen takes one bee working eight hours a day for one month to gather. Each bee pollen pellet, contains over two million flower pollen grains and one teaspoonful contains over 2.5 billion grains of flower pollen.

Dr. Gabriel Cousens MD, has listed bee pollen as one of his 22 most recommended food energies. Bee Pollen can be used medicinally for a wide range of conditions from prostate health to skin conditions and can help correct specific nutritional imbalances within the body.

Here are just 10 great reasons to add fresh bee pollen to your daily diet… although there are many more!

1. Energy Enhancer - The range of nutrients found within bee pollen makes it a great natural energizer. The carbohydrates, protein and B vitamins can help keep you going all day by enhancing stamina and fighting off fatigue.
2. Skin Soother - Bee pollen is often used in topical products that aim to treat inflammatory conditions and common skin irritations like psoriasis or eczema. The amino acids and vitamins protect the skin and aid the regeneration of cells.
3. Respiratory System - Bee pollen contains a high quantity of antioxidants that may have an anti-inflammatory effect on the tissues of the lungs, preventing the onset of asthma.
4. Treating Allergies – Pollen reduces the presence of histamine, ameliorating many allergies. Dr. Leo Conway, M.D of Denver Colorado, reported that 94 percent of his patients were completely free from allergy symptoms once treated with oral feeding of pollen. Everything from asthma to allergies to sinus problems were cleared, confirming that bee pollen is wonderfully effective against a wide range of respiratory diseases.
5. Digestive System - In addition to healthful vitamins, minerals and protein, bee pollen contains enzymes that can aid in digestion. Enzymes assist your body in getting all the nutrients you need from the food that you eat.
6. Immune System Booster - Pollen is good for the intestinal flora and thereby supports the immune system. According to holistic health expert Dr. Joseph Mercola, bee pollen has antibiotic-type properties that can help protect the body from contracting viruses. It's also rich in antioxidants that protect the cells from the damaging oxidation of free radicals.
7. Treats Addictions – Used holistically for healing addictions and inhibiting cravings by suppressing impulses. Because bee pollen crashes cravings, it is a very useful research is needed into this benefit, particularly when it comes to weight management.
8. Supports the Cardiovascular System - Bee Pollen contains large amounts of Rutin; an antioxidant bioflavonoid that helps strengthen capillaries, blood vessels, assists with circulatory problems and corrects cholesterol levels. Its potent anti-clotting powers could help prevent heart attack and stroke.
9. Prostate Aid - Men who suffer from benign prostate hyperplasia can find relief by using bee pollen. Bee pollen can help reduce inflammation to stop frequent urges to urinate.
10. Infertility Problems - Bee pollen stimulates and restores ovarian function, therefore may be used to assist in accelerating pregnancy. As well as being a hormonal booster it is also a great aphrodisiac!

How Should Bee Pollen Be Consumed?

Bee pollen is a food and acts faster and more effectively when taken at mealtime and especially with fruit, which lets it gently, perform a little cleansing of the intestinal flora. A spoonful at breakfast, preferably taken with a piece of fruit: the fruit fibres (raw hemicellulose) reinforce the activity of the fresh pollen.

Administration: in natural status or in combination with honey 2-3 teaspoons per day between the main meals

Bee Bread

Nutritionally-speaking, it has all the vitamins, minerals and amino acids of fresh pollen. Yet, it also has naturally-occurring enzymes added by the honey bees, which causes it to slowly ferment. This produces numerous healthy lactic-acid bacteria, known to be an important aspect for a healthy digestive system. In fact, it has a wide range of medicinal applications, especially in cases of disturbed metabolism, digestive disorders and allergies

Bee bread contains practically all the essential amino acids for humans - (phenylalanine, leucine, valine, isoleucine, arginine, histidine, lysine, methionine, proline, threonine, tryptophan), vitamins - (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, C, E, biotin, folic acid, rutin) and minerals - (calcium, iron, potassium, phosphorus, sodium). The major components of pollen are proteins, amino acid, lipids (fats, oils or their derivatives) and sugars. Enzymes (proteins) are also present but some, like glucose oxidase, have been added by the bees. This enzyme is therefore more abundant in bee bread than in fresh pollen pellets.

However, bee bread has higher nutritional value than pollen mainly because pollen loses much of its nutritional value due to improper processing and storage. Best of all, bee bread does NOT lose any nutritional value at all, due to the fermentation process performed by the honey bees. In fact, bee bread can be kept up to 2 years without any nutritional loss.

Bee bread is the most valuable product of the hive, but least known. Bee bread is a modified pollen, which once deposited in the honeycomb under the influence of the substances added by bees, of microorganisms, temperature and high humidity in the nest (hive), as well as due to the conservation mode, suffers a series of biochemical transformations and structural changes, transforming into bee bread.

Content and characteristics:

Bee bread is a natural product, with properties more valuable than the pollen because of the higher content of simple carbohydrates, K vitamin, enzymes and amino acids, and to the increased acidity which makes it easy to assimilate. Without pollen the nutrition, antibacterial and antioxidant value is three times higher. Also, the external shell of the pollen, the exine, is opened, causing an easier assimilation by the body. Due to large amounts of lactic acid and antibiotic properties, the bee bread can be stored for a long time without major quantitative or qualitative changes to be observed.

The chemical composition of bee bread is as follows:

- Carbohydrates (sugars) - 35%;

- Lipids - 1-6%;

 - Carotenoids (provitamin A, 200-875 mg / kg;

- Vitamin E - 1.7 g / kg;

 - Vitamin C - 600-200 mg / 100g product.

Recommendations:

 Bee bread covers the entire range of recommendations of pollen: liver disease, anemia, stress, rheumatism, regulation of the intestinal transit, colon diseases, especially those accompanied by constipation (enterocolitis, fermentation or putrefaction colitis, chronic constipation of various etiologies) helps in increasing the general immunity and resistance of the organism, but its action is much faster and stronger.

Administration: 1 teaspoon daily after or between main meals.