The bees' bounty

The bees’ bounty

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Who would have thought the humble bee would provide such a bounty?

Bee Pollen – now this sounds a bit gross, but when bees collect pollen from flowers they comb themselves and knead it into a spitball. Pollen is a life-generating microspore that fertilises flowers to produce fruit, seeds and new flowers. This microspore contains over 134 nutritional factors, including all 23 amino acids, hormones, proteins, fats, carbohydrates and minerals. It’s great for anti-ageing, stamina, and helps with allergies and weight control.

Royal Jelly –  is the cream of the beehive – it is produced from the head of the worker bees and fed to the queen – this is what makes her 10 times bigger than the others (you would have thought the others would have caught on by now…).

It is –

  • Rich in minerals
  • B vitamins
  • Fatty acids
  • Aspartic acid – important for tissue regeneration and growth
  • Considered to be – antiviral, nutritive and rejuvenating.
  • Take as much as you can afford – it’s expensive.

Propolis
It’s created by the bees by mixing a resinous sap from tress with wax back at the hive. It has been used for more than 2300 years for many purposes – the main being applied to wounds to fight infection.

In January 2006 the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention noted that propolis possesses;

  • Antimicrobial
  • Antioxidant
  • Antiulcer
  • Antitumor activities.

Contains all known vitamins (except K) and has 14 of the 15 minerals that humans need for normal function.

Raw Honey

  • Beautifies the skin
  • Hastens wound healing
  • Combats respiratory distress

It releases hydrogen peroxide and is said to actively prevent the growth of certain bacteria and viruses which commonly damage cells.
A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food suggested that honey may stimulate antibody production during primary and secondary immune response.

Honey balls of goodness

  • 1/2 C almonds
  • 1/2 C raisins
  • 1/2 C tahini
  • 1/4 C honey
  • 2 tsp cardamom
  • 2tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 C cacao nibs
  • 1/3 C grated coconut

Grind almonds in food processor then add raisins, tahini, honey, cinnamon, cardamom and blend. Mix cacao nibs in by hand, roll into balls and refrigerate.