NOURISH | Superfoods Series: Bee Products

Bee Products – What’s all the Buzz about?

When Alexander the Great died, he was carried back to Greece in a golden coffin filled with honey. The Ancient Egyptians fashioned bee-shaped jewelry and offered pollen to the gods. Bee Products – the original superfood – have been universally celebrated since prehistoric times, and it is clear upon reading David Wolfe’s Superfoods just exactly why.

Honey

Honey is made from the nectar that bees sip from flower blossoms. Research shows that raw honey is nature’s richest source of healing enzymes and increases mental alertness and IQ. Not only is it a delicious natural sweetener, it is scientifically proven to have antibiotic effects on such infectious diseases as anthrax, urinary tract infections, meningitis, sinusitis, tooth decay, and sore throats and is also prescribed to ease diarrhea, ulcers, IBS, etc. Additionally, it has value as a topical defense to burns, abrasians and more.

Suggested honey products:

-       NoniLand Honey: Found in the north Hawaiian islands, contain particular antimicrobial material from local north-shore pollens.

-       Manuka: From New Zealand, known for exceptional topical antibiotic power.

Bee Pollen

Bee Pollen is considered one of the most complete foods found in nature! It is the source of 18 vitamins: nearly all B vitamins, as well as C, D, and E; rutin; carotenese; all the essential amino acids; 14 fatty acids, and the list goes on! Additionally, it has high antioxidant levels, potent aphrodisiac and fertility-improving properties, and is proven to improve strength, endurance, energy, and speed.

Surprisingly, pollen is one of the richest sources of bioavailable protein in nature! Gram for gram, it contains an estimated 5-7 times more protein than meat, eggs, or cheese.

Pollen products:

-       Either fresh or dried pollen should be consumed at the hive’s natural temperature or less (96 degrees F). Pollen comes as granular particles the size of flaxseeds, and should be stored in freezers to monitor moisture content.

-       One tablespoon a day is advised for people over age 5. If you are new to pollen, try about ¼ teaspoon and work from there.

Royal Jelly

Royal Jelly results from the combination of pollen and honey within a particular group of young nurse bees. It is what feeds the Queen Bee, and its nutritional value is the only thing that sets her apart from the lay-bee. It is the second richest natural source of B5 and the richest source of acetylcholine, which is important for regulating nerve impulses between fibers and enhances our ability to think clearly. It has proven to rejuvenate the body, alleviate arthritis pain and inhibit aging. An important 1960’s study by the American Association for Cancer Research revealed that Royal Jelly even proved to inhibit the development of AKR Leukemia and three lines of mouse ascetic tumors.

Royal Jelly Products:

-       Should be frozen to preserve healing and nutritive properties.

-       Half a teaspoon daily is effective to achieve longevity and receive a solid dosage of B vitamins – especially B5.

Propolis

Propolis is a tree resin that bees use in their hives to repair damage and prevent the spread of diseases. Humans use it for the same reason – it contains bioflavonoids that have powerful antibiotic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.

Propolis Products:

-       Extracts: liquefied in alcohol, then put into glycerine. Can be added to water or straight to the mouth by the drop to improve the immune system.

-       Eye drops: great to cleanse eyes in place of synthetic eye drops.

Now that you know just why honey was worthy of Alexander the Great, here are some delicious ways to start incorporating bee products into your diet!:

Sweet Superfood Cookie Crumbles

1 tbsp. bee pollen

1 tbsp. açai berry powder

1/4 tbsp. purple corn extract powder

1/4 tbsp. mesquite meal

1/2 tbsp. spirulina

1 tbsp. coconut cream (not oil)

1 tsp. raw honey (solidified, white honey works best)

If desired, add 1/2 tsp. cacao powder for chocolate flavor

Mash all ingredients together until a crumbly paste is achieved. Spread on a sheet and dehydrate in a dehydrator or oven until they reach cookie consistency. (The dehydrator should be set at 115 degrees Fahrenheit and let to run until the crumbles are dry. If you have an oven, set it at the lowest temperature and check the crumbles every 10–15 minutes until they are dehydrated.)

Image by Lithfin on Flickr courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.