The Benefits of Bees
For how tiny they are, bee’s are seriously incredible…and they just so happen to make some pretty amazing things. You might have grown up being told that a spoonful of honey will help you get over a cold, or using it as a face mask will leave your skin soft and moisturized. And those things are true, raw honey is incredibly nourishing, but there are a few other hive products that you may not know about that have some serious benefits:
RAW HONEY - ANTIOXIDANTS & ENZYMES
Whenever you’re buying honey, always make sure it’s raw! Raw honey is full of enzymes, minerals and antioxidants making it the most nourishing, delicious sweet nectar out there. It soothes skin and is incredibly nourishing to the digestive tract because of it’s natural antiviral, anti-fungal, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties and easily digestible carbohydrates. Raw honey also supports the production of serotonin and melatonin in the brain, which means it can help with stress, relaxation and sleep! Eat a spoonful whenever you’re craving a sweet treat with a little extra nourishment.
BEE POLLEN - NATURES MULTI-VITAMIN
Bees are busy workers, and they need serious fuel in order to do their jobs. This is where Bee Pollen comes in. It’s actually considered one of nature’s most nutrient dense foods, thanks to the fact that it’s packed full of vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acids and essentially all of the essential nutrients. It’s easily digestible and they make the perfect little energizing sprinkles to recharge and nourish our bodies. Try putting them on yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, toast or salads! BONUS: because bees collect pollen from local flowers and plants, taking a small amount of locally produced bee pollen may help with seasonal plant-based allergies!
BEE PROPOLIS - IMMUNE SUPPORT
Propolis is made by bees out of plant and tree resins, and is used to line the wall of the beehive and act asset’s immune system. This propolis lining protects all the bees inside the hive from fungal and bacterial invaders, because it contains over 300 super powerful natural compounds that are known for helping support immunity and protect wellbeing! It tastes a little more medicinal than honey, but it honestly is still pretty delicious. My favourite way to take it is in spray form preventatively all winter long, but you can also use it topically on wounds or burns!
ROYAL JELLY - BRAIN & BEAUTY BOOSTER
Real Jelly is the food of queens…literally. It’s reserved exclusively for the queen bee, and she just so happens to live about 40 times longer than the average worker bee. It’s incredibly nourishing for skin, and when you apple it topically, it’s regenerative, has anti-aging properties, feeds skin cells the nutrients they need to heal, is moisturizing and boosts collagen production. When you consume it, you reap all the brain-boosting benefits: memory support and regulation, cognitive capacity enhancement, protection against neural damage and supports the growth of new brain cells. So whether you’re looking to boost your glow or feel mentally clear and focused, royal jelly will help you get there.
Julia Gibson is a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, functional foods recipe developer, and write currently based in Toronto. She hopes to inspire and empower others by creating nourishing foods, living a sustainable life, promoting holistic healing and sharing thoughtful writing.
Photo courtesy of Negin Mirsalehi