Enriching Bee Factors: Bee Propolis
Propolis is a substance manufactured by bees that has captured the attention of many persons looking to enhance their health through nutrient-dense foods. Propolis fits that category because &it contains many trace minerals - magnesium, calcium, phosphorus and potassium - as well as beta carotene, bioflavonoids, vitamins B1 and B2.
But what is this mysterious substance that bees manufacture? Actually it is a type of glue that bees make from resins of certain trees such as poplar, birch and horse chestnut. They gather the resins, mix it with a nectar they secrete, and take it back to the hive, where propolis is used to sterilize the hive and seal it from invaders. Bees are almost impervious to viruses and bacteria perhaps it is the propolis which defends them so well even though they often do their work in a very polluted environment. Any bee that enters the hive brushes up against the propolis and is decontaminated, protecting the inhabitants from infection and disease. Everything inside and outside the hive, including the interior cells where the queen lays her eggs, is covered with a thin coating of propolis.
The Bioflavonoid Factor
Propolis is a concentrated source of bioflavonoids, containing more bioflavonoids than oranges. In fact much of the 'propolis power' may be due to the bioflavonoid factor. Bioflavonoids strengthen capillary walls and connective tissue, enhance absorption of vitamin C, and play a supportive role in reducing respiratory infections, bleeding gums, varicose veins and many other more serious diseases.
Antiviral, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antifungal
Propolis has been called "Russian Penicillin" crediting the research Russian scientists have done on this substance. When Russian researchers experimented on a group of rabbits they found that propolis-treated rabbits were protected from diseased cells much more than those who had an antitoxin administered without propolis. "Our present work studies the effects of propolis on the immunologic rates by simultaneous administration with antitoxin. The experimental animals given antitoxin with propolis were protected from death to a greater extent than was the control group given antitoxin alone. The data we obtained demonstrate that the immunization of animals with propolis-ntitoxin stimulates the specific and nonspecific factors We showed conclusily that the propolis-antitoxin protected the animals to a greater extent that the antitoxin alone."
Propolis' immune stimulating properties are well known by those taking it regularly. They report fewer colds, flus, infections and greater stamina and energy. "As a supplement it is an excellent aid against bacterial infections. A Soviet scientist stated that bee propolis stimulates phagocytosis, which helps the white blood cells destroy bacteria."
The antibacterial and antifungal properties of propolis may be due to the presence of galangin, caffeic acid and ferulic acid. Minor cuts and scrapes have been treated with propolis. It has also been used to speed healing of sore throats, and a variety of skin irritations. As a folk remedy propolis was used to get rid of corns.
Is it Safe?
Unlike many antibiotics which have unpleasant side-effects, propolis is exceedingly safe. And unlike antibiotics it does not destroy the good bacteria with the bad.
"Propolis is the strongest antibiotic found in Nature. It has no toxic side effects, no contraindications, and no upper limits of ingestion. Unlike chemical antibiotics produced in drug laboratories, propolis does not cause the body to build up a tolerance. Ingestors will receive as much benefit from bee propolis during their golden years as from the first bits they ever take."
How to Choose Propolis
The best propolis comes from northern climates where the trees produce the highest quality resin. Superior propolis products have high concentrations of resin and little wax. Natural Factors, the Canadian leader in nutritional products, has produced a superior quality propolis in a 500 milligram capsule. Their Bee Propolis is just one product in a series of Enriching Bee Factors designed to give consumers the best of the bee - nature's unrivalled producers of health-enhancing superfoods. Testing and quality control are bywords at Natural Factors so consumers can be assured that Bee Propolis is free of contaminants. Bee propolis may provide powerful but gentle nutrient protection in our uncertain age of super bugs, increased pollution, environmental degradation, and compromised health.
