Uncertainties continue around use of bee pollen
Bee Propolis: 6 Most Important Benefits and Drawbacks
Bee Propolis: 6 Most Important Benefits and Drawbacks
You may enjoy honey in tea, or beeswax in lip balm, but what about propolis? Let's see if the bee propolis benefits are really worth the buzz.
Although you may be familiar with honey, beeswax, or royal jelly, bee propolis is a more obscure bee product that humans use. Bee propolis is a sticky resinous substance that bees create by mixing foraged plant resins, beeswax, and their own saliva. While the primary purpose of this “bee glue” is to seal gaps in the beehive, some other bee propolis benefits include insulating the hive, minimizing water loss, preventing pathogens from entering, defending from parasites, and preventing mold or decomposition within the hive. Though bees only make small amounts of propolis, it holds a crucial role for the health of a hive.
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Bee Propolis Benefits
Bee propolis has a host of benefits including wound healing, immunity boosts, and even anti-cancer properties.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / Lolame)
Bee propolis has been used since ancient times to treat a wide variety of medical conditions and promote general health. The primary bee propolis benefits derive from the high concentration of polyphenols, which are powerful antioxidants. Here are some health benefits propolis can provide:
Bee propolis mixtures can accelerate wound healing, often penetrating deep into a wound rather than merely healing the surface. Propolis has antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. It can promote oral health, including wound healing, periodontitis, and healthier saliva. Bee propolis benefits the immune system and can help fight against bacterial infections. Propolis is effective against both genital and oral herpes (cold sores), reducing the amount of virus, healing existing sores, and helping prevent outbreaks. It can help fight cancer by reducing cancer cell multiplication and shrinking tumors.
In addition to the myriad health benefits, purchasing bee propolis can support beekeepers which can help boost threatened honey bee populations.
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Some Drawbacks to Bee Propolis
Harvesting propolis means that bees will produce less wax or honey in order to compensate.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / dmohanna)
Although the bee propolis benefits seem to make this a miracle product, there are a few risks and drawbacks to be aware of:
Bee propolis can cause allergic reactions, particularly to those who are allergic to bee stings, honey, tree resin, or even pollen (since this often becomes a component of propolis). These reactions often take the form of inflammation or rashes when used on the skin or as swelling or ulcers when used as lozenges.
Additionally there is a question of sustainability with harvesting bee propolis: even commercial propolis harvesting must be done small scale since bees only produce a small amount. Excess propolis harvesting means that bees must focus on replacing it rather than producing honey for food. There are other complications as well:
Bees must visit flowers to produce honey, making propolis harvesting somewhat less ecologically beneficial because bees must focus on collecting tree resin rather than pollinating.
Propolis plugs up a hive and prevents pathogens, so a large propolis harvest means that the hive will be more susceptible to the disease and the elements until more propolis is produced.
Bees always produce an excess of propolis which beekeepers must break apart to open the hive and access honey. This is the most sustainable method of propolis harvesting. Larger scale harvesting involves “propolis traps” which are full of tiny gaps which bees instinctively fill instead of harvesting honey.
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The Verdict on Bee Propolis
Like honey, bee propolis benefits will depend on the plants that bees collect resin from.
(Foto: CC0 / Pixabay / ExplorerBob)
Given the multiple bee propolis benefits, there is little harm in trying this bee product while supporting local and sustainable beekeeping in the process. Here are some considerations for purchasing propolis:
Contact your physician first if you are allergic to bee products, bee stings, or pollen as propolis may trigger this.
Most of the research into bee propolis benefits focuses on topical propolis in the form of creams or lozenges to promote skin or oral health. The benefits of supplements is less established.
Since propolis research is still new, there is no FDA approved dosage of propolis and different brands use different concentrations.
Look for local suppliers so you can learn more about their practices. Smaller beekeepers tend to be more concerned with the welfare of their bees.
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Honey Side Effects: 7 Ways It May Cause Harm
The health benefits offered by honey are numerous. Being rich in antioxidants and minerals, it is often considered a healthy alternative to sugar. But are you also aware of the side effects of honey?
There is a constant debate between this nutritious food and the benefits it offers and its negative effects like weight gain, elevated blood sugar levels, and allergies.
But does this mean you have to stop consuming honey? Continue reading further to know more.
In This Article What Are The Side Effects Of Honey?
What Are The Side Effects Of Honey?
1. May Lead To Weight Gain
One tablespoon of honey (21 grams) contains 64 calories (1). It is relatively high in calories. Though this might not look like a lot, a number of such tablespoons every day for a long time can add up. This is especially true if one is not making other lifestyle changes accordingly.
Honey is an added sugar. It is a sugar that is added to other foods and beverages during processing. Frequent intake of added sugars has been associated with weight gain (2). Reduced intake of added sugars, in general, was linked to lower weight gain (3).
According to the WHO, it is important to keep daily sugar intake below 10% of the total calories (3).
2. May Cause Allergies
Though honey allergies are rare, increased intake of foods containing honey as a key ingredient may put one at risk.
Individuals allergic to pollen could be allergic to honey as well (4). Honey allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening condition (5). It is characterized by skin rashes, facial swelling, nausea, vomiting, and shock.
This allergy is believed to be caused by propolis, is a substance used by bees while building honeycombs. Propolis is a contact allergen (5).
3. May Cause Infant Botulism
Infant botulism occurs when an infant ingests a bacterial spore that produces a toxin inside the body. This occurs due to the presence of C botulinum in honey, which is a bacterial strain.
Research recommends not giving honey to infants less than a year old (6). Though most cases of infant botulism cannot be prevented (as the related bacteria are present in dust and soil as well), they are not harmful either.
It is only when the bacterial spore produces a toxin in the infant’s digestive system that there is a problem. This is more likely to happen with honey (7). Hence, infants below the age of 1 year must be kept away from any and all products/supplements containing honey (even if in trace amounts).
Infant botulism may result in the disruption of motor and autonomic functions in the infant (8). The symptoms may include constipation, floppiness, sagging eyelids, loss of facial expressions and head control, a weak cry, and respiratory failure (9).
4. May Elevate Blood Sugar Levels
Though honey could be a better alternative to table sugar, it still contains sugar. Studies state that people with diabetes must take honey with caution (10).
Long-term intake of honey can increase the levels of hemoglobin A1C (hemoglobin that is bound to glucose) in the blood. High levels of hemoglobin A1C can mean a higher risk of diabetes (10).
Honey may have effects similar to table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup (a harmful additive). In a study, all three ingredients elevated triglyceride levels and impaired glucose response in similar ways (11). However, some studies also state the anti-diabetic effects of honey (12).
Honey may not be harmful for people with diabetes. It may have certain beneficial effects too. But if you are dealing with diabetes complications, we recommend you speak to your doctor before including it in your diet.
5. May Cause Diarrhea
Honey can cause diarrhea. It contains fructose in excess of glucose. This may lead to an incomplete fructose absorption in the body, potentially causing diarrhea (13).
6. May Cause Food Poisoning
Honey naturally contains microbes. These include bacteria, yeast, and molds, which come from dust, air, dirt, and pollen. But since honey has antimicrobial properties, these microbes are usually not a cause for concern (14).
However, there is a possibility that honey could carry secondary contamination. This can come from processing by humans, containers, wind, and dust (14). Though this is rare, it is important to exercise caution. If you have a history of food poisoning, avoid honey or purchase it only from a reliable seller.
7. May Promote Tooth Decay
Honey contains sugar and is sticky (15). This may lead to tooth decay in the long run if one doesn’t rinse their mouth properly after consuming honey.
Honey may cause tooth decay in children, more so if they are using pacifiers dipped in honey (16). The sugar in honey can provide food to oral bacteria, encouraging their growth.
Some believe that natural sugars like honey may have similar cavity-producing effects as refined sugar. However, research is lacking in this aspect.
8. May Cause Bleeding
Honey can have an inhibitory effect on blood coagulation (17). While it is unclear if this can cause bleeding, there is a possibility. If you have any bleeding issues, please check with your doctor before taking honey.
Honey is a natural sweetener and a healthy alternative to sugar. It is highly nutritious and contains antioxidants that offer a multitude of benefits. However, excess intake of honey may cause some unexpected side effects. Overconsumption of honey may lead to weight gain, allergies, infant botulism (a serious gastrointestinal condition that occurs in infants up to age 12 months), elevated blood sugar levels, diarrhea, food poisoning, bleeding, and tooth decay. Hence, take it in moderation to avoid any reactions. Consult your doctor if you have any medical conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get sick from taking honey?
Honey may contain natural toxins. Raw honey may contain spores of the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. The symptoms of poisoning due to honey intake depend on the types and levels of toxins. If you experience side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor immediately.
Should you refrigerate honey?
It is not necessary to refrigerate honey. Store it in a cool location away from direct sunlight.
Can honey cause stomach gas?
There is less research in this regard. But anecdotal evidence states it may cause gas. Some believe the fructose in honey may not be absorbed well in the gut and may end up getting fermented to cause gas and bloating.
Sources Articles on StyleCraze are backed by verified information from peer-reviewed and academic research papers, reputed organizations, research institutions, and medical associations to ensure accuracy and relevance. Check out our editorial policy for further details. Honey, United States Department of Agriculture, National Nutrient Database.
Know Your Limit for Added Sugars, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Obesity and Obesity Related Diseases, Sugar Consumption and Bad Oral Health: A Fatal Epidemic Mixtures, Translational Medicine, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Allergy to honey: relation to pollen and honey bee allergy, Allergy, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Anaphylaxis caused by honey: a case report, Asia Pacific Allergy, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Infant botulism following honey ingestion, BMJ Case Reports, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Botulism, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Association between honey consumption and infant botulism, Pharmacotherapy, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Infant botulism – why honey should be avoided for children up to one year, Lakartidningen, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Effects of natural honey consumption in diabetic patients: an 8-week randomized clinical trial, International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Consumption of Honey, Sucrose, and High-Fructose Corn Syrup Produces Similar Metabolic Effects in Glucose-Tolerant and -Intolerant Individuals, The Journal of Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Honey and Diabetes: The Importance of Natural Simple Sugars in Diet for Preventing and Treating Different Type of Diabetes, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Honey may have a laxative effect on normal subjects because of incomplete fructose absorption, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Microorganisms in honey, International Journal of Food Microbiology, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
.Sugars and Dental Caries: Evidence for Setting a Recommended Threshold for Intake, Advances in Nutrition, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Prevalence of early childhood caries and associated risk factors in preschool children of urban Bangalore, India: A cross-sectional study, European Journal of Dentistry, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
Effect of natural honey on human platelets and blood coagulation proteins, Pakistan Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, US National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
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Uncertainties continue around use of bee pollen
In the eternal quest to discover the next “superfood,” bee pollen is gaining popularity.
Bee pollen is often marketed as an effective dietary supplement that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. You also may hear that it prevents cancer, balances hormones, improves athletic performance, promotes weight loss and reduces allergies, among many other health claims.
Some of that is true. But some is false, and some remains uncertain. If you are considering using it, do your homework and discuss with your primary care provider.
What is bee pollen?
Bees collect pollen from plants and pack it in little “baskets” on their back legs. The bees then fill their hive with the pollen to feed their young.
Beekeepers harvest the pollen from bees by using traps attached to the hive opening. When the bees enter the hive, a small amount of pollen is knocked off their baskets and collected in a drawer underneath the hive.
The collected pollen is then dried and packaged to be sold as granules, powder or in pill form.
Bee pollen granules should be soaked for two to three hours before consuming them. Or grind the granules into powder and mix them with food such as yogurt, smoothies or honey.
Is bee pollen nutritious?
Bee pollen contains many nutrients. Over 200 substances are found in the pollen grains from different plant species. The amount of certain nutrients can vary, depending on the plant species from which the bees collected the pollen.
All three major nutrients (carbohydrates, protein and fat) and a wide variety of additional nutrients are found in bee pollen. Some of the nutrients include:
Vitamins B1, B2 and B6, which all help your body turn food into energy
Copper, which is needed for many processes in the body
Flavonoids, compounds called antioxidants, which may decrease your risk for chronic diseases
What does the research say?
Most research of bee pollen is conducted on animals and in laboratories. Therefore, many of the actual effects on humans remain unknown.
One study looking at how bee pollen supplementation may affect athletic performance determined that it does not seem to improve athletic performance.
At this time, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of claims that ingesting bee pollen prevents cancer, balances hormones, promotes weight loss or reduces allergies.
In fact, consuming it can be harmful to some people.
Is bee pollen safe?
There are some safety concerns to be aware of before eating bee pollen. More research is required to determine the full effects – positive or negative.
You should be aware of scientific concerns such as these:
A literature review published in 2015 found that consumption could cause an allergic reaction in people with bee or honey allergies.
It is recommended that pregnant and breastfeeding women do not consume it, as there is some concern it stimulates the uterus to contract.
Babies under the age of 1 should avoid it, as there is no research studying the safety for this population group.
Some evidence suggests that it may interfere with blood-thinning medications, so you shouldn’t take it if you are on this type of medication.
Bottom line
Bee pollen is an excellent source of a wide variety of nutrients. It is generally safe for most people when taken by mouth.
However, long-term use may cause serious side effects, including muscle weakness, nausea, numbness, skin rash, swelling or trouble breathing. Stop using and contact your provider if you experience such symptoms.
It also can interact with some medications, so always check with your provider before starting any supplements. And if you have allergies, are pregnant, breastfeeding or are under the age of 1, it would be best to avoid it due to safety concerns.
Last Updated: July 30, 2021
