More Information on Propolis
Recently, Medical news today posted an article on the antimicrobial and antioxidant activity of bee propolis. The authors reported on a study demonstrating that propolis showed inhibition of various fungi, bacteria, yeasts, and free radicals (the measurement of antioxidant capacity).
Phenols and various flavonoids were determined to be responsible for most of these medicinal properties of propolis.
Excerpt:
The results coincided with what was expected, as this product has a high quantity of biologically active components, outstanding amongst these being the flavonoids (known for their high antioxidant power). The flavonoids are in fact most responsible for all the medicinal properties attributable to propolis: antibacterial, antimycotic, antifungal, antiviral, antitubercular, cytostatic, antiallergic, antioxidant, antitoxic, hypotensor, haemostatic, immunogenetic and antiparasitical.
Bee propolis has other uses as well. It has been found to be helpful in preventing dental plaque by inhibiting certain enzymes. It is also a good dietary source of amino acids, the building blocks from which your body uses to rebuild itself and stay healthy. It can even be used for wound care.
Excerpt (Mercola):
Good quality honey offers several topical wound-care benefits:
- It draws fluid away from your wound
- The high sugar content suppresses microorganism growth
- Worker bees secrete an enzyme (glucose oxidase) into the nectar, which then releases low levels of hydrogen peroxide when the honey makes contact with your wound
- A chemical reaction between the honey and tissue also makes healing wounds smell good
It is important to note that not all honey is equal in quality. Refined, processed honey actually contains fillers and added sugars which mute its therapeutic effect.
In a society with antibiotic resistance increasing and increased exposure to toxins, it's good to note that there is a natural anti-microbial and antioxidant in one.
Sources:
Mercola, J. This Bee Product Has Enormous Benefits for Your Health. November 17, 2009. Mercola.com
Medpage today. (online) Propolis Has Proved To Be A Product With Ability To Have Beneficial Effects For Health. October 28, 2009.
The Importance of Omega 3s
Recently, the EFSA confirmed the importance of ALA and DHA for babies. Many studies have linked cognitive and vision impairment in newborns to lack of these two Omega 3 fatty acids. This makes sense considering that 30-60% of the retina is made of DHA and 15-30% of the cerebral cortex. DHA is also important for immune and nervous system health.
Due to the fact that babies still rely on mom's for the conversion of DHA from ALA, and most moms are deficient, it is wise to recommend supplementation.
The food source of these essential fatty acids are best found in seafood; however, due to their high heavy metal content, fish might not be the best place to obtain these nutrients. Instead, a high quality fish or krill oil which is purified of toxins may be the best bet for mom and baby.
Source:
Mercola, J. Omega 3 Benefits Your Babies Brain and Eyes. Mercola.com. (online) November 17, 2009.
Da Cost, KA et al. Dietary docosahexaenoic acid supplementation modulates hippocampal development in the Pemt -/- mouse.J Biol Chem. 2009 Nov 4. PMID: 19889625
Hiratsuka S, Koizumi K, Ooba T, Yokogoshi H. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2009 Aug;55(4):374-80. PMID: 19763040
Bonus Link: Why Sweeteners Aren't so Sweet: Not good for kidneys, gastrointestinal tract, blood sugar, ect..
Bonus Link 2: This just in from a colleague: New revision to recommendation for Mammograms
Reisa Mehlman
Dr. Sarah Lobisco
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