Propolis, Secret Weapon to Support Immunity
Propolis is powerful product from bees which looks set to become your secret weapon to support immunity and help combat winter ills and chills.
The secret is in its botanical beginnings. Some plants produce a sticky resin that contains powerful bioactive compounds, which protects their buds, leaves and bark from environmental injury. Bees collect this resin and mix it with wax to produce propolis, a 'bee glue' that they use to seal and protect their hives against infection.
Propolis is produced in many parts of the world including China and South America, but the propolis that's made here in New Zealand is extra special. New Zealand propolis has been found to contain key bioactive in high concentrations that are active in the body and work together to provide greater protection.
New Zealand's challenging weather patterns, clean air, remote location and high UV exposure force our plant life to develop extra protection and resilience. This is why the plant bioactive contained in New Zealand propolis are so potent. In turn, these bioactive protect bees and their hives from microorganisms, and offer the same potent health benefits to us.
Research is investigating the effects of high quality propolis for supporting healthy immune function, digestive health, respiratory health and providing antioxidant protection for cellular health and healthy aging.
Retrieved from https://www.stuff.co.nz/life-style/well-good/teach-me/121574281/protect-
yourself-from-winter-ills-and-chills-naturally
Five Nutrition and Benefits from Colostrum
Colostrum is very nutritious and contains high levels of antibodies, which are proteins that fight infections and bacteria.
Colostrum promotes growth and health in infants and newborn animals, but research shows that taking bovine colostrum supplements may promote immunity, help fight infections, and improve gut health throughout life.
Bovine colostrum is extremely nutritious and contains more nutrients than regular milk.
In particular, it’s higher in protein, fat, carbs, magnesium, B vitamins, and vitamins A, C, and E than cow’s milk.
While colostrum is rich in macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals, its claimed health benefits are
mostly linked to specific protein compounds, which include:
- Lactoferrin.
- Growth factors. Growth factors are hormones that stimulate growth. Bovine colostrum is especially high in two protein-based hormones, insulin-like growth factors 1 and 2, or IGF-1 and IGF-2
- Antibodies. Antibodies are proteins, also known as immunoglobulins, used by your immune system to fight bacteria and viruses. Bovine colostrum is rich in the antibodies IgA, IgG, and IgM
Since bovine colostrum is loaded with nutrients that fight disease and promote growth, it may be able to boost immunity, treat infections, and offer more related benefits in humans throughout life.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/bovine-colostrum
Green-Lipped Mussel Benefits
Green-lipped mussel (Perna canaliculus) is a New Zealand shellfish, from which an extract has been shown to be useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) and osteoarthritis ( OA ).
Asthma
In a study of people with asthma, supplementing with a proprietary extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Lyprinol) significantly decreased wheezing and improved airflow.
In a double-blind study of people with asthma, supplementation with a proprietary extract of New Zealand green-lipped mussel (Lyprinol) twice a day for 8 weeks significantly decreased daytime wheezing and improved airflow through the bronchi.
Osteoarthritis
New Zealand green-lipped mussel supplements have been shown in various studies to reduce joint tenderness and stiffness and improve pain, including knee pain in people with osteoarthritis.
The effects of New Zealand green-lipped mussel supplements have been studied in people with osteoarthritis. In a preliminary trial, either a lipid extract (210 mg per day) or a freeze-dried powder (1,150 mg per day) of green-lipped mussel reduced joint tenderness and morning stiffness, as well as improving overall function in most participants. In a double-blind trial, 45% of people with osteoarthritis who took a green-lipped mussel extract (350 mg three times per day for three months) reportedly had improvements in pain and stiffness. Another double-blind trial reported excellent results from green-lipped mussel extract (2,100 mg per day for six months) for pain associated with arthritis of the knee.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Supplementing with New Zealand green-lipped mussel may improve rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, including joint tenderness and morning stiffness.
In a recent research, use of green-lipped mussel as a lipid extract (210 mg per day) or a freeze-dried powder (1,150 mg per day) for three months led to a decrease in joint tenderness and morning stiffness, and to better overall function.
Retrieved from https://wa.kaiserpermanente.org/kbase/topic.jhtml?docId=hn-2860000
Five Health Benefits of Manuka Honey
Manuka honey is a type of honey native to New Zealand.
It’s produced by bees who pollinate the flower
Here are 5 science-based health benefits of manuka honey.
1. Aid Wound Healing
In 2007, manuka honey was approved by the US FDA as an option for wound treatment.
Honey offers antibacterial and antioxidant properties, all while maintaining a moist wound environment and protective barrier, which prevents microbial infections in the wound.
Multiple studies have shown that manuka honey can enhance wound healing, amplify the regeneration of tissue and even decrease pain in patients suffering from burns.
2. Promote Oral Health
Studies have shown manuka honey attacks harmful oral bacteria associated with plaque formation, gum inflammation and tooth decay.
Specifically, research has shown that manuka honey with a high antibacterial activity is effective at inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria like P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans.
3. Soothe a Sore Throat
Not only does manuka honey attack harmful bacteria, it also coats the inner lining of the throat for a soothing effect.
A recent study in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer observed the effects of consuming manuka honey on Streptococcus mutans, a type of bacteria responsible for sore throats.
Interestingly, researchers found a significant decrease in Streptococcus mutans after they consumed manuka honey
4. Help Prevent Gastric Ulcers
H. pylori is a common type of bacteria that is responsible for the majority of gastric ulcers. Research suggests that manuka honey may help treat gastric ulcers caused by H. pylori.
5. Improve Digestive Symptoms
Researchers have discovered that regularly consuming manuka honey may help decrease these symptoms.
Manuka honey has been proven to improve antioxidant status and reduce inflammation in rats with both IBS and ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/manuka-honey-uses-benefits
Five Science-Based Health Benefits of Krill Oil
Krill oil is a type of small crustacean consumed by whales, penguins and other sea creatures.
1. Excellent Source of Healthy Fats
Both krill oil and fish oil contain the omega-3 fats EPA and DHA. However, some evidence suggests that the fats found in krill oil may be easier for the body to use than those from fish oil, since most omega-3 fats in fish oil are stored in the form of triglycerides.
2. Can Help Fight Inflammation
Omega-3 fatty acids like those found in krill oil have been shown to have important anti-inflammatory functions in the body.
In fact, krill oil may be even more effective at fighting inflammation than other marine omega-3 sources because it appears to be easier for the body to use.
What’s more, krill oil contains a pink-orange pigment called astaxanthin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
3. Might Reduce Arthritis and Joint Pain
Because krill oil seems to help reduce inflammation, it may also improve arthritis symptoms and joint pain, which often result from inflammation.
In fact, a study that found krill oil significantly reduced a marker of inflammation also found that krill oil reduced stiffness, functional impairment and pain in patients with rheumatoid or osteoarthritis
4. Could Improve Blood Lipids and Heart Health
A recent review of seven studies concluded that krill oil is effective at lowering “bad” LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and may increase “good” HDL cholesterol, too.
Another study compared krill oil to olive oil and found that krill oil significantly improved insulin resistance scores, as well as the function of the lining of the blood vessels.
5. May Help Manage PMS Symptoms
Several studies have found that taking omega-3 or fish oil supplements can help decrease period pain and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), in some cases enough to decrease the use of pain medication.
It appears that krill oil, which contains the same types of omega-3 fats, may be just as effective.
One study found that while both supplements resulted in statistically significant improvements in symptoms, women taking krill oil took significantly less pain medication than women taking fish oil.
Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/krill-oil-benefits#TOC_TITLE_HDR_7
What are the Benefits of Royal Jelly?
Royal jelly is a creamy white substance with a high nutrient content that young bees make to feed
queen bee larvae.
Royal jelly is highly nutritious and may have antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Menopause symptoms
Royal jelly may provide relief from the symptoms of menopause.
A recent study found that taking 150 milligrams of royal jelly daily over 3 months could help improve cholesterol levels in healthy postmenopausal women.
Premenstrual syndrome
Royal jelly may also be beneficial for people with premenstrual syndrome.
In a 2014 study, the investigators gave 110 participants either a royal jelly capsule or a placebo once every day over two menstrual cycles. The participants who took the royal jelly capsules had less severe premenstrual syndrome symptoms over the 2 months.
Wound healing
According to some research, royal jelly could speed up the process of wound healing. The results of a laboratory study in the journal Nutrition Research and Practice showed that royal jelly might significantly increase the movement of fibroblasts to a wound. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that coordinates the process of wound healing.
Type 2 diabetes
There is some evidence that royal jelly may have benefits for people with type 2 diabetes.
In one study, 50 female participants with type 2 diabetes received either a 1-gram dose of royal jelly gel or a placebo once a day for 8 weeks. The results indicated that taking royal jelly may lead to a reduction in the level of blood glucose. Lower glucose levels in the blood are beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.
Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324152