Honey and other food products of bees are some of the world’s oldest foods; in fact, raw honey is one of the only foods that has an indefinite shelf life. More than that, these foods have been respected throughout history for their powerful healing and nutritional properties. There is significant research and history that back up the therapeutic and beautifying properties of beehive products. These superfoods include not just honey, but also beeswax, propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen, all of which provide some degree of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities, making them fantastic for the skin.
Top Bee Products & Their Beauty Benefits
Everything bee’s do and produce have marvelous benefits on our health. The mere existence of bees not only have a profoundly positive effect on the ecosystem (responsible for the pollination of basically every plant in existence), but their foodstuffs are capable of great healing to the body as well. Most bee products have an impressive quantity of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other anti-inflammatory compounds. For example, raw honey and royal jelly is known to promote skin regeneration by improve collagen production, and stimulating the skin fibers that give structure to skin. However, that’s not all, let’s have a look at each of the most popular bee products in detail…
Raw Honey:
Perhaps the most well-known food in the world and for good reason; raw honey is pure liquid nourishment. The use of raw honey historically includes Ancient Greeks, Egyptians and Indians. It has been used for the treatment of wounds, infections, insomnia, teeth and gums, baldness, cold and cough, and so much more. Raw honey is a known antioxidant, antibiotic, antiviral, anti-irritant and anti-inflammatory substances. Nutritionally speaking, it contains antioxidants, minerals, vitamins, phenolics, peptides, organic acids, and a large variety of enzymes. Applied to the skin in combination with water and hydrogen peroxide, it can help to clear blemishes and imperfections along with acne. As mentioned, honey also stimulates collagen production, which is important for promoting supple, elastic and smooth skin. Being rich in antioxidant, it is generally anti-aging as it protects skin cells from free radical damage. What’s more, is that adding raw honey to natural skincare products helps to preserve it.
Royal Jelly:
This thick, honey-like substance gets its name from the fact that it is the food for the Queen bee. It is produced by the bees of the hive out of bee pollen and enzymes from their own glandular system. It is postulated that Royal Jelly is at cause for the grand size and strength of the Queen bee compared to the rest. However, this isn’t just Queen bee food, Royal jelly contains a protein, amino acids, vitamins, minerals and other helpful constituents. According to study, royal jelly can help improve glucose tolerance and mental well-being. It is also said to aid in the regeneration of the cells, the healing of wounds and skin disorders, to promote sexual function, strengthen the immune system, and protecting the skin from dehydration, bacterial infection and inflammation. In terms of skin health and nutrition, royal jelly contains vital nutrients for the health of the skin, including flavonoids, nucleic acid, decanoic acid, enzymes, steroidal hormones, along with vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, acetyl-choline and zinc. Royal jelly is fantastic stuff for getting rid of wrinkles and fine lines, it is one of the few natural substances to contain collagen. It also has good amounts of lecithin, vitamins A, B-complex, C, D, and E, which are key building nutrients for skin elasticity. You can effectively use royal jelly to improve overall skin health, to heal inflammatory issues (acne, eczema, etc.), and minimize wrinkles and fine lines.
Propolis:
Propolis is tree and plant resin that is collected by bees then brought back to the hive. Upon returning to the hive, worker bees mix the propolis with saliva and beeswax. The end product is a nutrient-dense resin, rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and immune modulating elements. Propolis is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics on the planet. It is great for inhibiting the overgrowth of infectious and inflammatory pathogens on the skin’s microbiome; a primary cause of skin problems.
Bee Pollen:
A favorite amongst many; bee pollen is a complete source of a nutrition. It contains all of the necessary enzymes, vitamins, amino acids, hormones, trace minerals and other phytochemicals required for cellular growth. There is truly no other single food that compares to the nutritional perfection of bee pollen. Perhaps this is why it is the staple part of the bee’s diet. Like propolis, bee pollen is created by It is the substance that is created by worker bees, only bee pollen is a mixture of nectar, honey, bee saliva and the plant pollens collected by bees. This gives bee pollen a very delicious and somewhat sweet taste. In terms of skin health, bee pollen contains very rejuvenating nutrients like carotenoids, flavonoids and phytosterols, which promote cellular regeneration. Studies reveal that bee pollen consumption can improve skin tone and appearance. It is also rich in sulfur, a key component for the production of collagen and healthy skin. Furthermore, bee pollen has strong immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, which shortens healing time and support the immune system in regenerating the skin, which is especially helpful for wounds, cuts and scars.
Beeswax:
Another and final bee product for beauty is beeswax. Essentially, beeswax is the core material that a honeycomb is made of. More than that, it contains hundreds of micronutrients, known to soften the skin and deeply moisturize and protect it when applied topically. Best of all, it is an organic skin moisturizer and protectant that will not clog pores. If you see beeswax in your organic skincare product then you’ve likely found something good. It will help your skin hold moisture better, delivery nutrients from other ingredients to the skin cells and strengthen your skins protective barrier. At Alitura Naturals, we are big believers in the benefits of bee products.
The Alitura Moisturizer contains Organic Beeswax, Raw Organic Wilelaiki Honey, Organic Bee Propolis Extract, and Royal Jelly.
The Alitura Night Cream contains Hawaiian Beeswax, Raw Manuka Honey, and Royal Jelly.
The Alitura Body Lotion also contains Organic Beeswax.
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