Propolis, which was discovered by the Greeks and used as an antibiotic when it was first discovered, is also used in Greek for the city, meaning protecting the city, and for honey bees, meaning protecting the hive. Today it is known as an important immune booster. Since it is very important to strengthen immunity these days, it is necessary to know the importance of propolis, what propolis is, how it is used, that is, whether propolis is used hungry or full.
What is Propolis?
Propolis; It is defined as a bee product such as completely natural honey, royal jelly and pollen. Beekeepers also call it preboli or bee gum. It is the extract that the bees process and transform the resinous substances collected from some tree varieties (especially coniferous tree varieties) or parts of some flowers such as buds, leaves and stems with the enzymes secreted by the bees from their glands. At the same time, it has properties such as protection from cold, protection from microorganisms, waterproofing, thermal insulation and it is sticky. It has a characteristic odor.
Since some properties of propolis such as its content, color and odor are a natural product, it may differ according to climate, season, geographical region, collection time and source plant. At the same time, these factors affect the color of propolis. Propolis, which is usually dark brown, can also appear as yellow, green, red or transparent if these properties change. It is brittle and hard in cold weather, but can become sticky when in a hot environment. When we look at the structure of this natural product in general, it can be observed that it contains 30% wax, 50% resin and herbal balm, 10% essential and aromatic oils, 5% pollen and other substances. It has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is also very effective against fungi.
Propolis is very rich in content, so it is known as an important nutritional support product, immune-boosting product. It contains polyphenols (flavonoids, phenolic acid and esters), terpenoids, steroids, aromatic acid and esters, alphatic acid and esters, alcohols, aldehydes, chalcones, ketones, hydrocarbons, vitamins B1, B2, C and E, minerals (calcium, magnesium, potassium, s sodium, iron, zinc and copper) and amino acids, which are very important for human health. It is known that there are more than 300 compounds in propolis content. The beneficial properties of propolis are usually due to the flavonoid groups it contains. This group, which we call the flavonoid group, is usually found in cells capable of photosynthesis, so they cannot be synthesized by humans and therefore is important for human nutrition. It has a different and richer content than bee pollen.
Bees produce propolis and use it in many areas in their own lives. A type of honey bee, also known as Apis mellifera L., uses its mandibles to bring propolis to the hive, where it mixes the product with wax and saliva and turns it into pellets. Honey bees use the propolis they produce in the hive. It can be used for purposes such as mummification in order to prevent the odor of the dead bees in the hive, The best times to harvest propolis from hives are September and October, because before the bees enter the winter months, they make the holes in the hive as small as possible with the help of propolis in order to protect themselves in the best way possible, and these propolis are harvested by beekeepers when the time comes.
When we look at the solubility of propolis, it is seen that it is least soluble in water and most soluble in alcohol. Propolis can actually be extracted in pure water, alcohol, glycol and glycerin, but its extraction in glycol and glycerin is not considered in accordance with the regulation.
What are the Benefits of Propolis?
Supports the Immune System: According to the studies carried out by experts, the content of propolis Vitamin C is a very good free radical scavenger, that is, an antioxidant. Thanks to this effect, the human body is not damaged by free radicals by being exposed to external influences. It prevents the formation of certain chronic diseases in the person. Free radicals are one of the problems we encounter in today's conditions, especially with air pollution. It also has a delaying effect on the occurrence of the disease. The compounds known as the flavonoid group in the content of propolis provide the protection of the human body against viruses. It can be said that external use of propolis has an effect on flu or colds. It is effective in dental and dental health: Propolis prevents bacterial growth in the mouth due to its antibacterial feature, thus preventing dental caries, and swelling in the gums is good. Adding propolis to mouthwashes or toothpaste is beneficial for oral and dental health. In the Treatment of Some Diseases Related to the Digestive System: Propolis is effective in both the treatment and protective role of stomach ulcers, ulcerative colitis and even gastrointestinal cancers. To stomach ulcers in the person h. pylori and propolis can effectively eliminate this pathogen. Due to the antimicrobial effect of propolis, it also has an effect on diseases such as asthma and bronchitis. Today, it is very important that the respiratory tract is healthy in pandemic conditions, so the use of propolis has increased considerably.
Effect on Cancer: It can be said that propolis is also effective in some types of cancer. The effect of propolis against cancer is as follows: To prevent the proliferation of cancerous cells in the body, and to transform healthy cells into cancerous cells. Preventing cancer cells from sending warnings to each other by blocking the communication paths of cancerous cells with each other. The polyphenols in propolis are also very good anti-tumor agents.
How to Use Propolis? How to Include in the Nutrition, How to Consume Propolis?
Propolis is a nutritional supplement that receives good returns from those who use it, but the use of propolis is also one of the most important issues. Unprocessed propolis contains a high amount of beeswax, and this is a compound that is very difficult for humans to digest. For this reason, it is very important to separate the nutritious part and the wax-containing part in the propolis content before offering it to human use. While this decomposition process is being carried out, propolis must be properly decomposed in order to be digestible. After this decomposition process, the remains of the plant or the larval remains are also decomposed from the propolis. For these reasons, it is not recommended to consume propolis in its unprocessed form as it is taken from nature.
- First of all, it is necessary to answer the question of how to use propolis drops, which we often encounter in the market. For propolis drop preparations, it is sufficient to use 20 drops per day for adults and 10 drops per day for children.
- It is possible to use propolis, which is in water-soluble form, by mixing it with various beverages. These beverages can be beverages such as milk, fruit juice, other than water.
- It is recommended to consume propolis, which is in insoluble form, by mixing it with foods in solid or semi-solid form. Examples of these foods are honey, yoghurt, bread, molasses.
- There is also a mixed form of propolis with different bee products in the market. It is recommended to use the products in this form directly or by mixing with different foods in the form of 1 dessert spoon.
- In addition to the drop and mixture forms, propolis preparations are also available in spray or mouthwash forms. These are generally recommended for people with upper respiratory tract disease, mouth or dental problems. Use no more than 3 times a day There are many benefits.
- Propolis creams, on the other hand, can be applied locally in cases such as burns treatment, prevention of infections, herpes.
- Propolises also have capsule or tablet forms, and these forms are usually used to strengthen immunity Although it is used, it is also very effective in people who have sleep problems. It can be used on an empty or full stomach, but it is not suitable for children under 11 years of age.
- Liquid propolis is used for respiratory problems such as coughing or mouth and dental problems.
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