What is Bee Bread?
Bee bread is a natural product obtained from the fermentation of bee pollen mixed with bee saliva and flower nectar inside the honeycomb cells of a hive.
It is considered a functional food, rich in nutrients like amino acids, sugars, fatty acids, minerals, organic acids, polyphenols, and vitamins.
Bee bread has been associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, and antitumoral activities. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and can stimulate immunological activity [1,2,3].
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However, it is important to note that while it is definitely a healthy food, the current scientific evidence about its health benefits (such as its anticancer properties) is quite weak, and further research should be conducted.
In light of this, you may be interested in exploring other natural supplements backed by more robust scientific research. For example the Ashwagandha plant, contains compounds that are being rigorously studied by researchers for their potential health benefits, including anticancer properties.
Even though some of the claimed health benefits of bee bread are weakly supported in scientific literature, it is clear that bee bread is a highly nutritious food. Let us now highlight some key elements of its nutritional profile.
The Nutritional Profile of Bee Bread
Bee bread is a highly nutritious bee product. It is rich in proteins, soluble sugars, essential amino acids like threonine and lysine, and minerals.
The protein content of bee bread is around 22.57 g/100 g, covering 45.14% of daily values (DVs), while its sugar content is approximately 26.78 g/100 g, covering 53.56% of DVs.
Essential amino acids threonine and lysine are present in considerable amounts (59.50% and 42.03% of DV respectively). Bee bread is also a good source of iron, with 100 g covering 198.5% of daily values.
Additionally, BB contains a variety of phytonutrients such as phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, volatiles, and carotenoids, as well as unsaturated fatty acids like linoleic, linolenic, and oleic acids [3,4].
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Other bee products
Bee products include honey, propolis, royal jelly, bee pollen, bee bread, beeswax, and bee venom.
They have been used as natural medicines due to their therapeutic effects. Benefits include antimicrobial properties, wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects, and potential anticancerogenic roles [5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12]. They may also support the immune system and have potential antiviral activity [7,5].
However, the exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood and further research is needed.
Health risks may arise from the composition's species-specific variations, and also its allergy potential [6].
Conclusion
Bee bread, with its wealth of nutrients, stands out as a beneficial supplement. It offers a variety of health advantages including antioxidant and immune system support. However, it's important to recognize that scientific backing, particularly regarding anticancer claims, is still limited. While bee bread is a wholesome addition to any diet, further research is essential to validate some of its purported health benefits.
Disclaimer
This article was not written by a medical professional and does not offer health advice. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the usage of MediSearch, an AI-powered search engine, providing science-based answers to medical queries. Always consult a medical professional regarding your condition.
