The Benefits of Propolis and Antioxidants

by Nayda Rondon

New information about the connection between propolis, antioxidants and free radicals continues to surface. While scientific evidence remains inconclusive, clinical studies make a compelling case for propolis’s health benefits. Asli Tanugur Samanci, Taylan Samanci and Dr. Dilek Boyacioglu founded SBS Scientific Bio Solutions Company in order to bring Bee & You raw honey, propolis, royal jelly and bee pollen products to consumers seeking scientifically based natural solutions for health issues.

Ingredients in natural honey products support the immune system, according to Boyacioglu. One such component is propolis, a resin-like substance collected by bees from plant leaves, stems and buds. Bees use propolis as an antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral agent to keep their hives sterile and the colony healthy.

A major plus for propolis is that it’s rich in antioxidants that protect cells against damage from the effects of free radicals, which are unstable molecules naturally produced by the body when we exercise, our body converts food into energy or is exposed to environmental forces such as tobacco smoke, air pollution and radiation. Free radicals can cause oxidative stress, a process that triggers cell and DNA damage, contributes to the aging process and plays a role in cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and eye diseases.

Propolis has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties and continues to be popular today. Although honey products containing propolis are currently widely available, their quality, purity and potency vary greatly.

Bee pollen’s antioxidant content also depends on its plant source, place of origin and extraction method, all of which impact its effectiveness. All Bee & You products containing propolis are sourced from the mountains and forests of Anatolia, a peninsula in Asia that serves as a fertile habitat for more than 10,000 native plants; a bee paradise. Thus, propolis originating from Anatolia exhibits a greater antioxidant capacity than propolis from other regions.

Bee & You propolis has 80 times higher antioxidant activity than pomegranate juice, known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and preventative benefits, and since their honey is raw, unpasteurized, unfiltered and unprocessed, its health benefits are preserved.

Tanugur says, “We’re working on different aspects of the business ranging from beekeeper trainings to research and development. As we proceed, we see and hear that our products have made a difference in people’s lives. We are proud of this achievement, but most valuable of all is presenting to our consumers the bee products with hidden miracles in their purest form.”

Bee & You products are available at more than 3,000 CVS stores nationwide, as well as online at Amazon.com. To purchase products or for more information, visit Bee-And-You.com.