Stayia Farm Honeycomb

Stayia Farm Honeycomb 

is a true delicacy of nature. The hexagonal cells that create the comb are made by bees from beeswax. 550 bees have to visit 2 million flower blossoms to create 1 pound of honey, and then must consume 6 pounds of honey to generate 1 pound of beeswax. Beeswax is an amazing substance that is entirely edible and contains a variety of healing and allergy-soothing properties. Into each beeswax cell, bees deposit the flower nectar they have gathered from thousands of flowers. The bees then stand over the cell and fan their wings to evaporate the water from the nectar, leaving behind a rich, syrupy, golden substance that we know as honey. The cell is capped with a thin layer of beeswax and reserved as food supply for the colony. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF EATING HONEYCOMB

Honeycombs are hexagonal wax cells built by honey bees within their nests to contain their larvae and stores of honey and pollen. Typically, beekeepers remove the entire honeycomb to harvest the raw honey and then replace it because it takes time and energy for bees to construct them. Fresh, new honeycomb is sometimes sold intact to eat. The benefits from eating honeycomb are related to the honey and bee pollen, much more so than the bees wax. If you are allergic to bee stings or bee products, then you should be very cautious with honeycomb and consult with your doctor.

Benefits of Honey

Honey acts as an antimicrobial agent because it contains an enzyme that produces small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which is deadly to mainly pathogenic microorganism, according to “Biochemical, Physiological and Molecular Aspects of Human Nutrition." As such, honey can relieve some forms of gastritis and may be able to combat stomach ulcers caused by the bacteria H. pylori. Raw honey also acts a strong antioxidant, which scavenge harmful free-radicals linked to tissue damage, aging and even cancer. According to “Prescription for Nutritional Healing,” darker colored honeys are usually stronger antioxidants than lighter types. Honey is also a good, readily absorbed source of glucose and a spoonful or two can be useful for diabetics who are hypoglycemic.

Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen consists of pollen from a variety of plant species mixed with plant nectar and saliva from worker bees. Pollen, nectar and saliva collect on the legs of bees as they pollinated flowers, which is then collected by devices near the opening of bee hives. Despite not sounding too appetizing, bee pollen is packed full of nutrition and many consider it a “super-food.” According to “Biochemistry of Human Nutrition,” bee pollen contains about 35 percent complete protein, numerous fatty acids, soluble fiber, high concentrations of B-complex vitamins and many digestive enzymes. Bee pollen is consumed to boost energy, aid digestion and to help reduce the symptoms of hay-fever caused by air-born allergens, although very little scientific research has examined its affect on people. Bee pollen also contains propolis, a resin from plants that retards the growth of fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Bee Larvae

Bee larvae are developing bees and sometimes they do not live to become part of the hive. Consequently, honeycomb may contain undeveloped larvae or parts of bees, such as legs or wings, mixed with the honey and pollen, according to “Contemporary Nutrition." Parts of bees certainly add to the protein content of eating honeycomb or raw honey, although it may not be pleasant to think about. Most beekeepers who sell honeycomb are careful to remove any obvious remnants of bee larvae. If you are allergic to bee stings, consuming honeycomb may cause a negative reaction in you, although bee pollen naturally reduces histamine production and may provide some protection.

Bees Wax

The major component of honeycomb is bees wax, which is used as structural support. Bees wax has no nutritional content and widely believed to be inert, but some nutritional experts contend that it may display mild anti-inflammatory properties, as cited in “Nutritional Sciences." Regardless, eating large amounts of waxy material may slow digestion and lead to constipation, so its best to start with small amounts and notice how your body responds to it.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ORGANIC HONEY?

Winnie the Pooh may have been trying to teach a lesson when he wanted honey every time he got a "rumbly in his tumbly." From weight loss to skin clearing to pain relief, the benefits of honey are vast. When harvested organically, it becomes a healthy, medicinal treat that surpasses in taste any doctor-ordered prescription.

ORGANIC VS. NON-ORGANIC

Organic honey production involves stringent guidelines to protect the honey from contamination by pesticides and antibiotics. Not only do these antibiotics and pesticides alter the taste of pure honey, but they also are believed to cause cancer and aplastic anemia when consumed n large doses by humans. Other than these facts, organic and non-organic honey are equal in beneficial properties.

WORKOUT SUPPLEMENT

Chocked full of carbohydrates--17g per tablespoon--honey can provide a sustaining energy source for your workout. According to the National Honey Board, if you consume pure honey prior to a workout, it will get absorbed in your system and provide you with energy throughout the exercise. Adding it to the water bottle that you use during the activity will delay fatigue. Combine it with protein within 30 minutes after your workout and you will maintain comfortable blood sugar levels, decrease delayed onset muscle soreness, and replenish glycogen stores that were depleted during exercise.

SKIN AID

Honey is found in many store-bought beauty products and it can be added to the ones you have at home. As a humectant, it moisturizes the skin to keep it soft and smooth. Mixing honey with milk enhances products' antimicrobial and cleansing benefits. It leaves the skin glowing and may even improve acne when mixed with cinnamon to form a paste. It may be topically applied on a regular basis.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

According to Organic Facts, mixing honey with ginger may reduce respiratory problems, asthma and indigestion. Alone and with other mixtures, honey has been credited with relieving cough and sore throat, aiding sleep, boosting the immune system and treating stomach ulcers, bladder infections and arthritis. Applied topically it can decrease burns, heal infections, relieve toothaches and improve eczema. It is also a safe sweetener choice for diabetics.

WEIGHT LOSS

The Global Healing Center website reports that mixing honey with lemon can help melt away fat. Because it is cholesterol-free, you do not have to worry about it elevating your cholesterol levels. Mixing it with milk for a morning drink will boost your stamina to give you the energy you need to get more work accomplished, thereby burning more calories.

Six amazing health benefits of chilli peppers with honey

Vasilissa Wildforest Honey with red chili peppers is great to have in the kitchen as a treat or to use in marinades, dips, salad  dressings or as a hot drink.

1. Chillis are great for fighting colds

Chillis can boost your immune function with its high levels of in vitamin C (at least twice as high as any citrus fruit!). They are also effective at reducing congestion by opening up your nasal passages.

2.  Chillis make you feel happy

Endorphins are released in our bodies after exercise, love, excitement, orgasms and pain, and produce a feeling of pleasure. Capsaicin is an oil found within chillis, and is responsible for the burning sensation that is experienced. The pain from the burning sensation releases endorphins .

3. Chillis help stabilise blood sugar levels

Research has shown that eating chillis reduced the amount of insulin needed to lower blood sugar after a meal by 60%. This is particularly great news for diabetes sufferers. Stabilising sugar levels can also help with reducing appetite.

4. Chillis are great for your heart

Chillis boost blood circulation, thin blood and reduce artery clogging triglycerides. These combined can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases and stroke, and reduce the risk of complications in those already diagnosed.

5. Chillis increase your metabolism

Capsaicin is a ‘thermogenic’ compound, which means that it generates heat and increases metabolic rate. Increased metabolism can aid in the burning of fat! Research has shown that chillis can increase metabolic rate by up to 23% for 3 hours after a meal.

6. Chilli can relief pain

The endorphins released due to the capsaicin have a pain relieving effect. It has also been shown to reduce inflammatory proteins in those with auto-immune disorders.

Vasilissa Greek Wildforest Honey with Lavender blossom

Vasilissa Greek organic honey is a precious and aromatic blend of valuable nectar from various spring flowers growing on the sunny slopes of the Dyrfis mountain slopes in Evia island, combined with whole organic lavender blossoms. A combination that is beneficial when you are feeling restless, exhausted or have trouble sleeping.

Organic honey with lavender blossom:
98% organic wildforest and blossom honey, 2% organic lavender blossoms.

Vasilissa Honey with Large Tears of Mastic Chios

The greek pine honey meets the Chios mastic and we get the ideal combination of two highly natural products. Those who are fans of unique tastes will appreciate its delicious smell and viscid texture, while at the same time enjoy its high nutritional value. The collection period starts at the end of summer and lasts till early automn and it takes place in the island of Evia.
It is of high nutritional value because of its high concentration in minerals and vitamins. Chios mastic is famous for its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti- inflammatory role and contributes to proper function and better health of the digestive system.

Benefits of "Vasilissa" organic honey

Like other organic foods, organic form of honey also offers many advantages. Here is a short list of benefits of organic form of honey.

Free of antibiotics and pesticides : Pesticides that are sprayed on crops and the antibiotics used in bee keeping are harmful to humans. They cause hazardous diseases such as aplastic anemia and cancer. The veterinary antibiotics that are used to protect the bees from diseases are highly dangerous to humans. Organic honey that is extracted under strict guidelines of apiculture is free of these chemicals and totally safe to use.

Tastier than conventional honey : Like other organic foods organic honey also tastes better than the conventional honey. It could be due to higher concentration of nutrients and lack of contaminants such as pesticides and antibiotics.

Best source of energy : The pure form of honey that is rich in calories is best source of energy. Organic honey gets absorbed completely into the body and gives you the required energy. Hence, consumption of spoon of honey just before workouts will prevent fatigue. Combining honey with protein food will reduce the intensity of delayed muscle pain that develops after strenuous workouts. It will even replenish the lost glycogen stores.

Good for skin : Organic honey, as with any good honey, has the ability to absorb moisture helps to enjoy a healthy glowing skin. It absorbs moisture and prevents the skin from becoming dry. Honey and cinnamon combo serves as a best remedy for acne. Raw form of honey is also used as a topical application to treat burns and wounds. The high sugar content absorbs moisture from the wounded portion and makes it incompatible for bacterial growth. Hence, it not only prevents bacterial infections but also fastens the healing process.

Contains antimicrobial properties : Raw organic honey has anti-microbial properties and helps to treat bacterial infections such as sore throat. It even boosts the immune system’s ability to fight against infections and offers quick relief. Raw honey also treats bladder infections.

Alternative sweetener for diabetics : the ability of the organic honey to get absorbed in to the body immediately and to utilize the absorbed calories for longer duration helps to maintain blood sugar levels. Hence, honey is a safe and best sweetener for diabetics.

Treats other hard to treat medical conditions : Diseases such as arthritis and high cholesterol levels are hard to fight. The honey cinnamon combo treats these medical conditions efficiently. Massage of paste of cinnamon and honey offers immediate relief from arthritic pain. This duo also helps in strengthening arteries and veins in old age. Regular intake of honey and cinnamon prevents heart attacks.

Idle sweetener for baking and cooking : The perfect taste of organic honey that is free of preservatives, pesticides and antibiotics gives delicious flavor to the foods in which it is used. It even makes baked products soft with excellent taste. It is a best addition to tea and salads.

Benefits in infertility : Intake of this honey helps to solve the problem of impotence in men by  increasing the sperm count. It even treats infertility problems in women.

Rich source of nutrients and antioxidants :  Unprocessed honey is rich in nutrients such as vitamins and minerals. It also contains good amounts of antioxidants than the conventional variety. It is because in organic farming plants concentrate on producing more of antioxidants than on growth. Hence, the nectar of the flowers also contains more of these antioxidants that are good for our health. Antioxidants help in elimination of free radicals that are hazardous to health.

Safe to the environment : Organic variety of honey is not only beneficial to us it is also safe to the environment. The strict standards of organic farming prevent use of harmful pesticides and other chemicals to control pests and to promote growth. Hence, the environment remains fresh and it even protects the bee strains from harmful antibiotics. A vast change in environment due to various human activities is causing disappearance of few honey bee varieties. This in turn is causing scarcity of certain rare forms of honey such as White honey. Hence, choosing organic variety is also safe to the environment and bee population.