In recent years there has been a real boom in everything that refers to the care of the body and the maintenance of health. The dietetic and naturalist industry has seen an increase in people interested in their products. A priori is excellent news since many diseases and pathologies could be avoided simply by following a suitable lifestyle.
As in everything, reality and myth intermingle, and experts’ opinions, consumers, and marketing are confused, making it difficult to distinguish what is the genuine and popular belief. Lately, new terms have appeared, such as superfoods, which, far from responding to scientific reality, are based on an advertising will.
That is why at FastlyHealwe wanted to talk about propolis, one of these foods on the lips of the whole world and to which innumerable benefits are attributed; properties of propolis, myth or reality?
Table of Contents
What is propolis
Propolis, propolis or propolis, is a wax-like substance used by bees to bathe their hives and extract them from different plants and trees. These insects collect pollen and other substances from trees, synthesize it and create this resinous material with which they build hives and cover the bodies of other dead insects.
Given its varied origin, in propolis, we can find hundreds of different components, and in some of them, there is biological activity, something that cannot always be good. In recent years, the success of propolis has exploded. It is becoming more and more popular as a result of the multiple and almost miraculous properties that are given to it, but that is why we wanted to shed a little light and discover the truth behind so many compliments. . Although it can be taken in different ways, for example as an ointment, we are going to focus on its use as a dietary supplement, its most marketed and widespread variant.
Properties of propolis
In a quick search on the net, you will find endless lists about the benefits and properties of propolis, from stomach disorders and colds to cancer, heart attacks, and tuberculosis. If that were not enough, it is also attributed to an antibiotic, antiviral, anesthetic, antitumor, or anti-inflammatory properties.
According to the European Food Safety Authority, the European Union’s food regulatory body, it is not proven that propolis helps improve respiratory health, regenerates body tissues, or helps cure cancer, or all the alleged properties attributed to it. In fact, by not presenting any scientific evidence of its curative effects and not appearing as a medicine but as a food supplement, commercially attributing these effects to propolis is illegal since it does not comply with European regulations.
What seems to be plausible is that it may have a specific effect regarding throat conditions, although it has not yet been medically proven; however, it should be noted that with this type of condition, the simple placebo effect and the course of the disease can end the ailment.
It is their right if someone wants to take it; it is a harmless substance that will not bring any problems. However, some concepts about its contraindications and possible allergies must be clear; we will detail them below.
Contraindications of propolis
As we have said before, propolis is a complex substance that is the result of the collection of bees in different flowers and plants. Due to this, certain people may likely develop an allergy to propolis or any of its components; for that reason, it is advisable to do allergic tests before taking it or to start taking it in reduced amounts to observe if an allergic reaction occurs its consumption.
A small part of the population is allergic to the products manufactured by the abayas, be it honey, jelly, its poison, or propolis itself; obviously, these people should refrain from consuming it. However, people with a history of allergies should take it with care since reactions caused by the plant from which the bees have taken the product can occur.
Generally, in the preparations that you can find in the market, there are instructions to consume it with the recommended daily doses; if so, follow what is indicated by the manufacturer.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.