‘EAT RIGHT AND TREAT YOUR SKIN RIGHT!’

...advises eminent dermatologist Dr Bindu Sthalekar on how one can have healthy skin in these stressful times

 In the last decade, entire lifestyles have gone for a complete change. And while our lives may have improved in several ways, leading fast paced, stressful lives has started to take a toll on our skin and hair. Processed, refined foods and cola drinks increase hormonal imbalances leading to acne, hair loss, increased facial hair and menstrual problems in women.
    Exposure to sunlight is another serious problem that many women don't realise and one of the main causes of premature aging. Harmful UV rays cause pigmentation, tanning and premature fine lines, which is why applying a sunscreen is an absolute must. Even if you're a working woman who sits in an air conditioned office all day, wear a sunscreen and a moisturiser because sitting in such an environment dehumidifies the skin and strips the skin of essential moisture. This will eventually result in Indian women aging faster than their western counterparts.
    There are three steps to healthy hair and skin — eat right, take adequate care and make certain lifestyle changes. Today a lot of pesticides are used in vegetables and many times food isn't even cooked right. Make sure you take vitamin supplements whenever needed and eat foods that are high in fibre. A topical Vitamin C cream depending on your skin type helps mop up the toxins. Retinol prevents wrinkles and exfoliation once a month helps skin remain healthy.
    The best way you can take care of your skin is to cleanse and moisturise it daily and avoid skipping out on the suncreen. I always tell my patients —go out without clothes, but don't go out without suncreen! Make sure that you get at least six to eight hours of sleep daily since the growth hormone is secreted during the time we sleep. Avoid alcohol since it dehydrates the skin and smoking decreases blood circulation.
    Stress is another major factor that causes skin and hair problems so make sure that you unwind daily. Eight hours of stress at work will go away with half an hour of complete relaxation. When you totally shut yourself off, you neutralise your stress levels. My mantra is to eat right, act right and treat your skin right!
Homemade Exfoliation Paste
Grind moong daal with the cover and use it to exfoliate your skin every three days.
Health Juice for glowing skin 1/2 beetroot 1 carrot 1 amlaor a tomato A few leaves of spinach, coriander and mint. Mix these ingredients and drink the juice as often as you can.

Kareena Connect
'My hair faces the most brunt of me being an actress'

Dr Bindu Sthalekar

Too little sleep may raise diabetes risk

Chicago: People who get fewer than six hours of sleep at night are prone to abnormal blood sugar levels, possibly putting them at risk for diabetes, US researchers said.
    They said people in a study who slept less than six hours were 4.5 times more likely to develop abnormal blood sugar readings in six years compared with those who slept longer.
    "This study supports growing evidence of the association of inadequate sleep with adverse health issues," said Lisa Rafalson of the University at Buffalo in New York, who presented her findings at the Conference on Cardiovascular Disease Epidemiology and Prevention in Palm Harbor, Florida, on Wednesday.
    Several studies have shown negative health consequences related to getting too little sleep. In children, studies showed it raises the risk of obesity, depression and high blood pressure. In older adults, it increases the risk of falls. And in the middle aged, it raises the risk of infections, heart disease, stroke and cancer. Adults typically need between seven and nine hours of nightly sleep, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
    Rafalson and colleagues wanted to see if lack of sleep might be raising the risk for type-2 diabetes, the kind that is being driven by rising rates of obesity and sedentary lifestyles. It develops when the body makes too much insulin and does not efficiently use the insulin it makes, a condition known as insulin resistance. REUTERS

40 WINKS TO HEALTH: Less than six hours of sleep can increase blood sugar levels

Salt is bad for health, but can lift our mood

NATURAL ANTI-DEPRESSANT

Washington: Salt may be "nature's anti-depressant" that helps put humans in a better mood, a study has suggested.
    According to the study at the University of Iowa, the idea that salt is a natural mood-elevating substance could help explain why people are so tempted to over-ingest it, even though it's known to contribute to health problems, including high blood pressure and heart disease. A potential reason pinpointed was that it might put us in a better mood.
    Researchers, led by Kim Johnson in the United States, found that when rats are deficient in sodium chloride, common table salt, they shy away from activities they normally enjoy, like drinking a sugary substance or pressing a bar that stimulates a pleasant sensation in their brains. "Things that normally would be pleasurable for rats didn't elicit the same degree of relish, which leads us to believe that a salt deficit and the craving associated with it can induce one of the key symptoms associated with depression," said Johnson, who published a review of these findings in the July issue of the journal Physiology & Behaviour.
    A pleasure mechanism in the brain is activated when salt is consumed. The researchers found similar changes in brain activity whether rats are exposed to drugs or salt deficiency, the Science Daily reported.
    "This suggests that salt need and cravings may be linked to the same brain pathways as those related to drug addiction and abuse," Johnson said.
    One sign of addiction is using a substance even when it is known to be harmful — and even though people know they should cut their salt intake, they like the taste and find low-salt foods bland so continue to eat it. Another strong aspect of addiction is the development of cravings if something is withheld. PTI

High BP may lead to renal failure

Docs' Advice On World Kidney Day Is 'Keep Pressure Down'

Mumbai: His hectic schedule notwithstanding, sales personnel Sachin Bhuta diligently goes in for dialysis thrice a week. The 33-year-old now wishes that he had been as careful as this when it came to taking medicines for high blood pressure that were prescribed to him eight years ago.
    "In my youthful ignorance, I didn't take medicines on time and landed up with kidney failure four years after my hypertension was detected,'' says the Borivli resident.
    In order to spread awareness about hypertension's link to chronic kidney disease (CKD), the theme for the World Kidney Day on Thursday has been chosen as "keep the pressure down''. Dr Bharat V Shah, consultant nephrologist at Lilavati Hospital, said 3 lakh to 4 lakh people in India are detected with kidney ailment every year. "About 50% to 60% of the kidney failures are due to diabetes and high blood pressure,'' he added.
    What doctors are really worried about is the increasing prevalence of hypertension among Indians. "In the past few years, irregular lifestyle has triggered a rise in obesity, which is a risk factor for both diabetes and hypertension, the leading causes for chronic kidney disease,'' said Dr N Hase of civic-run KEM Hospital.
    This, indeed, is a reason for India to worry. As Dr Hemant Mehta of the Mumbai Nephrology Group said, "The Indian Council for Medical Research has pegged the burden of chronic kidney disease in India at 150 to 200 new cases per million population per year.'' He feels people's lack of awareness about the link between hypertension and kidney failure is the leading cause for the high incidence of the disease. "It would have been better if patients with hypertension and diabetes knew there was a way to prevent chronic kidney disease with medication,'' he said.
    Dr Umesh Khanna, the nephrologist who is treating Bhuta, said, "There is a rule of half, which worsens the pitch for Indians. Half the people with hypertension don't know they have the disease. Half of those who do, don't adhere to the medication. Moreover, half of those who take medication fail to bring in lifestyle changes that lower blood pressure to the normal level. These people will suffer organ damage.''
    Bhuta feels that people should not ignore hypertension as a mundane occurrence. "One should seek help before it is too late for medicines to help,'' he added.
THE KIDNEY TEST: Are You At Risk?
Do you have high blood pressure? Do you suffer from diabetes? Are you overweight? Do you smoke? Are you over 50 years? Do you have a family history of kidney disease?
What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
CKD is present when individuals have an increase in excretion of albumin in the urine or a major decrease in kidney function or glomerular filtration rate (GFR)
CKD'S LINK WITH HIGH BP
When people suffer from high blood pressure it puts more stress on blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidneys. When this happens kidneys cannot filter waste from the blood properly

the most common nutrition problem in the world – anaemia

Dr Jagdish Shah tells you all that you need to know about the most
common nutrition problem in the world – anaemia

WHAT IS ANAEMIA?
It is defined as a medical condition wherein the RBC (red blood cell)
count or hemoglobin in one's body is less than normal. The normal
haemoglobin level in a man is between 13 to 18 gm/dl whereas in women,
it's 12 to 15 gm/dl. If the count is 10 per cent lower than the least
acceptable count, the person is termed anaemic, which means less than
10.5 in women and less than 11.5 in men.
THE CAUSES

• There are many reasons why a person may turn anaemic. However,
broadly, it is either caused due to reduction in the production of RBC
or haemoglobin, or due to sudden loss of a lot of blood (an accident).

• The loss of blood may be due to worms in stomach (especially in
children), menstruation in women, or piles.

• Anaemia can also be hereditary, especially in cases of thalassaemia.
If parents are thalassaemic, the offspring could be anaemic.
Thalassaemia patients often experience lack of formation of
haemoglobin.

• Vitamin B12 deficiency may be a reason behind pernicious anaemia, a
type of anaemia that's found among those who are unable to absorb
vitamin B12 due to various reasons, such as a strict vegetarian diet
or even alcohol addiction.

• Not having enough iron in the diet.

• A point of concern is that if the person's anaemia is long
standing, the body might even adjust its functioning to deal with low
oxygen level and the person might not feel any difference, only till
the anaemia turns severe.
THE SYMPTOMS

• Breathlessness

• Fatigue

• Lack of drive

• Frequent yawning

• Depression

• Backache and headache

• Mood swing

• Loss of appetite

• Sleepiness

• The person's clinical history is characterised by fast pulse, pale
eyes and pale nails. A blood test and low haemoglobin count confirms
the diagnosis of anaemia.
THE TREATMENT

• By treating the cause and replacing the loss of blood. For example,
if the person has lost a lot of blood during accident, it's an
emergency case and blood transfusion is a must to save the life of the
person.

• Someone whose blood loss is chronic due to worms, the problem can be
corrected by giving
iron supplements and alongside de-worming the system by
appropriate medication. Other members of the family also need to take
care as they are likely to be infected.

• Anaemic piles have to be operated on.

• Excessive menstruation can be corrected by proper hormonal
treatment. This will stop bleeding and at the same time, correct
haemoglobin via iron preparation.
Other than in accidents, there's no need for blood transfusion as
the patient has an inbuilt homeostatic system to survive.
COMPLICATIONS Ages below 18: Anaemia immensely hampers one's
concentration levels as the brain doesn't get enough oxygen. This may
result in scholastic backwardness and inability to perform at
academics, especially during exams.
Ages 18 to 30: Multitasking in office is common. However, chances are,
anaemia will make this a lot more difficult. A person suffering from
anaemia easily experiences fatigue and tiredness which leads to poor
performance in the work environment. Iron acts as the oxygen carrier
in the body which takes the blood from the lungs to different body
parts. If the person is anaemic, there's less oxygen circulating in
the body leading to low stamina. Post-45: Long-standing anaemia means
the body is subjected to low oxygen levels for long. To meet the
depleted levels, the heart needs to pump much faster. As the person
ages, the added pressure poses a threat of heart failure.
AVOIDING ANAEMIA
No matter what your diet is, approximately 20 to 25 per cent of it
must consist of green vegetables such as lettuce, cabbage, spinach or
broccoli.Any vegetable that's green consists of iron.You may be having
a heavy breakfast or may be on a diet, but the percentage must be
maintained. Have cucumber in abundance in your salad.Also, it is very
important to take a half-hour walk every day. This is because you may
have borderline anaemia, but may still suffer from its ill-effects
because you aren't getting enough oxygen.The daily moderate exercise
will mean that you will take in enough oxygen for your body.
(Dr Jagdish Shah is a senior physician and accupuncturist who operates
from his clinic in Jogeshwari)
— AS TOLD TO VIKAS HOTWANI

'THE CULPRIT BEHIND MY IRRITABILITY'
Some years back, I had low stamina, and I used to be quite moody and
irritable. I wasn't very active and lack of stamina meant zero
motivation to be active. Also, I was very thin. While this wasn't a
grave concern, I couldn't pin down the reason for the other problems
until I went for a regular blood test. It revealed that my haemoglobin
level was low. In simple words, I was anaemic. I made the required
changes in my diet. I increased the amount of food I ate and started
eating healthy. Beetroot juice being high in iron, it became a regular
feature in my diet.Also, I started having a heavy breakfast and began
working out. Soon, the results were there to see. Enough iron in the
body increased my stamina and I felt a lot healthier.Today, my
haemoglobin level is normal and I try my best to maintain it. I get
regular exercise almost every day and most importantly, make sure I
eat well. – Ankit Damani, 23

EAT SOMEWATER

Dietician Shilpa Joshi tells you what to eat to keep yourself hydrated
as the mercury levels continue to rise in the city

CUCUMBER
The expression, 'Cool as a cucumber', probably refers to its high
water content. Cucumbers also contain potassium which helps maintain
the mineral balance in the body particularly when you are losing
fluids. And the benefits don't end there. Cucumbers are also rich in a
lipid component called 'sterol' that can bring down cholesterol
levels. And it's the skin of the cucumber that contains the highest
level of sterols. So think twice before you peel away valuable
nutrition. Lastly, cucumbers are also extremely low in calories making
the vegetable a dieter's dream.
LETTUCE
A must-have when it comes of the classic salad plate, lettuce has 90
per cent water content. A word of caution though – go easy on the
dressing as they only bring down the nutritive value.
TOMATO
Apart from combating cancer and a host of other ailments, tomatoes are
also amongst the most hydrated of vegetables. Besides this, Lycopene,
the chemical which gives tomato its distinct red colour, protects skin
against UV damage, which one is more prone to in summer.
Tomatoes are also high in Vitamin A which is fat soluble, so
remember to include a small amount of fat in your diet along with
tomatoes or your body won't be able to fully absorb the vitamin.
WATERMELON
Instead of guzzling down plain water, have some juicy, freshly split
watermelon. Low on calories and high on water content, this fruit is
your best bet when dealing with the sweltering heat.
Watermelons also contain powerful antioxidants that neutralise free
radicals in the body, that otherwise could cause harm by oxidising
protein and fat. In the long run, these radicals could put you at risk
of cancer. And if you're on a diet, this high fibre fruit promises to
make you feel full for longer.
STRAWBERRY
Not only does strawberry rank high in water content, the fruit is also
packed with Vitamin C, the anti-oxidant which keeps ligaments strong
and hastens skin repair including sun-burns. Apart from that
strawberries are also rich in flavonoids, which help fight cancer.
(Shilpa Joshi is a registered dietician who runs her private practice in Bandra)
— AS TOLD TO VIKAS HOTWANI

Mentioned in The Holy Quran

The miracle of honey as an alternative medicine

Introduction

Honey is a sweet and viscous fluid produced by honeybees from the nectar of flowers. "The definition of honey stipulates a pure product that does not allow for the addition of any other substance. This includes, but is not limited to, water or other sweeteners," according to the United States National Honey Board 2003 and other nations' food regulations. Honey is significantly sweeter than table sugar and has attractive chemical properties for baking. Honey has a distinctive flavor which leads some people to prefer it over sugar and other sweeteners.

Liquid honey does not spoil. Because of its high sugar concentration, it kills most bacteria by crenation. Natural airborne yeasts cannot become active in it because the moisture content is too low. Natural, raw honey varies from 14% to 18% moisture content. As long as the moisture content remains under 18%, virtually no organism can successfully multiply to significant amounts in honey, though, importantly, enough bacteria survive to make honey dangerous for infants (especially Clostridium botulinum).

The study of pollens and spores in raw honey (melissopalynology) can determine floral sources of honey. Because bees carry an electrostatic charge, and can attract other particles, the same techniques of melissopalynology can be used in area environmental studies of radioactive particles, dust, or particulate pollution.

A main effect of bees collecting nectar to make honey is pollination, which is crucial for flowering plants.

Islam and honey

More than 1400 years ago Allah and His messenger told us that honey can heal a variety of medical problems.

Allah Says (what means): "And the Lord inspired the bee, saying: Take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits and follow the ways of your Lord made easy (for you)'. There comes forth from their bellies a drink of varying colors wherein is healing for men. Verily in this is indeed a sign for people who think." [Quran 16:68-69]

The Prophet has also told us of the healing found within honey for a variety of medical problems, including stomach ailments. It is reported by Al-Bukhaari that a man came to the Prophet because his brother had a stomach disorder. The Prophet said: "Let him drink honey." The man returned a second time complaining that no improvement happened in his brother's case, and again the Prophet responded: "Let him drink honey." The man returned again, and said: "I have done that but to no avail." Thereupon the Prophet responded: "Allah has said the truth, but your brother's stomach has told a lie. Let him drink honey." He drank it and was cured.

It is also reported that the Prophet said: "Make use of the two remedies: honey and the Quran." (At-Tirmithi)

Modern medicine has only recently discovered the fact that honey is a remedy to many diseases. Traditional uses of honey have included honey mixed with lemon for sore throats. Honey coats the throat and reduces throat irritation. Research has already shown that honey blocks the growth of oral bacteria.

Honey has also been used for stomach pains and problems. Modern research shows that honey is effective when used in the treatment of gastric or peptic stomach ulcers. Research has also revealed that honey is effective in the treatment of various wounds and infections because of its antimicrobial (antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal) properties.

Researchers are not absolutely sure why honey heals but they are learning new things about honey everyday. As mentioned in the beginning, honey contains a variety of sugars and minerals. Honey is also considered an antioxidant. This means it allows the blood to circulate better and provide more oxygen to areas of the body such as the brain.

Honey can also be used externally to promote healing when applied to wounds, even postoperative wounds. Honey has also been effective in its use to treat burns. It has even been shown to be low in calories and useful as a sweetener for diabetics, people with heart disease or those overweight.

Although there is healing in honey for a variety of medical disorders, certain precautions should be taken:

1- Children under the age of one year should not be given honey due to the possibility of infant botulism. This type of food poisoning can be deadly, however, it only seems to affect infants under one year of age.

2- If you have any known allergies to specific plants, then you should make sure the honey you are using is not produced from that plant.

3- People with allergies to bee stings should be careful when using other bee-related products such as propolis or royal jelly.

However, if these precautions are followed, then honey may, Allah willing provide healing for you.

Conclusion

Muslims acknowledge and accept that Allaah and His Prophet know better and that our Creator Has revealed the truth. Therefore, we study the research that is available, not to confirm or deny the truth that has been revealed by Allaah and his Prophet but to learn of new ways we can use honey.

A Cure for all Mankind

Amongst the many creatures Allah has created in this world, there is a creature in which Allah Taala’s bounty is clearly evident, the honeybee. Allah Taa’la has enabled the honeybee to produce such a substance within which there is a cure for all mankind. Regarding the honeybee, Allah Taa’la says in the Glorious Qur’an:

“And your Lord inspired the bee, saying, ‘take your habitations in the mountains and in the trees and in what they erect. Then, eat of all fruits, and follow the way of your Lord made easy (for you).’ There comes forth from their bellies, a drink of varying colour wherein is healing for men. Verily, in this is indeed a sign for people who think.”

In this verse, we learn of one great benefit of honey for mankind; The ability to heal. Another astonishing factor in honey is that it varies in colour and viscosity in accordance with conditions such as the climate and the type of Nectar, etc. This is significantly different to fresh milk which does not vary in colour or viscosity due to changes in the animal’s provision or weather conditions.

In a Hadith, Hazrat Abdullah bin Mas’ood has reported Allah’s Messenger as saying:

“Make use of two remedies, Honey and Qur’an.”

Honey has been useful both as food and medicine. Honey has been produced by bees from nectar. It contains a unique combination of sugars, acids, minerals, enzymes, vitamins, and flavour to make it one of the best foods as well as one of the most easily digested and highly acceptable materials known to man.

Some of the benefits which honey gives to its consumers are mentioned below:

• One teaspoon will help to clear most colds and coughs




• Drinking honey diluted in hot water in winter and cold water in summer relieves stress and is an ideal energy supplement




• A spoonful of honey early in the morning restores health and increases potency




• Honey improves memory and eyesight




• Honey strengthens the joints in the body




• Honey has four times more energy than milk




• Honey reduces stress and tiredness




• Honey is not harmful for diabetics

And to sum up everything, honey is a blessed Sunnah of our beloved Prophet . This is known to us from a narration by Hazrat Aisha , who says:

“The Prophet loved sweet and honey.”

May Allah Taa’la bestow upon us all the ability to utilise honey, so that we can fully benefit from all of its properties and act upon the Sunnah of Nabi .

Health benefits of honey

"And your Lord revealed to the bee saying: Make hives in the mountains and in the trees and in what they build: Then eat of all the fruits and walk in the ways of your Lord submissively. There comes forth from within it a beverage of many colours, in which there is healing for men; most surely there is a sign in this for a people who reflect. (Surat an-Nahl, 68-69)

Honey is a sweet treat. In fact, it is man's oldest sweetener. It can be a good substitute for sugar in our drinks and food. But it is also good for many other things and treating many other conditions. Reliance on commercialized medicines which contains too much chemicals can become hazardous to our health. Alhamdullilah, Allah has given us the knowledge that Mother Nature can at least help to ease the pain we are suffering from.

Honey is composed of sugars like glucose and fructose and minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium chlorine, sulphur, iron and phosphate. It contains vitamins B1, B2, C, B6, B5 and B3 all of which change according to the qualities of the nectar and pollen. Besides the above, copper, iodine, and zinc exist in it in small quantities. Several kinds of hormones are also present in it.

Approximately one half of the human diet is derived directly or indirectly from crops pollinated by bees. Today honeybees are an essential part of a healthy agriculture economy. If you have allergies, honey can be beneficial. If you eat honey that is local to your area, it may prevent your seasonal allergies. Bees use the pollen from local plants and eventually it ends up in your honey.

Honey may also be good for your skin. It has the ability to attract water. You can use honey instead of alpha hydroxy masks because of its high content of the acid. It is also safe for sensitive skin.

You can also use it as a moisturizing mask for your skin as well as your hair. To use it as a conditioner, mix the honey with olive oil. Be sure to wash your hair thoroughly before you go outside.

If you have a sore throat, take some honey.Due to its natural anti-inflammatory effect, it will help to heal the wounds more quickly.It also has different phytochemicals--chemicals found in plants and different foods--that kill viruses, bacteria, and fungus making it a good substitute for wound dressings. The taste may also take your mind off the pain.

There is evidence that honey diluted in water will help with your stomachaches and dehydration.

Germ-Fighting Properties

Do you have a cut? Honey is a natural antiseptic. Medical journals cite more than 600 cases in which honey was employed to treat wounds.By applying honey to your wounds, you prevent infections. Honey contains antimicrobial agents, which prevents infections by killing the bacteria in and around your wounds. When using honey it may help to heat it up before putting it on your wound (caution test the heat before you place it on the wound). Many types of bacteria can’t survive in honey, so wounds heal, swelling eases, and tissue can grow back.

Honey may also be effective in the treatment of your ulcers.In Europe, honey has been used internally to help cure ulcers, particularly stomach ulcers.

Burns, too, heal better with honey, studies show. The advantage of honey is that it not only prevents infections from occurring, it actually accelerates skin healing.. Since the sugar in honey absorbs water it helps to trap some of the moisture so that the bacteria and other microbes can’t grow as easily as in other food.

How Does It Help In Healing Wounds?

When honey comes into contact with body moisture, the glucose oxidase enzyme introduced to the honey by the bee slowly releases the antiseptic hydrogen peroxide at a sufficient level to be effective against bacteria but not tissue damaging. Not only is honey anti-bacterial, it also draws body fluids and nutrients to the area and so assists cell growth and prevents a scar forming by drying out of the wound.

The osmotic action of the honey draws out and provides a film of liquid between the tissues and the dressing, allowing the dressing to be removed painlessly, without tearing of the re-growing cells. There are reports in medical journals of large bed sores, otherwise needing skin grafts, that have healed without scarring after honey treatment.

In treating diarrhea, honey promotes the rehydration of the body and more quickly clears up the diarrhea and any vomiting and stomach upsets. The anti-bacterial properties of honey, both the peroxide and non-peroxide, are effective in the laboratory against MRSA strains of bacteria which are notoriously resistant to antibiotics and are sometimes responsible for the closing of hospital wards.

Other Benefits of Honey

Easily digested: Because sugar molecules in honey can convert into other sugars (e.g. fructose to glucose), honey is easily digested by the most sensitive stomachs, despite its high acid content. It helps kidneys and intestines to function better.

Good source of antioxidants: It plays a big role in the prevention of cancer as well as heart disease.

Has a low calorie level: Another quality of honey is that, when it is compared with the same amount of sugar, it gives 40% less calories to the body. Although it gives great energy to the body, it does not add weight.

Rapidly diffuses through the blood: When accompanied by mild water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules make the brain function better since the brain is the largest consumer of sugar, thus, reduces fatigue.

Supports blood formation: Honey provides an important part of the energy needed by the body for blood formation. In addition, it helps in cleansing the blood. It has some positive effects in regulating and facilitating blood circulation. It also functions as a protection against capillary problems and arteriosclerosis.

Does not accommodate bacteria: This bactericide (bacteria-killing) property of honey is named "the inhibition effect". Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees responsible for their supervision - as if they know this feature of the honey.

Royal Jelly: Royal jelly is a substance produced by worker bees inside the beehive. Inside this nutritious substance are sugar, proteins, fats and many vitamins. It is used in problems caused by tissue deficiency or body frailty.

It is obvious that honey, which is produced in much higher amounts than the requirements of the bees, is made for the benefit of man. And it is also obvious that bees cannot perform such an unbelievable task "on their own."