This blog post highlights some of men's common health problems and how natural products from the beehive, Honey, Bee Pollen, Propolis, and Royal Jelly, may help address some of these health problems.
Men's Health Problems
- Cardiac Disease
- Prostate Health
- Depression
- Diabetes
Men and women are different that fact has been obvious from almost the day we are born. A major way men and women are different is their healthcare needs and how they approach their health. It is common knowledge, at least among women, that the majority of men will do almost anything to avoid going to the Doctor. The Cleveland Clinic do a yearly survey on Men's Health and how men approach their medical treatment. The 2019 survey found that:
- 72 percent of respondents said they would rather be doing household chores, like cleaning toilets, than going to the doctor.
- 65 percent of respondents said they avoid going to the doctor as long as possible.
- 20 percent admitted they aren’t always honest with their doctors about their health.
- 37 percent said they had withheld information from their doctors in the past, specifically because they weren’t ready to deal with the potential diagnosis that might result if they told the truth.
The consequences of this avoidance can be dire. Because some men avoid the doctor and the men that do go to their doctor withhold critical information from their doctor, early warning signs of common diseases are missed. Things that could have been easily treatable if caught early, become chronic or even deadly before many men seek help.
Developing healthy habits can help men avoid many of the common health problems. Regular exercise, plenty of sleep, not smoking, cutting back on alcohol, yearly visits to the doctor, and a healthy diet all go a long way in keeping men fit and healthy.
The products that honeybees produce in their hives like Honey, Bee Pollen, Propolis, and Royal Jelly, have been used for millennia as food and natural medicines dating back to ancient Geeks and Egyptians. Let's look at some of the health problems experienced widely by men and how these beehive products may help.
Men's Health - Heart Disease
Heart disease is the leading cause for men in the United States. High blood pressure, high blood lipids and high cholesterol lead to increased risk for heart disease. Honey is rich in phenolic compounds, which are natural antioxidants. The phenolic compounds in honey (quercetin, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, acacetin, kaempferol, galangin) have been shown to have promising effects in the treatment of heart disease. Several studies have shown that regular intake of phenolic compounds is associated with lowered risk of heart disease. Bee Pollen is also high in natural antioxidants. Studies in animals have shown that bee pollen extracts can lower blood cholesterol levels especially LDL the "bad" cholesterol. Human studies have shown that people who suffer from near-sightedness caused by clogged arteries taking bee pollen supplements lowered blood cholesterol levels increasing their field of vision. The antioxidants in bee pollen may also prevent lipids from oxidizing. Oxidized lipids clump together restricting blood flow and raising heart disease risk.
Prostate Health and Reproductive Health
Many men experience problems with their prostate as they age especially after the ages of 50 and 60. Some problems are an enlarged prostate, Prostitis, and Prostate Cancer. An enlarged prostate can cause frequent nighttime urination, trouble starting a stream of urination, dribbling of urine, and problems holding urine...all of the sudden you need a bathroom and you need it NOW. Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory activity causes the bladder to contract while at the same time relaxing the urethra. The data also shows that pollen may seal capillaries, remove swelling of cardiovascular and renal origin, and has a spasmolytic effect on smooth muscles especially in the range of the bladder and urethra.
Royal Jelly is a nutritional super food and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies on rabbits have shown that Royal Jelly increases testosterone. Testosterone is important to men's health. It is vital in building bone, muscle mass, and strength. Low levels of testosterone can cause fatigue, loss of libido, and loss of muscle mass. Men with a higher testosterone level are also thought to have a reduced risk for Alzheimer's Disease. Royal Jelly is also important for men's reproductive health as it may increase libido, improve sperm motility, and help in passing healthy DNA to the next generation. Royal jelly provides us with many nutrients, proteins, amino acids, B complex vitamins and minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, and silica.
Men's Health - Anxiety and Depression
In these stressful and trying times depression and anxiety disorders are on the
rise. Royal Jelly may help with depression and anxiety disorders. Anxiety is caused by imbalances of neurotransmitters and can cause fear, sweating, increased heart rate, and panic attacks. Royal Jelly has a high nutrient content including 13% protein, 15% carbohydrates, 6% lipids along with essential fatty acids can help balance the chemicals in the brain. Royal Jelly also contains pantothenic acid which is also shown to balance brain chemistry. Studies suggest that Royal Jelly may calm the body under situations of extreme stress and even aid in depression. Royal Jelly contains a unique compound called 20-HDA, 10-hydroxy-trans-2-decenoic acid. Animals studies have shown that taking Royal Jelly regularly protected the subjects from anxiety and depression.
Men's Health - Diabetes
Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in America and men (39.6 percent) than women (29.3 percent) have pre-diabetes. Over one third of Americans have diabetes but a majority of those people don't know they have it. Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition. It affects the way your body metabolizes glucose (sugar) . Our bodies use glucose for energy. Diabetes is easily manageable through diet and exercise and controlling blood sugar levels through medication. Several studies have been done on the effect of Royal Jelly supplementation on Diabetes.
An eight week study with 46 patients showed that Royal Jelly supplementation led to a decrease (25%) in a measure of insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IR). The placebo group showed an increase (21.7%). Another study asked 50 female volunteers with Type 2 Diabetes to take 1000mg of Royale Jelly daily. It concluded that taking the Royal Jelly reduced blood glucose levels and elevated insulin secretion. More studies need to be done with larger groups of volunteers but the findings of these two studies is promising.
Putting your head in the sand is easy to do, especially when it comes to men's health. Not addressing your health needs can be costly or even deadly. Take charge of your health. Exercise or at least move every day. If you work in front of a computer all day take a short break and get some fresh air or at least stand up and stretch. Relieve stress by hanging out with a buddy or engaging in something you love to do. Eat better and healthier foods. Supplement properly for your specific needs. Visit your Doctor...at least once a year.