Honey 'could help fight cancer'

Honey and royal jelly could become part of the arsenal of weapons against cancer, researchers say.

A team from the University of Zagreb, in Croatia, found a range of honey-bee products stopped tumours growing or spreading in tests on mice.

Writing in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture, they say human cancer sufferers may also see benefits.

But they said the products should be considered for use along with, not instead of, chemotherapy treatment.

Tumour growth

The researchers looked at the potential benefits of bee venom and honey.

They also examined compounds found in propolis, or bee glue, a resin-like substance which is used in the hive to varnish over rubbish in the hive - a bit like brushing the dirt under the carpet.

There is no doubt that honey has beneficial properties and can be very good for you

Dr Emma Croager, Cancer Research UK

And they also looked at royal jelly, produced by the hypopharyngeal glands in the head of the worker bee - used as food for young larvae,

Tumours were generated in the mice via the injection of cancer cells, and each bee product was given to different mice before, at the same time, or afterwards.

It was found that giving honey orally appeared to inhibit the development of tumours when it was given before the injection of cancer cells - although if given afterwards, it appeared to fuel the development of secondary cancers.

Injecting the mice with royal jelly at the same time as they were injected with tumour cells significantly reduced the spread of the cancer.

And injecting bee venom into the tumour appeared to lead to it shrinking.

When propolis or caffeic acid, a chemical found in propolis, were injected, researchers saw significantly reduced subcutaneous tumour growth and an increase in the survival time of mice.

The researchers say it is not yet clear how bee products affect cancer cells.

But they suggest they may cause apoptosis (cell suicide) or have direct effects which are toxic to the cells, or which help the immune system fight the development of tumours.

The research team, led by Dr Nada Orsolic, said their study indicated honey-bee products could be a useful tool in the control of tumour growth in research.

They added: "The intake of honey-bee products may be advantageous with respect to cancer and metastasis [secondary cancers] prevention.

"Further animal and clinical research utilising these substances is suggested."

Dr Emma Croager, a science information officer at Cancer Research UK, said: "There is no doubt that honey has beneficial properties and can be very good for you.

"However, this work is preliminary and careful large-scale studies in people are needed to confirm if eating honey can protect us from cancer."
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Honey for the Children (source: Dr. Muhammed Salim Khan)

Honey being a natural, pre-digested food when given is immediately assimilated into children's blood stream, providing a host of vitamins, minerals and energy. The beauty of honey is that it is natural, safe, delicious to use and available all the year round. Honey is so safe that it can be used from the moment of birth onward for infants as a food and medicine. There are hundreds of studies all over the world confirming the usefulness of honey as a food and medicine for infants and children.




General Weakness in Children - Honey as Children's Tonic


As a practising physician for the last fifteen years, the most common conditions I get consulted for by parents is general weakness, lack of appetite and anaemia. Usually the parents have tried all sorts of vitamins and tonics from their doctors without any real lasting improvement. One teaspoon of honey diluted in water two or three times before or after meals works wonders, improving appetite, weight, complexion and energy. Some children prefer to use one teaspoonful of pure honey mixed in warm milk at night. Anaemic children respond well to honey in milk within a few weeks. For school children honey helps to improve their mental alertness and school performance. For this purpose honey can be used instead of jam on toast at breakfast time by children.

Bed-Wetting
Bed-wetting is a very common condition in many young children. Families and parents can experience anxiety and frustration due to this and it can also undermine a child's self-confidence. Many parents receive the advice from their doctors that the child will grow out of this situation. No doubt most children do grow out of this, however one or two teaspoons of honey before going to bed helps to clear bed-wetting. No liquids should be given to children a few hours before a child's bed time.


Constipation
Constipation is a very common problem in infants and children, particularly those who have not been breast fed. Honey is a mild and gentle laxative which helps to prevent and get rid of constipation.


Coughs and Colds
Children can catch cold very quickly. In winter, colds and coughs are very common and if not treated properly can lead to serious lung diseases. In England asthma is an increasing epidemic, particularly amongst school children.


For these conditions one teaspoonful of honey may be given in a glass of warm water three times a day. When there is a cough or fever then a quarter teaspoon of fresh lime or lemon juice can be mixed with one teaspoon of honey in hot water and given four times a day. Alternatively green tea (Sabzchi) with a small amount of liquorish (multhi) mixed with one teaspoon of honey will help to clear most colds and coughs.


Diarrhoea and Stomach Upsets
Diarrhoea is the opposite of constipation, and is more frequent in summer. A teaspoon of honey in eight ounces of Barley Water will help stop most cases of diarrhoea.





Sleep Problems
Infants and children can suffer with difficulty in sleeping. One teaspoon of honey in warm milk at night or in the evening is a natural sedative that promotes sleep in children.


Teething Troubles
When children are teething, these can be difficult times. Children may become irritable, have diarrhoea etc. A small amount of salt and honey mixed and massaged onto the gums helps the process of teething.


Accidents, Cuts and Burns
Serious accidents and burns need professional attention. However most parents can use honey to apply externally as an effective and safe dressing on minor burns, bruises and cuts that happen in most homes. Honey is a natural antiseptic.





Dr. Muhammad Salim Khan M.D.(M.A.),D.O. born in the north west frontier region of Pakistan, has international authority on Islaamic medicine and alternative medicine. He is founder-director of the Mohsin Institute - Leicester, an organisation devoted to practice, teaching and research on alternative medicine.

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Honey the antibiotic of the future

In the Qur'an, Allah says that in paradise will be "rivers of honey pure."

"Then to eat of all the produce (of the earth), and find with skill the spacious paths of its Lord: there issues from within their bodies a drink of varying colors, wherein is healing for men: verily in this is a Sign for those who give thought"(16:69).




Although honey's healing benefits were known to Muslims more than a thousand years ago, scientists are just now beginning to research it's amazing powers. Indeed, Peter Molan, biochemist at the University of Waikato (New Zealand) has - for the past 17 years - researched into the healing properties of honey and has shown scientifically that all honeys have varying degrees of such properties (Molan, p.1). Honey contains many minerals and vitamins beneficial to man. However, one of the most important properties seems to be its antibiotic action.

Each drop of honey contains many minerals ( potassium, sodium, phosphate, copper, iron, calcium, manganese ), enzymes, trace elements, vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, C, D, K), as well as beta-carotene . Honey also contains glucose, fructose and saccharine (70%) and is very preservative just by itself (billybee.com). Of course honey from a supermarket, which has been heated and filtered, may not be as therapeutic as one taken directly from the comb (Ifas, p.4).

Molan's favorite story about honey makes reference to a 20-year-old wound in a British woman. Bacteria had been festering in an abscess in her armpit for years, resisting all the antibiotics she had taken. Nothing seemed to help her and she could barely use her arm. In August 1999, she heard about honey's healing effects and convinced her doctors to put some in her dressing. At that point they were willing to try anything and were not very hopeful that anything would work. However, they were quite surprised when one month later the wound finally healed and the woman could use her arm again.




Since then, honeys have been tested on the different species of bacteria responsible for wound infection (Molan, p.2). The State Medical Society of Wisconsin announced," It is only a matter of time before antibiotics lose their effectiveness because their overuse creates ever-stronger germs."

Thus, we may have to go back to the to the old fashioned remedy. However, "old fashioned", is not as bad as it sounds. Effectively, the potency of honey was found to be superior to all types of antibiotics. Two years ago, Australia approved honey as a medicine and began selling it in pharmacies (Whichman, p.1).

Honey is now known for its antibiotic, antioxidant and antiviral capabilities. In fact, honey contains an enzyme that produces hydrogen peroxide, which is believed to be the main reason for its anti-microbial activity. If one wants to use it as a dressing, the best way is to use sterilized honey. However, the only way to sterilize honey without destroying its antibacterial agents is through gamma-irradiations. Honey is also used for sore throats, colds, heartburn, fever blisters, cuts, acne, skin disorders, ulcers, stomach inflammations and cataracts… and its flavor excites the appetite (The National Honey Board).

The advantage of the honey used externally is that during the healing process the re-growth of the sick part of the body is enhanced by honey's moisturizing properties. Molan explains the mechanism of this process:

1. The nectar, being made of glucose and fructose, is very attracted by water. When put on a wound, it absorbs water and body fluids, taking and destroying bacteria and inhibiting their growth too.

2. Raw honey contains glucose oxidase, an enzyme that produces a mild antiseptic when mixed with a bit of water. This enzyme is destroyed by heat and pasteurization. That is why it cannot be found in commercial honeys (Molan, p.3)

Of course raw, unprocessed honey, which is usually darker, has the most medicinal and nutritional value and is even the most flavorful. Particularly active, Manuka Honey from New Zealand has all the healing antibacterial properties of other honeys, with some additional components. "All honey is not created equal, however certain types such as "active" Manuka from New Zealand and perhaps Honeydew from Central Europe are more effective for infections," says Molan (Molan, p.2).

While the healing properties of honey may be news to modern science, Prophet Mohammad (saws) commented on its value 1400 years ago. Indeed, once a man came to the Prophet and said, "My brother has got loose motions." The Prophet said to him, "Let him drink honey (Bukhari)." Furthermore, the work of Molan has provided substantial evidence that honey holds promise in the treatment of peptic ulcers and upper gastroenteritis disorders. Despite its high acid concentration, the nectar is very digestible and tones the kidneys.




The Prophet (saws) also said, "If there is any healing in your medicines, then it is in cupping, a gulp of honey or branding with fire (cauterization) that suits the ailment, but I don't like to be (cauterized) branded with fire." Indeed, honey also nourishes, regulates and purifies blood circulation. Its fructose is the only natural inert sugar and it goes straight into the blood, nourishing nerves and providing the brain with extra energy.

In case of first-degree burns, "the raw wild flower honey formed a flexible protective barrier which prevents infections, absorbs pus and reduced pain, irritation and odor" writes Leigh Broadhurst (Healthwellexchange.com). A Romanian doctor stated that he tried honey on cataract patients, and 2002 of his 2094 patients recovered completely (Islamweb.net).

Another function has been found for honey too: an Oklahoma allergist has said that raw honey is an excellent treatment for 90% of all allergies. A person who is suffering from an allergy to a certain plant should eat honey made from this plant (Reallyrawhoney.com).

Honey can also help heal Tinea, for it has anti-fungal activities; but not many species of fungi have been tested. Mycoses are quite difficult to treat, for they need both anti-fungal and antibacterial treatment. However, Manuka honey showed that its hydrogen peroxide factors inhibit the growth of fungi. Although, the concentration of honey needed to treat Mycoses is higher than that needed to treat bacteria (Molan, p.3).

However, paradoxical, sweet honey can also protect the teeth. Its anti-microbial activity has been tested on several species of dental plaque bacteria. A study shows that honey has been proven to sharply reduce acid production, thus killing the bacteria responsible for dental caries. Researchers believe that it also makes a difference in fighting inflammatory infections of the gums (Cbshealthwatch.com).




One Companion of the Prophet reported, "In our holy battles, we used to get honey (Bukhari)." According to what we now know, this was a logical choice for travelers and soldiers, as honey is a supersaturated sugar and is easy to digest because of the monosaccharides; it is also a superior antibiotic. The natural carbohydrates contained within honey, when combined with proteins, help maintain a good glycaemia - which is important for recovering after a hard-days efforts. By maintaining a good glucose level, honey also maintains a good insulin level and helps people to avoid hypoglycemia. Some studies showed that this nectar could thus boost endurance performance in athletes (Cbshealthwatch.com).

However, although honey is a very safe and natural remedy, it should not be given to infants under one year-old. Honey is a source of bacteria spores that product a toxin which can cause infant botulism, even though it is rare (a risk of botulism exists in the ingestion of any uncooked food!). Botulism is a rare disease that affects the nervous system and can lead to palsy. Nevertheless, it can still be use as a dressing for burns and cuts (Manukahoneyusa.com).

"And your Lord taught the honey bee…" (16:68). This verse explains the excessive production of the bees. They have been taught to produce not only for themselves but also for human beings! The excellent organization within the hive is also proof of this "teaching."

So, honey should be the first choice in cases of health problems as it is natural and has a high nutrient value; it does not have the side effects of drugs and is more affordable than most other kinds of therapy.



References:

1. Molan, Peter, MD. "Honey Research."
2. Sahih Bukhari. "Book of Medicine."
3. Ifas. " APIS Newspaper. " University of Florida. August 2000.
4. The National Honey Board.
5. Whichman, Julie. "Honey." Health Watch . Vol 21:12. March16 2000.
6. http://www.billybee.com/
7. http://www.cbshealthwatch.com/
8. University of Waikato Honey Research Unit
9. MANUKA HONEY USA
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Tips Membedakan Madu Asli Dan Campuran

Madu palsu atau tiruan adalah larutan yang menyerupai madu. Dibuat tanpa pertolongan lebah atau menggunakan gula sebagai nektar. Umumnya mempunyai warna sama dengan madu asli. Karena itu bagi orang awam sulit untuk membedakan antara madu asli dan madu tiruan. Pada perusahaan-perusahaan yang telah mendapat izin produksi akan mencantumkan keterangan produknya sehingga dapat diketahui apakah itu madu asli atau sintetis. Madu sintetis yang beredar di antaranya adalah madu melon, labu semangka, dan kurma.

Sejak lama madu palsu telah banyak diproduksi orang. Dengan cara mencampur glukosa dengan gula pasir, buah, flavour serta zat warna. Di laboratorium madu palsu akan mudah dikenali dengan analisis kimia. Kandungan HMF (5 hydroxyl-methyl furfural) dengan jumlah maksimum 3mg/100gram, aktivitas enzim diastase minimal 5 serta rasio kandungan kalium (K) dan natrium (Na) dalam madu asli sekitar 4,0 sedangkan madu palsu 0,005-0,1.

Pengujian kadar keaslian madu memang tidak gampang, di samping biayanya juga mahal. Dibutuhkan alat-alat canggih untuk mendeteksi ada tidaknya campuran dengan gula lainnya di dalam madu. Sementara, khasiat madu yang sudah jelas manfaat bagi kesehatan, membuat para pedagang nakal melakukan campuran dengan gula tebu atau gula aren. Bagi orang kebanyakan, rasa manis yang dikeluarkan oleh madu asli dan campuran sulit dibedakan. Dengan melihat dan merasakannya, ahli madu akan dapat membedakan antara madu asli dan yang palsu. Salah satu pengujian yang paling praktis adalah dengan menggunakan pH meter. Madu palsu biasanya memiliki pH 2,4-3,3 atau di atas 5, sedangkan madu asli mempunyai pH 3,4-4,5. Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut dapat dilakukan uji kandungan madu di laboratorium. Salah satu laboratorium tempat pengujian madu terdapat di Bogor.

Madu di Indonesia sendiri terbagi menjadi dua, yaitu madu hasil lebah ternak dan madu hutan. Yang dimaksud madu ternak adalah madu tersebut diambil dari nektar bunga pohon-pohon tertentu seperti rambutan, kelengkeng, durian dan sebagainya. Ketika pohon-pohon tersebut sedang berbunga, maka digiringlah lebah-lebah yang sudah berada dalam kotak-kotak menuju perkebunan pohon tersebut. Ciri khas dari madu ternak adalah aroma madunya sesuai dengan nektar bunga dari pohon yang dihinggapi.

Sedangkan madu hutan, lebih variatif nektar bunganya karena dihisap dari berbagai pohon. Madu hutan ini dikenal lebih baik karena lebih banyak mengandung nutrisi yang terdiri dari mineral dan vitamin. Jenis tawon madu hutan pun lebih baik daripada tawon madu ternak. Madu terbaik jenis ini tidak akan beku walaupun diletakkan di freezer selama berbulan-bulan karena kadar airnya di bawah 20%.

Kendati demikian, baik madu hutan maupun madu ternak mempunyai kelemahan. Ketika dipanen pada musim hujan madu akan banyak mengandung air hujan, sedangkan sifat air hujan sendiri bersifat asam. Selain menyebabkan lebih cair, madu juga teroksidasi udara menjadi lebih asam dan akan terfermentasi. Akibatnya, timbul gas yang bisa menjebol tutup botolnya. Semut pun tidak mau menghampiri karena rasanya yang masam-masam manis. Bila madu jenis ini dimasukkan ke dalam freezer akan mudah beku, meski termasuk asli.

Sebenarnya, ada beberapa cara untuk mengetahui keaslian madu secara ilmiah. Misalnya dengan analisis karbon, analisis mikroskopis, analysis hydroxymethylfurfural, analisis polaritas cahaya dan terakhir tes keasaman. Dari lima cara tersebut, empat yang pertama harus menggunakan alat bantu yang cukup mahal harganya dan keahlian tertentu. Jadi, tidak semua orang bisa melakukannya. Sedangkan tes keasaman, merupakan tes yang terbilang relatif mudah dan tidak mahal. Tapi, masih tetap memerlukan pengetahuan tentang madu yang mendalam. Jika tidak, tetap akan sulit membedakan mana madu asli, madu campuran, dan madu buatan (artificial honey).

Di masyarakat berkembang kebiasaan uji keaslian madu yang ditunjukkan menyala ketika dibakar dengan korek api, telur bisa matang, tidak rembes ketika diteteskan pada kertas koran, dan sebagainya. Pengujian tersebut sebenarnya tidak seratus persen benar, masih butuh pembuktian melalui laboratorium.

Sebenarnya masih ada cara lain yang bisa menjadi tolok ukur dan dilakukan oleh semua orang, yakni dengan meneteskan madu di air di atas piring beling putih. Ketika piring digoyang ke kiri dan ke kanan, maka sebelum madu itu bercampur akan membentuk segi enam atau sarang lebah. Semakin lama bentuk segi enam itu bertahan, berarti semakin baik nutrisi yang terkandung dalam madu tersebut alias madu asli. Semakin cepat bentuk segi enam itu memudar, maka jelaslah itu madu campuran, karena nutrisinya sudah jauh berkurang.

Cara lain yang mungkin mudah dilakukan adalah sama seperti di atas, namun piringnya tidak digoyang-goyang. Cukup didiamkan saja. Madu asli yang memiliki kadar air rendah tidak akan membuat air di piring menjadi keruh. Sedangkan madu yang telah dicampur atau madu buatan perlahan-lahan akan membuat air menjadi keruh. Apakah semut bisa menjadi patokan untuk menentukan madu itu asli atau tidak? Pada dasarnya, sifat semut suka pada yang manis-manis, termasuk rasa manis yang ada pada madu. Namun, semakin kental madunya (kadar airnya sedikit) semakin sulit bagi semut untuk mendeteksi lokasi rasa manis madu tersebut karena molekul yang ada di dalam madu tetap utuh, tidak pecah. Sebaliknya, bila kadar airnya tinggi (di atas 20%), maka semut mudah menghampiri.

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Efektifitas Madu Sidir Yaman

Riset yang dilakukan oleh University of Ottawa (Canada) menemukan bahwa:

- Efektifitas Madu Sidr dalam membunuh bakteri MSSA (methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus) mencapai 63%

- Efektifitas Madu Sidr dalam membunuh bakteri MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) mencapai 73%

- Efektifitas Madu Sidr dalam membunuh bakteri PA mencapai 91%

Madu Sidr dari Yaman (Hadhramaut) memiliki kemampuan membunuh yang kuat terhadap aneka bakteri tersebut, bahkan lebih hebat dibanding anti-mikroba yang paling hebat yang digunakan kedokteran modern saat ini.
Madu Sidr ini berasal dari lebah yang memperoleh makanan dari pohon Sidr di Hadhramaut (Yaman). Pohon Shidr adalah pohon kuno sejenis bidara yang disebutkan dalam kitab suci Al-Qur’an (surah Saba’: 15-16). Karena khasiatnya yang tinggi dan produksinya yang tidak banyak, madu Sidr ini sudah lama menjadi madu yang paling mahal di dunia.

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[Forum] Analisa madu dari segi kandungannya berikut khasiatnya masing2

Buat sahabat2ku, sodara2ku, semoga artikel ini ada manfaatnya.

Madu, si manis keemasan

Seorang filsuf dan penulis Yunani, Athenaeus, menyatakan bahwa siapa saja yang
rajin mengonsumsi madu setiap hari akan bebas dari penyakit selama hidupnya.
Dia tidak mengada-ada karena di dalam madu memang termuat rupa-rupa nutrisi
yang unik dan potensial untuk memelihara kesehatan dan kecantikan.

Sampai saat ini banyak orang yang belum benar-benar mengerti memilih madu yang
baik dan asli. Pengertian orang awam tentang madu asli saat ini bila semut
tidak mendekat, atau menyala bila dibakar dengan korek api.

Karbohidrat madu termasuk tipe sederhana. Rata-rata komposisinya adalah 17,1
persen air; 82,4 persen karbohidrat total; 0,5 persen protein, asam amino,
vitamin, dan mineral. Karbohidrat tersebut utamanya terdiri dari 38,5 persen
fruktosa dan 31 persen glukosa. Sisanya, 12,9 persenkarbohidrat yang terbuat
dari maltose, sukrosa, dan gula lain. Sebagai karbohidrat, satu sendok makan
madu dapat memasok energi sebanyak 64 kalori. Salah satu keunikan dari madu, meski memiliki rasa manis, tidak begitu
berbahaya dibanding gula. Meski efeknya ringan dalam menaikkan gula darah
dibanding sumber karbohidrat lain, bagi diabetes dianjurkan untuk tetap
berkonsultasi ke dokter bila mengkonsumsinya.

Selain itu dalam madu terdapat banyak sekali kandungan vitamin, asam, mineral
dan enzim, yang sangat berguna sekali bagi tubuh sebagai pengobatan secara
tradisional, antibodi, dan penghambat pertumbuhan sel kanker/tumor.

Sementara kandungan asam organik dalam madu antara lain asam glikolat, asam
format, asam laktat, asam sitrat, asam asetat, asam oksalat, asam malat, dan
asam tartarat. Dari Beberapa asam tersebut sangat bermanfaat bagi kesehatan
yakni berguna bagi metabolisme tubuh, di antaranya asam oksalat, asam tartarat,
asam laktat, dan asam malat. Bahkan dalam asam laktat terdapat kandungan zat
laktobasilin yang dapat menghambat pertumbuhan sel kanker dan tumor. Asam amino
bebas dalam madu mampu membantu penyembuhan penyakit, juga sebagai bahan
pembentukan neurotransmitter atau senyawa yang berperan dalam mengoptimalkan
fungsi otak

Kandungan mineral yang ada dalam madu alam, tergantung dari mana sari bunga
yang dihisapnya. Bunga tersebut di tanam pada tanah yang banyak kandungan
mineral apa. Sehingga banyaknya kandungan zat besi, tembaga dan mangan akan
menjadikan madu berwarna gelap, sementara zat besi erat hubungannya dengan
pewarnaan darah (hemoglobin).

Beberapa kandungan mineral dalam madu adalah Belerang (S), Kalsium (Ca),
Tembaga (Cu), Mangan (Mn), Besi (Fe), Fospor (P), Klor (Cl), Kalium (K),
Magnesium (Mg), Yodium (I), Seng (Zn), Silikon (Si), Natrium (Na), Molibdenum
(Mo) dan Aluminium (Al). Zat tembaga sangat penting bagi manusia berkaitan
dengan hemoglobin, dan kekurangan zat tersebut menyebabkan berkurangnya
ketahanan tubuh, dan memicu meningkatnya kadar kolesterol.

Zat mangan berfungsi sebagai antioksidan, dan berpengaruh besar dalam
pengontrolan gula darah serta mengatur hormon teroid. Magnesium pegang peran
penting mengaktifkan fungsi replikasi sel, protein dan energi. Yodium berguna
bagi pertumbuhan dan membantu dalam pembakaran kelebihan lemak pada tubuh. Jika
kekurangan seng biasanya kesehatan menurun, mudah terjadi infeksi dan sering
terjadi gangguan kulit seperti jerawat, dll.

Adapun kegunaan kalsium dan fospor sangat berguna bagi pertumbuhan tulang dan
gigi. Besi (Fe) membantu proses pembentukan sel darah merah. Magnesium, fospor
dan belerang berkaitan dengan metabolisme tubuh. Molibdenum berguna sekali
untuk pencegahan anemia dan penawar racun (terutama bagi orang yang suka
minuman keras/alkohol).

Seorang ilmuwan dari Universitas Illinois di Urbana, Amerika Serikat, menulis
dalam Journal of Apicultural Research bahwa khasiat masing-masing madu bisa
saja berbeda, namun semua jenis madu pasti mengandung antioksidan. Secara lebih
rinci Prof. DR. H. Muhilal, pakar gizi dari Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan
Gizi Bogor, menguraikan tentang kandungan gizi madu. Selain asam organik, dalam
madu juga terdapat kandungan asam amino yang berkaitan dalam pembuatan protein
tubuh (asam amino nonesensial). Selain asam amino nonesensial ada juga asam
amino esensial di antaranya: Lysin, Histadin, triptofan, dll.

Vitamin yang ada dalam kandungan madu, di antaranya: Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin),
B5 (asam pantotenat), B6 (Piridoksin), vitamin A, vit C, vit K, dan betakaroten.

Vitamin A pegang peran penting bagi pertumbuhan dan perkembangan, serta
mempertahankan kesehatan tubuh. Juga berkaitan dengan hormon andrenalin dan
hormon teroid serta mengatur bekerjanya sel-sel saraf.

B2 (Riboflavin) berfungsi membantu pertumbuhan dan reproduksi. Kekurangan
riboflavin mengakibatkan bibir pecah-pecah, iritasi pada lidah, mata terasa
gatal, dan seringkali terjadi katarak. B5 (Pantotenat) pegang peran dalam
produksi hormon andrenalin dan sel-sel darah merah. B6 (Piridoksin) pegang
peran penting sebagai benteng pertahanan keseimbangan hormon dan mengatur
fungsi kekebalan. Vit C (berguna sebagai suplemen) sangat berguna bagi
penyembuhan luka, antioksidan serta kekebalan.

Selain itu madu juga mengandung antibiotika sebagai antibakteri dan antiseptik
menjaga luka. Bahkan madu sarang segera menyembuhkan luka bakar akibat tersiram
air mendidih atau minyak panas. Madu sarang sangat berguna untuk menjaga
kesehatan dan penyembuhan terutama penderita jantung, gagal ginjal, lever,
hepatitis, penderita kanker usus, kanker paru, bronchitis, sinusitis, kelelahan
kronis, pusing kronis dan pekerja berat, penderita reumatik, osteoporosis,
kekejangan otot terutama pada olahragawan, penderita stroke, serta tambahan
menu bagi balita dan penderita AIDS/HIV. "Sifat antibakteri dari madu membantu
mengatasi infeksi pada perlukaan dan aksi antiinflamasinya dapat mengurangi
nyeri serta meningkatkan sirkulasi yang berpengaruh pada proses penyembuhan,"
kata Dr. Peter Molan dari University of Waikato, New Zealand, melalui situs
kesehatan. Madu juga merangsang tumbuhnya jaringan baru, sehingga selain
mempercepat penyembuhan juga mengurangi timbulnya parut atau bekas luka pada
kulit.

Sekarang banyak pedagang madu yang pandai mengelabuhi pembeli dengan membawa
madu dalam wadah yang diberi sarang lebah di atasnya supaya terlihat madu
dagangannya adalah mdalam air. Madu akan larut setelah diaduk) , tidak
mengandung unsur air, kental sekali, ada rasa amis seperti karat besi, agak
asam, agak langu, jika dicampurkan pada kuning telur maka kuning telurnya
menjadi matang, semut akan mati bila masuk ke dalam botol berisi madu
sarang,adu asli dari sarang lebah. Bagaimana bisa memastikan bahwa madu sarang
itu betul-betul asli, dapat diteliti dari berat jenisnya (klo di tuangkan ke
dalam air secara perlahan tanpa diaduk tdk keliatan nyata ada gelombang
pelarutan halus seperti gula yang dilarutkan bila disimpan dalam lemari es
tidak mengkristal, tambah lama warna berubah menjadi lebih tua, tidak meletup.

Referensi :
1. Endang Saptorini, Madu, Cairan Emas Kaya Antioksidan, 2003.

2. Wati, Madu Lebah Sarang Kandung Gula Alam, 2003. Read More.. Read More..