The Buzz Power Energy Eco Packs are supercharged with the addition of Propolis - a naturally occurring hive product, which has long believed to offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, and particularly helpful for endurance athletes.
A blind study on military cadets in 2021 indicated that propolis has beneficial effects on oxidative stress and inflammation following intense activity.
[Food, Science & Nutrition journal, May 2021]
What is propolis?
Propolis is a natural substance produced by honey bees. The bees extract sap from selected evergreen and broadleaf trees and combine it with wax and naturally produced emulsifiers to create propolis - a sticky brown compound.
Why do bees make propolis?
Propolis dries over time so is an effective glue. The bees use it for filling small cracks in the nest wall to maintain a stable temperature in the nest, and to keep out intruders. Propolis contains antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties and thus by coating the inside surfaces of the nest the bees stop moulds and fungi forming – an important consideration for wild bees nesting in hollow tree trunks and decaying cavities. It is believed that propolis also helps prevent the spread of infections within the colony.
What are the active ingredients of propolis?
Researchers have identified over 300 distinct substances in propolis. Most of these are a type of polyphenol called flavonoids, that plants produce naturally as a form of protection from external threats. They contain detoxifying agents and microbial defensive compounds.
Is propolis good for you?
In the past propolis was widely used for medical purposes. The Greeks used propolis to treat abscesses, and the Assyrians put propolis on wounds and tumours to fight infection and help healing. It was even used by the Ancient Egyptians as part of the mummification process.
Pinocembrin is one of the main flavonoids of propolis, and recent studies showed that it has important biological properties in isolation from other compounds. Pinocembrin has already been incorporated into the pharmaceutical industry for a wide range of effects, using its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Numerous studies have been carried out to determine the effect of propolis on the immune system, which may be compromised by endurance sports. In vitro and in vivo laboratory experiments on mice have demonstrated that propolis has a robust effect on different cells of innate immune response through its ability to modulate antibody synthesis.
The Buzz Power Energy Eco Packs offer the same blend of raw, unpasteurised honey and performance electrolytes as Buzz Power Energy Original On-the-Go sachets, and, additionally, we've added propolis; a natural hive product with concentrated anti-microbial, anti-oxidant properties* to turbo charge your training and races even more!
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Hannah Rand
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