Honey has many benefits, including for cancer control. A study recently published in the Journal Molecules (Exhibit A below) analysed the role of honey in multiple cancers. The review identified different flavonoids and phenolic acids as the essential anti-cancer compounds involved in healing properties of honey. (1) A good amount of these flavonoids are phytoestrogens that can influence estrogenic activity in estrogen-receptor positive cancers in a good way. There are other mechanisms of honey’s anti-cancer properties, including, but not limited to the following: selective cytotoxicity, the mitochondrial pathway activation (ie, which includes the releasing of proteins such as cytochrome C that are cytotoxic), induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization; (2) the activation of apoptosis; the modulation of oxidative stress (3); anti-Inflammation properties (including their ability to target Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF); modulation of Insulin signaling; inhibition of angiogenesis (the production of a new blood supply), among others (4).
CONCLUSION
However, honey, even organic and raw (it’s best form) (5) can undermine the Institute’s ketogenic results as it can raise glucose levels and nefariously influence insulin resistance, that which can also feeds cancer, notwithstanding its insulin modulation potential validated in animal studies. (6) As a consequence, out of an abundance of prudence, it may be safer to use organic raw honey during specific phases of one’s recovery and to use it judiciously and homeopathically, like red wine, in small amounts, in synergy with lipids, fibers and cinnamon in order to slow down it’s high glycemic impact. Furthermore, by using raw organic honey with other super foods and cyto-toxic nutrients that are known to weaken cancer, what has been called the trojan horse technique, cancer tumor insulin receptors open up to the honey glucose they relish on, allowing the penetration within its membrane of the other more anti-proliferative malignancy molecules that can undermine the tumor’s resilience.
REFERENCE NOTES
(1). Flavonoids are biologically active natural compounds with a 15-carbon (C6-C3-C6) structure, comprising two benzene rings joined by a heterocyclic pyrane ring, with honey containing the following, chrysin, kaempeferol, quercetin, pinobanksin, pinocembrin, luteolin, apigenin, hesperetin, naringenin and genistein, among others.
(2). The induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) leads to leakage of intermembrane space proteins into the cytosol and consequently causing cell death Induction of programmed cell death (Apoptosis).
(3). Honey’s antioxidant properties may weaken oxidative stress, one of cancer’s fuels.
(4). Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2013; 2013: Honey as a Potential Natural Anticancer Agent: A Review of Its Mechanisms, Sarfraz Ahmed and Nor Hayati Othman
(5). Raw untreated, cold extracted honey actually scores lower on the glycaemic index than commercially produced and extracted honey, around 30-40 on the index whilst most commercial honeys seem to score between 55 and 80. If the honey has been adulterated with refined glucose then it may be even higher. This discrepancy in fuel release may the result of commercial filtering, blending and heating techniques. By removing some of the most beneficial elements such as pollen, propolis and other small particles, that slow down the rate at which honey is processed, commercial honey tends to spike much more and all the more so that it is cooked (pasteurized), which means it’s enzymatic life is compromised and its natural acidity altered.
(6). Even if human are mammals, they have metabolic differences with terrestrial and sea mammals.
EXHIBIT A
Molecules 2014, 19(2), 2497-2522; doi:10.3390/molecules19022497
Effects of Honey and Its Mechanisms of Action on the Development and Progression of Cancer
Omotayo O. Erejuwa * , Siti A. Sulaiman and Mohd S. Ab Wahab
Department of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150 Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
Abstract
Honey is a natural product known for its varied biological or pharmacological activities—ranging from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive to hypoglycemic effects. This review article focuses on the role of honey in modulating the development and progression of tumors or cancers. It reviews available evidence (some of which is very recent) with regards to the antimetastatic, antiproliferative and anticancer effects of honey in various forms of cancer. These effects of honey have been thoroughly investigated in certain cancers such as breast, liver and colorectal cancer cell lines. In contrast, limited but promising data are available for other forms of cancers including prostate, bladder, endometrial, kidney, skin, cervical, oral and bone cancer cells. The article also underscores the various possible mechanisms by which honey may inhibit growth and proliferation of tumors or cancers. These include regulation of cell cycle, activation of mitochondrial pathway, induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization, induction of apoptosis, modulation of oxidative stress, amelioration of inflammation, modulation of insulin signaling and inhibition of angiogenesis. Honey is highly cytotoxic against tumor or cancer cells while it is non-cytotoxic to normal cells. The data indicate that honey can inhibit carcinogenesis by modulating the molecular processes of initiation, promotion, and progression stages. Thus, it may serve as a potential and promising anticancer agent which warrants further experimental and clinical studies. (Source)
(c). Advanced Cancer Research Institute and agents. All rights reserved.
Disclaimer: this educational article cannot be construed to be medical advise.
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