I found this information rather intriguing and crucial. There is much talk about how the honeybee is being killed at an unbelievable rate that is is pushing the limit of extinction.
Perhaps a little crash course on how tedious a job and how important honeybees are to our environment will help support the following 5 facts.
The life of a bee:
Bees have to travel approx 50,000 miles and visit more than 2 million flowers (varieties) to accumulate enough nectar to create a meager 1 pound of honey. Not to mention it takes approx 60,000 bees at the same time to get this much honey.
Once the nectar is gathered, these 60,000 bees have to store this nectar in their extra stomach in order for the magic to happen. The nectar mixes with their enzymes in this extra stomach and is then regurgitated to another bee's mouth. This odd yet important process is perpetually repeated until the nectar is digested enough (leave it to nature, don't ask how they know) to be stored into their honeycomb.
After all this work, the bees have to spend an undefined amount of time fanning the nectar with their wings in order for the evaporation of water to occur. Once all water has evaporated, we are left with a thick and sticky substance called 'honey'. Lastly, after the nectar has been turned into honey, they seal the honeycomb with a secretion from their abdomen, which will harden and create beeswax.
The process of hermetically sealing the honey is due to the fact that honey can be stored indefinitely as long as it is secured from air and water. This whole process allows the bees to have access to a complete and perfect source of food through the winter months.
If you think ants were hard workers, let's not sell bees short of their devotion and dedication.
5 facts:
- Honey is great as a cough medicine;
- You can heal wounds with honey (Manuka honey specifically);
- Relieve itchy scalp and dandruff
- Energy booster (Royal Jelly is the best);
- Reduces allergy symptoms (has been documented and researched that if you consume honey from local plants, this is a good way to cure allergic reactions to those same plants).
Well, this is an eye-opener and hopefully after having read this article you will respect bees a little more as they do tremendous work, not only for their survival but for ours as well. Without bees pollinating all the flower and plants out there, we would not be able to grow fresh produce.
Thank you and i hope you enjoyed this article as much as i enjoyed writing it.
Blessings! Be Well!