DECEMBER , 2023 | THE HEALTH

DIFFERENT STROKES

BY ADI SATRIA

I have not visited the doctor during the year except for my wife ’ s treatment for cataract operations in both her eyes . I learned a few things about maintaining good eyesight . Still , I must admit this is one area in which I have deteriorated slightly , mainly due to using the smartphone and the computer . One downside of keeping up with the social media world .

While my wife does not need glasses anymore , I , on the other hand , had to get a new pair this month as my lens ’ s power has increased from 200 to 300 . Since the last 15 years or so I have not had any change of glasses as its lens power has remained the same .

It ’ s time to start doing things to improve my eyesight and prevent further deterioration . That ’ s one key resolution for 2024 .

Looking back on the year , I must say that it has been active for me . My office is 35 kilometres away in Rawang , 35 kilometers from where I stay in Hulu Kelang .

The good thing about the location is that it takes only 45 minutes to smooth traffic flow , passing the forests and greenery of Templer Park . However , traffic to Kuala Lumpur is always jammed on the other side of the road .

I also avoid using the DUKE and PLUS highways which are always jammed . The old toll-free road can also do wonders for your state of mind .

My regular morning cycling before work has certainly benefitted my heart and lungs , as I can now increase my weekend cycling to 30 kilometres . My new year resolution is to hit 50 kilometres .

A critical factor in maintaining a healthy lifestyle is of course , nutrition . Apart from fruits and vegetables , my consumption of herbal foods such as ginger , raisins and dates , as well as ‘ mahkota dewa ’ tea , which I plant myself , has benefitted me tremendously .

THE BENEFITS OF PURE HONEY

Another key natural product many take for granted and are reluctant to consume is honey . My source of honey comes from a Chinese shop in Hulu Yam Lama .

I am happy to drive there since it is near my office in Rawang . This raw honey is supplied by the Orang Asli and bottled by the company . It is quite amazing that the standard and quality has been maintained over the years .

My brother , who has gout , can attest to that as any other honey sold in the supermarket is not so pure and probably pasteurised as he will suffer a gout attack upon consuming it .

Honey is one of the most appreciated and valued natural products introduced to mankind since ancient times . It is described in traditional medicine as an alternative treatment for clinical conditions , from wound healing to cancer treatment . This includes treating eye diseases , bronchial asthma , throat infections , worm infestation , piles , healing of ulcers and as a nutritious supplement .

Medical research also shows that its ingredients exert antioxidant , antimicrobial , anti-inflammatory , anti-proliferative , anti-cancer and antimetastatic effects . Evidence suggests the use of honey in the control and treatment of wounds , diabetes mellitus , cancer , asthma and cardiovascular , neurological and gastrointestinal diseases .

So it is not surprising that in the holy books , including the Quran , the function of the bees is stated to be providing a source of treatment for the various ailments of mankind .

Those with diabetes for example , can take honey not just for its taste but to help heal diabetes . Many research papers recommend the use of honey in the management of disease conditions . The medicinal effects of honey may be due to its antibacterial , anti-inflammatory , apoptotic and antioxidant properties .

As the global consumption of honey continues to grow at a high rate , a significant problem is recognised - the danger of the bees being wiped out . There are 20,000 types of bees recognised by scientists but only seven of them make honey .

These bees are dying because we are abusing them . These seven species are becoming weaker and very sensitive to viruses . The entire planet depends on bees , as 75 per cent of agriculture is pollinated by bees .

If the bees are wiped out , then there will be no more food . It is believed that Albert Einstein once said that if bees are

ADI SATRIA , a veteran of the marketing communications industry , continues to see the positive side of natural foods and regular exercise to keep fit and healthy . It ’ s all done in moderation . After a blessed year of good health , he looks forward to another healthy year . wiped out , humanity cannot survive for more than four years !

HONEY MADE NOT FROM BEES

So , how can we make honey without bees ? According to the popular internet vlog NAS DAILY , a group of scientists in the Middle East have come up with a solution by making honey without a single bee .

How ? By building a stomach of a bee in the lab . To make honey , you need nectar from a plant and protein from a bee ’ s stomach .

The nectars are taken from plants and the bee ’ s stomach is made in the lab . These two elements are mixed together for a few hours resulting in the production of the honey .

The texture and taste are the same . It is even cleaner than the natural product itself . Of course , it is a complex process , and the scientists took over 100 times to get it right .

Note that a bee can only make 1 / 12th teaspoon of honey in its entire life . On the other hand , the lab can produce three tonnes of honey in a week ! The honey is produced in a matter of hours instead of seasons and done efficiently and cost-effectively .

The best part is that an unlimited amount of honey can be made from any plant in nature such as citrus flower and even from a coffee plant with its caffeine . Better-tasting food can be produced with these varieties of honey . And all bee-free .

In this way , the bees can live freely without the danger of being wiped out . They can do what they are supposed to : pollinate flowers and wildlife to keep the circle of life going .

It is a matter of time before the technology is shared with the world . That is the wonder of science .

As the global population grows , the search for better and more efficient food production continues to challenge the human race . Of course , the product will continue to be tested for its efficacy and any side effects to ensure it is totally safe .

Even most of the honey currently available in the market is also not totally raw as it is processed to increase its volume for commercial purposes . Looking ahead to the new year of 2024 , food security is a main challenge for mankind .

And even our government has a Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to emphasise this need .

Wish you a happy and healthy 2024 ! – The Health