Affiliation:
1. School of Food and Biological Engineering, Jiangsu University , 301 Xuefu Rd., 212013 Zhenjiang, Jiangsu , China
2. University of Jeddah , Faculty of Sciences and Arts , Al-Kamil
3. Indigenous Knowledge and Heritage Center, Ghibaish College of Science & Technology , Ghibaish , Sudan
4. Department of Food Science & Technology, Faculty of Agriculture , University for Development Studies , Tamale , Ghana
Abstract
Abstract
Honey production in Africa is considered an integral part of folk medicine and provides an opportunity for poor rural communities to increase their economic sustainability. In this review, we provide and discuss the data available on the positive nutritional value and health properties of honey harvested from Africa. Besides sugar, honey contains protein and amino acids, with proline which is about 50% of the total amino acids, vitamins, enzymes, some minerals (Na, K, Mg, Ca, Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, P, S), trace elements (Mn, Ni, Li, F, I, Cl, Sr, Co) and polyphenol compounds. The paper reviewed studies on the use of African honey with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-breast cancer, antidiabetic and antimycotic properties and also its positive effects on infertility (asthenozoospermia), febrile neutropenia and diabetic foot ulcers.
Subject
Insect Science,Plant Science