This Thanksgiving, Make Sure You Thank The Bees

Published on November 24, 2020

Thanksgiving is upon us! As you’re sitting down to your Thanksgiving meals this week, virtually or otherwise, take a moment to give thanks to bees. Without these hard workers, there wouldn’t be much of a feast, we wouldn’t be as healthy, and we wouldn’t be feeling the holiday spirit. Bees have an incredible impact on the food we eat and contribute a lot of products and activities that support our physical and mental health. It wouldn’t bee much of a Thanksgiving without them.

Food For Thought

It’s a well known fact that bees are responsible for one in three bites of food we take. Think about your Thanksgiving meal. Cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie. None would be possible without bees. You can’t have a Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie. It’s a crime. And don’t try to swap it out for apple pie. Apples don’t exist without bees either.

Bees contribute to most of the food production in the world. “According to the United Nations Environment Program, of the 100 crop varieties that provide 90% of the world’s food, 71 are pollinated by bees.” They also contribute about $125 billion to the global agriculture industry. Looks like bees are what really make the world go round. Of course the sweetest thing bees give us is honey.

Sweet Relief

Did you know that honey is used for medical purposes? Historically, honey has been a great substance for treating burns and cuts. Honey is acidic on the pH scale. Applying honey to a cut helps to break down enzymes that would otherwise slow the healing process. With a burn, honey absorbs excess moisture that forms when the skin blisters. Honey helps reduce pain and heal the burn much faster. The best honey for wound care is Manuka Honey. While there are versions of Manuka honey that you can eat, medical grade Manuka honey is not for consumption!

No one likes getting sick, and luckily, honey can help with that, too! Adding honey and lemon to your tea can help soothe a sore throat, clear your sinuses, and ease a cough. Honey has antioxidants that can help prevent you from getting sick also! If you’re looking for a great way to incorporate honey into your heath routine then check out our ebook, Recipes and Remedies Collection: Using Honey and Other Bee Products to Sweeten Your Life. It’s brimming with natural remedies perfect for keeping you healthy.

Bees On The Brain

Speaking of health, one of the best reasons to be thankful for bees is the mental health benefits they provide. Beekeeping is a very relaxing activity for both young and old. Veterans suffering from PTSD found solace in beekeeping and simply listening to bees buzz at a VA hospital in New Hampshire. Young beekeepers like 13-year-old Keith A. Griffith III found beekeeping helped him with his anxiety and depression.

Working with bees helps both children and adults. You can keep bees for yourself or incorporate them in your classroom. At Beepods, we believe in beekeeping for the bees. Their health matters just as much as yours. If you’re looking to start your own hive or just looking to improve your skills joining Beepods Lab is a great place to start! Gain quick and valuable knowledge through our video and training modules. It’s an essential resource you’ll be thankful you have.

Final Thoughts

2020 has definitely been quite a year to reflect on what we are thankful for. Whether you stayed home and baked more, or enjoyed the fresh air at our state or national parks, none of it would have been possible without bees. As you enjoy your meals this year, don’t forget to thank your little bee friends.