The Ministry of Rural Development Confirms the Antiviral Properties of Chestnut Honey
Groundbreaking Research Reveals the Immune-Boosting Benefits of Chestnut Honey
In a recent announcement, the Ministry of Rural Development has revealed that domestic chestnut honey has proven effective in preventing viruses by enhancing innate immunity. Renowned for its dark brown color, robust aroma, and slightly bitter taste, chestnut honey has long been valued for its ability to alleviate fatigue and exhibit outstanding antibacterial properties. Moreover, it has been recognized as effective in treating bronchial diseases since ancient times.
Traditionally, the focus of virus treatment has centered around drugs designed to eliminate the viruses themselves. However, with the emergence of more resistant strains, the attention has shifted towards preventive foods and medicines that can bolster one’s own immune system. This trend has gained prominence in recent years due to heightened public interest in health and immunity, prompted by the outbreaks of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza.
To delve further into the potential antiviral benefits of domestic chestnut honey, the Ministry of Rural Development partnered with the esteemed Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, led by Dr. Choi Jang-gi and his research team. Their initial experimentation with immune cells demonstrated that chestnut honey was able to inhibit influenza A virus infection by an impressive 62.2%. In addition, when mice infected with the virus were not provided with chestnut honey, they sadly succumbed to the illness within six days. However, the introduction of domestic chestnut honey into their diet resulted in a remarkable 60% survival rate. These findings provide scientific evidence to support the antiviral properties of domestic chestnut honey, paving the way for its incorporation into high-value general foods, functional health foods, and therapeutic foods (medifoods).
Lee Sang-jae, head of the Agricultural and Biological Department at the Ministry of Rural Development, expressed his enthusiasm for the study. He stated, “This research was conducted to verify the antiviral capabilities of domestically produced chestnut honey and to unveil its active ingredients, ultimately establishing a foundation for utilizing chestnut honey across various industries.” Sang-jae further emphasized, “With this study as a stepping stone, the increased consumption of chestnut honey will undoubtedly provide a significant boost to the income of beekeeping farmers.”
As the world continues to combat viral outbreaks, this groundbreaking research shines a light on the potential of chestnut honey in enhancing our immune defenses. Its incorporation into our diets not only offers a delectable taste experience but also contributes to fortifying our bodies against potential viral threats.
Reporter Park Seong-min
The Ministry of Rural Development announced on the 24th that it has confirmed that domestic chestnut honey is effective in preventing viruses by increasing innate immunity. Chestnut honey is honey produced in mid-June which is dark brown in color and has a strong aroma and slightly bitter taste. Since ancient times, it has been widely used in the private sector because it is said to be good for relieving fatigue, has an excellent antibacterial effect, and is effective for bronchial diseases.
In general, the development of virus treatments focuses on drugs that eliminate the virus itself, but as resistant viruses continue to emerge, preventive foods or medicines that boost your own immunity attracts attention. In particular, as public interest in health and immunity has increased due to the spread of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza in recent years, the consumption of immune-related foods is increasing.
Accordingly, the Ministry of Rural Development, together with the Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (Dr. Choi Jang-gi’s research team), studied the antiviral effect of domestic chestnut honey, which has been used in the private sector for a long time. First, the results of an experiment using immune cells showed that chestnut honey inhibited influenza A virus infection by 62.2%. In addition, all mice infected with the virus and not fed chestnut honey died six days after infection, but 60% of mice fed domestic chestnut honey (600mg/kg ) every day for two weeks. This study scientifically proved the antiviral effect of domestic chestnut honey, and laid the foundation for the use of domestic chestnut honey as a high-value material for general foods, functional health foods, and therapeutic foods (medifoods).
Lee Sang-jae, head of the Agricultural and Biological Department of the Ministry of Rural Development, said, “This study was conducted to verify the antiviral effect of domestically produced chestnut honey and reveal its active ingredients to create a foundation for using our chestnut honey as a variety of materials. ” He added, “With this study as an opportunity, eat chestnut honey “I hope this will be of great help to increase the income of beekeeping farmers,” he said.
Reporter Park Seong-min
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