Honey has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-mutagenic, antibacterial, anti-atherosclerotic, anti-thrombogenic and wound healing properties. It contains mainly fructose, glucose, maltose and a small amount of sucrose, which is the main component of our table sugar. Honey also contains 5,7-dihydroxyflavonoids, galangin, shortleaf pine, chosinone, chosin, acacia flavonoids, caffeic acid, caffeic acid phenyl ester, quercetin, kaempferol, and 4,5,7-trihydroxyflavonoids, all of which have been shown or suspected to have anticancer effects. In addition to containing beneficial flavonoids, its slower absorption in the blood compared to sugar (it is less insulin stimulating), and its ability to lower blood sugar and triglyceride levels, all suggest that using honey as a sweetener is better for our health than using regular sugar. Effects of honey on cancer High levels of 5,7-dihydroxyflavones in honey inhibit angiogenesis in nude mice xenografts and inhibit aromatase activity (inhibition of estrogen and androgen synthesis in the body). Phenethyl caffeate induces apoptosis in lymphoblastoid cells of leukemia and colon cancer cells, prevents TAM damage to rat hepatocytes, and also inhibits osteoclasts (which may be of interest for the treatment of bone destructive diseases). Galangin has been found to have anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer and leukemia cells. Honey extracts have been shown to have anti-proliferative effects in intestinal cancer cells; and samples of honey with higher phenolic content were found to have more significant anti-proliferative effects. Honey has also been shown to inhibit the growth of bladder cancer cell lines in vivo and in vitro. A Greek study has shown that honey extracts have such an effect on ER+ breast cancer: anti-estrogenic activity at low concentrations and estrogen-like effects at high concentrations. Because honey is often consumed as a small part of the daily diet, few population studies are available to understand the effects of honey on breast cancer alone. An Italian study found that even after adjusting for BMI, dessert and sugar (including honey) intake was positively associated with the risk of breast cancer. Honey has been shown to promote the antitumor activity of certain antimicrobial anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil and cyclophosphamide. However, it has also been shown that the flavonoids quercetin, 4,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, galangin and 5,7-dihydroxyflavone in honey reduce the cytotoxic effects of adriamycin in the treatment of murine leukemia cells. Quercetin has been found to cause cytotoxicity and induce DNA strand breaks and other damage when its daily dosage concentration is from one to two grams a day. We conclude that foods containing concentrated extracts of honey should be avoided. Note: The phenolic content of honey varies greatly from one type of honey to another. It is mainly phenolic compounds that act as antioxidants in honey, but this is not its single action. Dark-colored honey has a stronger antioxidant effect than light-colored ones, such as buckwheat dense. Honey has been shown to have a therapeutic effect on the side effects of chemotherapy for breast cancer such as damage to the skin of the hands and feet, and on radiation-induced mucositis and skin reactions. Propolis (also known as hive dross) is a waxy, gelatinous substance used by bees to build and maintain their hives. It is taken by bees from plant resins, essential oils and pollen. The chemical composition of propolis varies from region to region. Propolis has been used extensively in ancient and modern times to treat a wide variety of ailments. Propolis contains several compounds including 5,7-dihydroxyflavone, caffeic acid phenethyl ester, galangin is suspected or proven to have anti-tumor and anti-cancer properties, and Brazilian propolis inhibits tumor angiogenesis through its active ingredient artepillinC. However, Brazilian propolis has also been found to cause acute renal failure. Propolis has also been shown to produce estrogen-like effects in breast cancer cells by activating estrogen receptors. We do not recommend propolis as a dietary supplement. Royal jelly is the secretion of the bees in a colony that are used to feed their young. It has been known to improve menopausal symptoms. Royal jelly has estrogen-like effects in human breast cancer cells, which amplify the proliferation of cancer cells. Royal jelly should be avoided by breast cancer patients, survivors and those at high risk.