Honeybee Health Foods

01/05/2026

Can Resveratrol Improve Cholesterol?

Can resveratrol improve cholesterol? It can if you take enough, as this new study found out.

Resveratrol is a polyphenol similar to flavonoids. It is found primarily in the skin of grapes and mulberries as well as in dark chocolate, raspberries, blueberries and peanuts. Resveratrol in supplements usually comes from the herb Japanese knotweed.

This meta-analysis of 17 controlled studies, which included 968 people, found that resveratrol significantly reduces total cholesterol, heart harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.

An analysis of the effect on LDL cholesterol found that the benefit kicked in at a dose of 500mg a day or more and in studies that lasted 12 weeks or more. Resveratrol had a stronger effect on reducing LDL cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes.

Nutrients. September 2022;14(18):3755.

12/31/2025

12/29/2025

The Tiny Flaxseed Can Have a Big Effect on Diabetes

Despite all the research on the myriad benefits of flaxseeds, this study is the first meta-analysis of flaxseed’s effects on prediabetics and type 2 diabetics. What did it find?

Flaxseeds are loaded in fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which could help diabetics. This meta-analysis of 7 controlled studies put the powerful seed to the test. The studies used 13-40 grams a day of ground flaxseed, and most of the studies lasted 12 weeks.

The results showed that flaxseed significantly reduces fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). HbA1c was significantly reduced. This finding is crucial because HbA1c is the most important marker of long term blood sugar and diabetes control. Every 1% drop in HbA1c reduces the risk of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes by 37%.

Some of the studies used flaxseed in baked goods. It is possible that the results would have been even more impressive if they hadn’t. Both the baked goods and the heated flaxseeds could have a negative impact on diabetes.

This study shows that flaxseed significantly improves insulin resistance, blood sugar and long term markers of diabetes control. It may have found even better results if it had used ground flaxseed alone or uncooked.

Complement Ther Med. November 2022;70:102852.

12/23/2025

Level up your holiday game nights with DuckShot, a quirky, pixel-perfect card game made right here in Manitoba!
Fun, fast-paced, and locally created, it’s the perfect stocking stuffer for gamers and families alike.

🎄 Available now at Honey Bee Health Foods, support local and play together!

12/23/2025

Give the gift of timeless values and cozy story time this Christmas🎄
These Berenstain Bears favorites are perfect for little readers, from joyful giving to celebrating the world's best Papa Bear.

🎁 Available now at Honey Bee Health Food Store

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12/22/2025

Vitamin D and Not Dying of Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a leading cause of hospitalization and death, and the challenge gets bigger as you get older. New research suggests that many of those deaths can be prevented by just getting enough vitamin D.

Community-acquired pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. The leading bacterial causes are S pneumoniae and H influenzae. Some of the leading viral causes are rhinovirus, influenza and COVID.

It is a very common concern that increases with age. Pneumonia is the eighth leading cause of death in the world and the leading cause of infectious causes of death.

Previous research has shown that vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. It has also been associated with a higher risk of being hospitalized, greater severity, greater risk of ICU admission, length of hospital stay and death.

This well-designed study put the latter to the test, examining whether sufficient levels of vitamin D could protect people hospitalized with community-acquired pneumonia from dying.

514 people were included in the study. The average age was 74. The 90 day mortality rate was 15.7%, and the 180 day mortality rate was 19.1%.

People in the study were considered to have sufficient levels of vitamin D if they were 50 nmol/L or greater, insufficient if they were 25-49 nmol/L, and deficient if they were below 25 nmol/L.

Remarkably, compared to people with sufficient levels of vitamin D, those with a vitamin D deficiency were a significant 3.5 times more likely to die within 90 days and a significant 3.27 times more likely to die within 180.

This study suggests the exciting possibility that maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D can significantly protect people from dying from pneumonia.

Open Forum Infectious Diseases. December 2025;12(12):ofaf706.

12/19/2025

Christmas is almost here, only a few more sleeps!

If you’ve still got some shopping to do, we’re here and happy to help.
Everything featured in this video is available in store and so much more!
Come by, explore, and enjoy the holiday cheer.

🎁 Merry Christmas from all of us at Honey Bee!

12/18/2025

Our hours are unaffected today with the MB blizzard, stay Warm & safe everyone!

12/18/2025

Cozy up this Christmas with faith filled adventures the whole family will love!
These Adventures in Odyssey audio sets are packed with fun, values, and imagination. Perfect for gifting and enjoying together.

🎁 Available now at Honey Bee Health Food Store!

12/15/2025

Cut Your Risk of Heart Attack by Half!

Studies have shown that low levels of vitamin D are linked to worse heart health. But you won’t believe how much getting enough vitamin D can help!

A research abstract (Abstract 4382525) presented at the 2025 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions has revealed for the first time how much getting just enough vitamin D can help prevent a heart attack.

The study included 630 people with acute coronary syndrome who had had a previous heart attack. Each person in the active group took enough vitamin D to reach an optimal level for heart health of 40-80 ng/mL.

Surprisingly, over 85% of the people in the study had levels of vitamin D below 40 ng/mL. Half the people in the study needed more than 5,000 IU of vitamin D just to get their levels up to where they should be.

People in the study were divided into two groups: the first received standard care, and only the second received the vitamin D. The study lasted almost 4 years.

Although 18.4% of the heart attacks, heart failure hospitalizations, strokes or death occurred in the standard care group versus only 15.7% in the vitamin D group, the difference did not reach significance.

But, when the researchers looked specifically at heart attacks, they found a 52% lower risk in the vitamin D group.

This study suggests that making sure you have optimal levels of vitamin D could be an important strategy for preventing a second heart attack.

More research is needed because research abstracts have not yet been peer-reviewed or published.

12/12/2025

Celebrate the season with a heartwarming🥰 story from right here in Manitoba!
Mr. Beaver and The Paddle by local author Emily Teichrib perfect for young readers and holiday gifting.

In the quiet forest behind the farm live the Riverbend Critters. Mr. Beaver has found the most amazing stick! It floats, is great to sit on and is perfect for his lodge! Come along with Mr. Beaver and friends as they learn some important life lessons!

🎁 Available now at Honey Bee Health Food Store!