The presentation will briefly outline the presenter’s contribution to Australian research on the health aspects of Australian honey from 1999 to 2019. In particular, the presenter will describe the results of research into the Glycaemic index(GI) of honey and the prebiotic effects of honey. The Glycaemic Index is a measure of how different carbohydrates (sugars) in foods effect blood sugar levels. Foods containing carbohydrates are ranked according to their effect on the blood glucose levels. Honey has been of interest as affecting blood sugar levels because of the high percent of sugars in honey and the health effects for persons with health disorders such as diabetes. A Prebiotic is a food ingredient that beneficially affects an individual by selectively stimulating the growth and activity of bacteria in the large bowel. Honey has been of interest as affecting the bacteria in the large bowel because of the oligosaccharides (long chain sugars) in honey and the health effects for persons with bowel disorders such as irritable bowel and constipation. The presentation will outline where Honeys were sourced from in Australia, methods of testing performed and results of the testing. The presentation will also outline which Australian honeys are permitted to have nutrition health claims on their labels. Nutrition health claims are voluntary statements made by food businesses on labels and in advertising about a food. The claim refers to a relationship between a food and health.
Rod Bourke: AFB - The art of beekeeper survival when it completely surrounds us
American foulbrood (AFB) worries beekeepers endlessly and gives many of us nightmares! Some people absolutely live in fear of getting AFB in one (or more) of their hives, to the extent that it negatively impacts on their enjoyment of bee keeping. The reality is that AFB is all around us and it is a fatal honeybee disease, yet for much of the time is not such a great threat to us. I will discuss practical beekeeping tips which can reduce the incidence of AFB and stop its spread, therefore allowing you more enjoyment in your beekeeping.
Amelie Vanderstock - Native Bees in the city: Who and where?
Amelie Vanderstock will share her research on Native bees in community gardens and bushland of Sydney. With over 200 species in Sydney alone , how can we recognise them and where can we find them? Expect audience participation in this game of identify your local pollinators!
Northern Rivers newsletter - August 2019
I was asked the other day if a Tuckeroo Tree was good for bees. Apparently the bees were 'roaring' in the tree. If bees are 'roaring' they are gathering pollen. The pollen is collected by the mouth parts and then they hover whilst they rake it back to the pollen baskets. It is this hovering of large numbers that makes the roar. Nectar gathers on the other hand go sip, sip, and straight to the next flower.
Parramatta newsletter - August 2019
New NSW Permit for movement of hives into NSW
Please be informed that NSW DPI has issued a new group permit (the permit) for the purposes of moving or causing the movement of bee hives (with and without bees) and components thereof into NSW, effective from the 4 July 2019.
