Antioxidants and Trace Elements in Honey: A Positive Balance for Honeybees and Beekeeping Production

Antioxidants play a crucial role in preventing and treating various diseases in both humans and animals, and the consumption of nutraceuticals represents a major source of these compounds. Among nutraceuticals, special attention is focused on honey, which is the most widely used apicultural product due to its complex composition and several beneficial effects on humans and pets. Furthermore, it is a valid bio-indicator of environmental pollution within apiary foraging areas for the possible presence of pollutants, such as heavy metals, absorbed by honeybees. Particularly, the antioxidant contents and mineral profiles of honey are directly correlated with the floral origin of the nectar and, at the same time, influenced by climatic conditions, geo-chemical features and environmental pollution. The aim of this study, therefore, was to investigate the antioxidant/free radical scavenging capacity in honey samples of different floral varieties (Wildflower, Citrus, Acacia, Eucalyptus, Chestnut, Honeydew, and Erica), using TPC, DPPH and FRAP assays, in relation to their mineral profile (essential microelements, toxic metals and metalloids) analyzed through ICP-MS. The results document good antioxidant activity in honey samples of different floral origins with high TPC and good radical scavenger activity on DPPH radicals. The best antioxidant activity measured by FRAP was observed in Honeydew and Wildflower honeys (9.40 ± 1.53 and 5.22 ± 0.08 mmol Fe2+E/kg, respectively). All honey samples showed a complete mineral profile with an abundance of essential microelements (Mn > Zn > Fe > Cu > Se > Cr > Co > Mo), although traces of heavy metals and metalloids (Pb >> Cd > As) were present in most of the samples analyzed. The correlations found in all data obtained were analyzed using specific two-sided statistical tests to evaluate if the presence of essential and toxic metals could enhance and/or inhibit the final redox activity of honey. This study, carried out according to a One Health approach, documented a positive balance for honeybees and apicultural production, confirming the importance of honey as a nutraceutical and complementary food for the health of humans and pets.