Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL FOODS, cilt.136, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Honey, which is considered as a functional food, is rich in bioactive compounds. This study aimed to create a pure honey candy from Apis dorsata honey using low-temperature processing and nori wrapping to boost nutritional stability. Three drying methods were evaluated: dehydrator, oven, and air fryer. The oven method (40 degrees C for 10 h and then 60 degrees C for 38 h) optimally preserved antioxidant activity, with the lowest IC50 value; thus, it was chosen for final production. Nori wrapping significantly increased protein and flavonoid contents while reducing hydroxymethylfurfural and sugar levels. A pilot intervention where homemakers and toddlers consumed 15 g of nori-wrapped honey candy daily for 7 days showed significant increases in Foxp3 (immune biomarker), reduced fatigue, and improved sleep. Cortisol and estrogen levels were slightly, but not significantly, modulated. These findings indicate that nori-wrapped honey candy is an innovative functional food with promising immunomodulatory and health-promoting benefits, particularly for stress- and fatigue-prone populations.