Bee pollen has been used for centuries as a food and medicinal substance. It comes from the fine, powder-like substance found on male flowers that the bees collect and mix with their saliva and plant nectar. Bee pollen contains many nutrients, and it has been used by many cultures to aid in many conditions. While the nutritional benefits of bee pollen are widely recognized, its use to treat any medical condition should only be undertaken under the guidance of a licensed physician.
Nutritional Benefits
Bee pollen is considered a food source, not a drug, according to Vanderbilt University's Department of Psychology. Composed of approximately 35 percent protein and 55 percent carbohydrates, it contains many vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, enzymes and trace nutrients. A partial list of substances includes vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B12, zinc, iodine, calcium, potassium, lysine, tryptophan, nucleic acids and lecithin. As a food source, bee pollen causes no known adverse side effects, but those suffering from allergies would be wise to use caution and consult a physician before ingesting bee pollen.
Antioxidant Benefits
According to the Natural Health Research Institute, bee pollen appears to have significant antioxidant qualities. Antioxidants provide protection against free radicals, which contribute to many forms of disease and aging in the body. Although extensive human tests have not been conducted, in animal studies bee pollen has helped ameliorate the effects of radiation in the brain and normalize enzymes in the liver. Lipofuscin, associated with liver spots and aging, was also reduced in animal tests. Bee pollen needs more testing to ensure its effectiveness in humans in regard to antioxidant activity. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Health Aid
Apitherapy is the use of bees and their products for medicinal purposes. The American Apitherapy Society says that there is an increasing body of research that shows bee pollen is effective in treating certain physical conditions. It states that bee pollen has anti-allergenic and anti-cancer properties, as well as possible anti-arthritic uses. Other conditions bee pollen is listed as helpful for include high cholesterol, impotence, anorexia, diarrhea, depression and hypertension. Bee pollen is not considered a medicine, so its therapeutic value in treating any illness must be checked with a medical doctor before incorporating it into a treatment plan.
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