Bees disseminate pollen, which ensures the development of fruit, blossoms and seeds. Bees pack pollen from flowers and plants into tiny sacks on their hind legs and transport it back to their hive and mix it with nectar. Bee pollen is an important food source that helps nourish young, growing bees. It is packed with nutrients and may improve certain health conditions, although there is insufficient evidence to back these claims. Consult with your health care provider or a registered dietitian prior to taking bee pollen, especially if you have an allergy to bee stings.
Nutrients
Bee pollen is a protein-rich food and contains amino acids, including all the necessary essential amino acids. It is also rich in enzymes, minerals and vitamins. Bee pollen contains high amounts of the mineral selenium--second only to Brazil nuts--which benefits the immune system. This nutrient-dense food also contains high amounts of phytonutrients such as flavonoids and polyphenols, which have antioxidant activity. One bee pollen manufacturer performed the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) test on his pollen and found that it scored much higher than that of wild blueberries.
Immune Booster
Bee pollen can enhance your immune system and protect against viral infections. It has antibiotic and antiviral properties and can regulate your intestinal bacteria. Bee pollen can neutralize toxic wastes in your intestines and thereby improve the health of your blood. This superfood may also reduce fatigue, improve concentration and help treat asthma and allergies. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking bee pollen for your immune system, especially if you have allergies to bee stings.
Reduce Allergies and Hay Fever
Bee pollen and its antibacterial properties can help protect against seasonal allergies and hay fever. When you take bee pollen in very small doses during the weeks prior to allergy season it can help reduce your hay fever symptoms. Use caution when taking bee pollen if you have allergies to bee stings as it may cause anaphylactic shock. Consult with your health care provider prior to taking bee pollen for allergies or hay fever.
Energy Boost
Bee pollen and its multitude of amino acids and nutrients can help improve your energy and stamina. According to James Higgins, treasurer of the American Apitherapy Society, Olympic athletes use bee pollen to improve athletic performance. Bee pollen can improve your energy and stamina and help prevent post-athletic performance exhaustion.
References
- "LILIPOH:" Medicine from the Hive; Priscilla Coe; 2008
- "Alive: Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition:" What's the Buzz?; Jill Hillhouse, RNCP; 2008
- "Total Health:" Health from the Honeybee; 2007
- "Better Nutrition:" The Latest Buzz on Products from the Hive; Brenda Adderly, M.H.A.; 1999
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