Bee pollen is a substance that bees collect from flowers and plants. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, honey bees have sacs on the back of their legs which collect the pollen, which they then deposit at the hive. Beekeepers can collect the pollen by installing screens over the hives which squeeze the pollen from the bee’s pollen sacs.
People have consumed bee pollen as a supplement for many years and it is found in some traditional Chinese medicines. Recent medical research is lacking that would support the use of bee pollen; therefore, verification of these benefits is not medically proven. Bee pollen is not a replacement for medical treatment or prescription medications. Consult your doctor before beginning bee pollen therapy.
Nutrition
Bee pollen is a very nutritious substance, according to the NC State University Cooperative Extension. Although its exact composition varies from region to region, it generally contains 30 percent protein, 55 percent carbohydrates, up to 2 percent fat, 3 percent minerals and very small amounts of vitamins. Other components of bee pollen include amino acids and possibly up to 100 different vitamins, depending on the region where the pollen is collected.
Energy Improvement
Athletes often use bee pollen to help increase athletic performance by improving energy, explains NYU Langone Medical Center. Several clinical trials studied these effects between 1975 and 1976. Results were mixed, and the original results of these studies were not easily accessible, as reported by the "New York Times." Despite the mixed reviews, many people still tout the benefits of bee pollen to improve energy and enhance athletic performance.
Seasonal Allergy Relief
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you may experience relief from taking bee pollen that is locally harvested. The belief is that taking the pollen will allow your immune system to build a resistance against the pollen, preventing allergy symptoms. However, it is possible for very severe allergic reactions to occur when taking bee pollen. There is no medical research to back up these claims; therefore, you must exercise caution, and discuss using bee pollen with a health care provider to weigh risks and benefits of this treatment.
Other Benefits
Other benefits of taking bee pollen include improvement in memory loss related to age, treatment for cerebral hemorrhage and brain damage and as a treatment for high blood pressure. Bee pollen is also considered to have anti-bacterial, antidepressant, anti-oxidant and antitoxin properties, as noted by Northwestern Health Sciences University. These benefits also remain unproven by the scientific community.
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