Pollen is a very fine powder collected from the stamens -- the male sex organs of plants -- by bees. The pollen is mixed with the bee's saliva and nectar from the plant. Bee pollen may be up to 40 percent protein and contains 22 amino acids and more than 90 nutrients, including antioxidants such as vitamins A,C and E and carotene. Bee pollen is classified by the USDA as a food, not a supplement or drug.
Boosts Energy
Bee pollen may improve alertness and physical reactions, as well as, strength, stamina, speed and endurance. It has been promoted as a food for athletes because it may enhance performance and help speed recovery after intense physical activity, says Kendra Collins of Vanderbilt University.
Supports Immune System
Bee pollen may strengthen your immune system and fight free-radical damage because of it's high antioxidant content. Vitamins A, C, D and E, beta-carotene and selenium may fight the signs of aging, according to the All Natural Encyclopedia of Herbs.
Lessens Allergies
Because bee pollen contains trace amounts of the plant material that may trigger allergies, it could lower sensitivity to local pollen allergens and reduce production of histamine. Bee pollen may also have the opposite effect and trigger the allergy. Start off with a very small dose and gradually increase the amount of bee pollen ingested to avoid a severe allergic reaction, suggests Jack Challem, writing in the Nutrition Reporter. The All Natural Encyclopedia of Herbs cautions that anyone allergic to bees should avoid bee pollen.
Warnings
At least 5 percent of the population may be allergic to bee pollen. Signs of an allergy include coughing, wheezing, hives and skin rashes. Severe allergic responses include anaphylactic shock, which may be fatal.
Buy freeze-dried pollen, rather than heated or processed bee pollen, to ensure maximum nutrients, and soak the bee pollen overnight in filtered water to make the vitamins and minerals more bio-available.
According to Kendra Collins of Vanderbilt University, "Hypothetically, bee pollen is an excellent source of nutrition. With its abundance of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and enzymes, it is hard not to believe the many claims made about the positive effects of bee pollen. A very limited amount of recent information can be found proving positive nutritional effects." At the same time, there is very limited hard scientific data to back up health claims about bee pollen.
References
- Vanderbilt University: The effects of Bee Pollen on Energy and Weight Loss
- VitaminStuff.com: Bee Pollen
- Nutritional Supplements Health Guide: Bee Pollen
- The Nutrition Reporter: Natural Alternatives to the Top 10 Drugs
- All Natural Encycolpedia of Herbs: Bee Pollen
- Bee Pollen Secrets: Bee Pollen Side Effects
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