Beeswax and honey are both products manufactured by honey bees. Hard workers and successful contributors to the pollination of crops, honey bees are invaluable to the American agricultural industry, according to Purdue University Extension. Honey bee pollen has also become valuable to the health industry, providing a series of possible benefits when eaten as a supplement.
About Bee Pollen
Honey bees rely on pollen as a protein nutrition source, which they gather from flowers throughout the day. According to Palomar College, the tibia of each of the honey bee's legs contains long hairs, which form a pollen basket the holds the collected pollen. As pollen collects in the pollen basket, it forms a compressed mass. As pollen accumulates, the baskets begin to bulge. The pollen derived from these pollen baskets is the same pollen touted in health food stores.
Edible Forms
In its raw form, bee pollen contains trace vitamins and minerals along with approximately 30 percent protein, 55 percent carbohydrates and between 1 and 2 percent fat. Bee pollen comes in a variety of topical forms including creams and jellies. Aside from topicals, oral forms of bee pollen are also available in health food stores. According to North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension, chewable tablets, capsules, powders and raw granules are among the most common forms of ingestible bee pollen.
Uses
Bee pollen has a variety of uses including increasing stamina, energy and minimizing fatigue during sporting events. According to the University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus, bee pollen also may relieve allergies, nose bleeds, diarrhea, mouth sores, colitis, prostrate conditions and constipation. Individual results vary and according to UC Denver are still in the investigative stages. What has definitely been determined is that the use of bee pollen is not for everyone. In fact, for some individuals, its use can be dangerous.
Who Should Avoid Eating Bee Pollen
Children and women who are pregnant or nursing should avoid the use of bee pollen. North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension explains that if you have allergies to apples, celery or carrots, also avoid bee pollen. Symptoms of an allergic reaction to bee pollen include shortness of breath, lightheadedness, dizziness and sweating, swelling and itchy skin. As symptoms progress, the possibility of anaphylaxis is possible. Consult a physician at the first sign of an allergic reaction.
References
- Purdue University Extension; Understanding the Honey Bee; July 2006
- Palomar College; The Origin of Mysterious Yellow Globs; W.P. Armstrong; 2006
- North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension: Not Just Honey!
- University of Colorado Denver/Anschutz Medical Campus; Bee Pollen; Heather Klug; May 2003
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