Bee pollen has been touted by many to contain a variety of benefits. The substance is collected by bees as they collect nectar from plants. It is sold in the U.S. as a dietary supplement and comes in the form of natural granules, tablets and liquid. You may see bee pollen sold in the store under additional names such as Pollen d'Abeille, pollen nuggets and pollen pini. Still, severe adverse reactions may occur when taking the supplement. Talk with a health care professional to ensure bee pollen is the correct supplement for your ailment.
Description
Pollen is collected by bees as the travel from plant to plant collecting nectar for the hive. The bees store pollen in small sacks on their back legs. As the bees reenter the hives, they must squeeze through a small opening in a net placed over the hive. As the bee squeezes through, the pollen is forced out of the sacks on the hind legs. Pollen granules are a variety of yellow tinted colors due to the various flowers the pollen was collected from.
Ingredients
According to Drugs.com, bee pollen contains nearly 55 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent protein and small amounts of fats, vitamins and minerals. The supplement also contains amino acids that may suppress your appetite and allow you to burn calories quicker, reports the "National Post." Additional components aid in immune system function. These include magnesium, calcium, selenium and lecithin.
Benefits
Scientific evidence supporting the use of bee pollen is lacking. The most common uses include athletic performance and energy levels, as well as decreasing allergies. People continue to use bee pollen for other ailments including inflammation of the prostate, wound healing and even premenstrual syndromes. Still, it is critical to consult with a health professional before taking bee pollen to treat your health conditions.
Considerations
Anaphalactic shock is a serious reaction caused by taking bee pollen. The situation is rare but may cause severe respiratory distress. According to NYU Langone Medical Center, a variety of medical literature has reported allergic reactions occurring within 20 to 30 minutes of consuming bee pollen. In one situation, less than 1 tsp. was consumed. Bee pollen may contain pesticides and contaminants, depending on the source of the pollen.
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