Pollen is the fine dust produced by the male parts of a flower, the stamen. Bees collect the pollen from plants and mix it with saliva and nectar from the plant. This mixture is referred to as bee pollen. Bee pollen has been alleged to have various beneficial effects on health and as such has been used as a nutritional supplement and super-food since biblical times.
Protein, Carbohydrate and Vitamin Content
Bee pollen is comprised of about 35 percent protein and 55 percent carbohydrate. It also contains 3 percent vitamins and minerals as well as 2 percent fatty acids. The vitamin content of bee pollen is comprised of Vitamin A, Vitamin E, carotenoids and B vitamins, including folic acid. Additionally, bee pollen contains the trace elements iron, zinc, manganese, copper, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Benefits for the Immune System
Bee pollen is alleged to have beneficial effects on the health and functioning of your body's first line of defense against illnesses -- the immune system. The antioxidants and amino acids in bee pollen are believed to contribute to the immune system strengthening properties of bee pollen.
Allergies
Bee pollen may be beneficial for people who suffer with seasonal allergies that are aggravated by pollen. The theory behind this logic is that presenting a minute amount of plant pollen to the body should help it to build up a tolerance or resistance to the substance, thus attenuating any allergic reaction. However, it is recommended that you consult with your physician prior to taking bee pollen, as severe allergic reactions to bee pollen have been recorded.
Claims for Weight Loss and Energy
Many of the commercial entities that market and sell bee pollen as a nutritional supplement claim that bee pollen can help to increase energy levels, speed up your body's metabolism and help you to lose unwanted pounds. However, very little scientific research has been conducted to support these claims.
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