Pollen is an important source of food for honey bees. Much like honey, bee pollen can also be collected by humans and is frequently used as a dietary supplement. It is widely available in a variety of preparations in health food stores and markets. Many believe bee pollen to have positive effects on the body and to be useful to treat a number of ailments.
Identification
Pollen are tiny yellow, light green or white dust-like grains that form on the anthers of flowers. They are the male portion of the plant. When a honeybee visits a flower, it gathers both nectar and pollen for food. In the process, the flower is fertilized when the pollen is transported to the female part of the plant.
Function
The nectar the bee has collected is converted into honey, which provides the carbohydrate portion of the bee's diet. Pollen, on the other hand, provides the protein component. Once the pollen is gathered, it is transported back to the hive, where it is stored within the honeycomb for future use.
Preparation
Bees gather pollen grains by placing them in their corbicula, tiny specialized baskets on their hind legs. They pack the grains tightly together in a cluster on each leg, then fly back to the hive. Beekeepers use a device called a pollen trap to collect the pollen. This device harmlessly knocks the pollen off the bee's legs, allowing it to be collected later. Collected bee pollen is prepared for sale and distribution. It is often freeze-dried, then packaged in capsules, tablets, liquids and other preparations.
Nutritional Information
Bee pollen, taken as a dietary supplement, is composed of approximately 55 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent proteins and up to 2 percent fat. Because pollen may be gathered from different sources, these amounts may vary. Bee pollen can contain up to 100 different vitamins, minerals, amino acids, enzymes and other compounds, usually in trace amounts.
Uses
While there is no conclusive scientific evidence that supports any medicinal treatment involving bee pollen, it is frequently taken to treat allergic disorders. It is also used to improve athletic performance and energy, reduce fatigue and assist in recovery time after exertion. Other purported uses of bee pollen include the treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy, diabetes, cancers, gastrointestinal disorders and alcoholism.
Warning
Reports of gastrointestinal complaints and mild allergic reactions are common in those taking bee pollen for more than three weeks. Because bee pollen is derived from plants sources and is produced by bees, individuals with severe allergic reactions to bee stings or bee venom, a honey intolerance or allergies to plants should use bee pollen supplements with great caution. Even small doses may trigger a potentially life-threatening anaphylactic reaction.
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