Posted by Caroline Collard on Jun.27, 2009

ⓒ iStockPhoto - arlindo71

The benefits of bee pollen have been known for ages. It is even mentioned in the Bible. Over many generations, the Romans, Chinese and the Egyptians have all used bee pollen. It is considered important in Chinese medicine. Apparently there are medical records dating back to 2735 BC referring to its medicinal uses. It started to become more popular in the 1970s.

Pollen is the male seed of plants, which is collected by the bees as they fly from flower to flower. Bees then add a few enzymes to it, which increases its nutritional value and turns it into that are then taken as a food supplement. It is incredibly nutritious. Some people call it nature’s perfect food. Research has been done on mice that were fed nothing but bee pollen and they seemed to have no health problems at all. Because of the wide range of nutrients, bee pollen is believed to balance many dietary deficiencies.

The exact balance of nutrients will vary depending on the different bees and the different flowers in that area, but bee pollen contains amino acids, which form proteins. Pollen also contains vitamins, especially B vitamins, minerals, particularly iron, carbohydrates, fatty acids and hormones as well as other substances that have not yet been identified. Bee pollen has particularly high levels of the bioflavonoid rutin, which is often taken to help bleeding gums. The protein levels of bee pollen are higher than beef, cheese and eggs and its calcium content is higher than milk. It also contains high levels of RNA and DNA, which are believed to help with brain and nervous system functioning.

Research shows bee pollen helps with allergic reactions provides antioxidant functions. Bee pollen also seems to have an anti-tumor quality. Bee pollen is taken as a supplement for a whole range of reasons including weight control, cholesterol lowering, skin improvement, reproductive health, fatigue, depression, support with chemotherapy and general rejuvenation. Top athletes to boost energy levels with bee pollen.

Bee pollen is available either as the granules or in a capsule form. Some people do not like the taste of the loose granules and so choose the capsules. Others put the loose granules in food and eat it that way. Freeze dried pollen is considered the best since it minimizes the chance of oxidation and therefore helps to ensure the quality of the product. Bee pollen is especially low in calories and contains about 15% lecithin, a popular weight control supplement.

If you are allergic to bee stings or have pollen allergies, take great care when using bee pollen.

This article is not meant to constitute medical advice. Please consult your doctor before making changes to your diet or lifestyle.

For Further Reading:
Bee Pollen Secrets

Bee Pollen’s Medical Miracles

Bee Pollen – Nature’s Miracle Food

1. Ishikawa Y, Tokura T, Nakano N, Hara M, Niyonsaba F, Ushio H, Yamamoto Y, Tadokoro T, Okumura K, Ogawa H. Inhibitory effect of honeybee-collected pollen on mast cell degranulation in vivo and in vitro.J Med Food. 2008 Mar;11(1):14-20

2. Nakajima Y, Tsuruma K, Shimazawa M, Mishima S, Hara H. Comparison of bee products based on assays of antioxidant capacities.BMC Complement Altern Med. 2009 Feb 26;9:4.

3. Furusawa E, et al. Antitumor potential of pollen extract on Lewis lung carcinoma implanted intraperitoneally in syngenic mice. Phytother Res 1995;9:255-9.

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Posted under Health & Fitness, Supplements.