Benefits
Bee Pollen is considered one of nature’s most complete foods due to its comprehensive and balanced nutrient profile. A complete protein, rich in vitamins, minerals, enzymes, amino acids and anti-oxidants, it is considered an immune system builder that will also enhance vitality.
Bee pollen is a great brain booster, lifting brain fatigue, improving alertness and helping concentration levels over an extended period of time. Rich in the B vitamins; B1, B2 and B3 – these are essential for a healthy nervous system and powerful detoxifiers, especially to the brain. They are often referred to as “anti-stress” or “morale” vitamins - when the nervous system is working optimally anxiety and stress can be greatly lessened.
Renowned for enhancing athletic performance, the German natural scientist Francis Huber claims that bee pollen is "the greatest bodybuilder on earth". As such, it is used by Olympic athletes and bodybuilders to increase strength and endurance. Its reputation as a muscle builder is due, in part, to it containing all 22 of the amino acids. Around half of these are free-form, meaning they can be assimilated directly into the body ready for instant utilisation.
Bee Pollen benefits sufferers of allergies, including hay fever, by reducing histamine levels in the body. It helps alleviate nausea, sleep disorders, stress and anxiety by bringing the body into nutritional balance and well being.
Folklore and history
Historically, Bee Pollen has been used in cultures around the world. In ancient Egypt, bee pollen was placed with the pharaohs in their tombs to nourish them in the afterlife. It shows up in Indian folklore as well, in both North and South America. Modern folklore also says that people with asthma or hay fever will suffer less during pollen season if they eat local honey containing the pollen to which they are allergic. By taking one teaspoon to one tablespoon of local honey or bee pollen a day, some people swear that they get through the season with little or no symptoms - presumably, the pollen immunizes them. However, there has been no medical research to back up these claims.
Traditional use
The Chinese have used bee pollen medicinally for thousands of years. Records of its use show up in ancient Greece as far back as 2500 years ago - Hippocrates, often regarded as the 'father of modern medicine', prescribed bee pollen grains for healing.
Typical use
Suggested Dosage
Bee Pollen can be eaten raw or can be added to your favourite cereals, smoothies, yogurt or hot drink. There are no set dosages for Bee Pollen but 5-10g (1-2 teaspoons) is a recommended daily dose.
Constituents
It is rich in vitamins - especially B vitamins. It also contains beta carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, selenium, and flavonoids. Then there are the trace minerals, and a rich mix of amino acids and enzymes. The basic composition of bee pollen is 55% carbohydrate (the energy-giving nutrient), 35% protein, 2% fatty acids and 3% vitamins and minerals.Most bee pollen supplements also contain related bee pollen components - propolis, royal jelly and globulinic acid.
Precautions
Bee Pollen should be avoided by anyone with an allergy to honey or bees, medical attention should be sought immediately. Bee Pollen should also be avoided by diabetics.
