the amazing benefits of bee pollen - Pharmacy in a Jar
Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey, wax and bee secretions.
Foraging honey bees collect pollen from plants and transport it to the beehive, where it’s stored and used as food for the colony.
Bee pollen has gained a good reputation in the health community because it contains nutrients, amino acids, vitamins, lipids and over 250 active substances. The Federal Ministry of Health in Germany recognises bee pollen as a medicine.
4 reasons to take bee pollen
1. Impressive Nutritional Profile With More Than 250 Active Substances
Bee pollen boasts an impressive nutritional profile.
It contains over 250 biologically active substances, including proteins, carbs, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes and antioxidants.
Bee pollen granules consist of approximately:
- Carbs: 40%
- Protein: 35%
- Water: 4–10%
- Fats: 5%
- Other substances: 5–15%
The latter category includes vitamins, minerals, antibiotics and antioxidants.
However, the pollen’s nutritional content depends on the plant source and the season collected. In addition, bee pollen harvested during springtime has a significantly different amino acid composition than pollen collected during the summer.
2. High Antioxidant Content Protects From Free Radicals and Chronic Diseases
Bee pollen contains various antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, quercetin, kaempferol and glutathione.
Antioxidants protect your body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Damage by free radicals is linked to chronic diseases such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.
3. Can Help You Avoid Illness by Boosting Immunity and Killing Bacteria
Bee pollen can boost your immune system, helping you avoid illnesses and unwanted reactions.
For one, research has shown that it may reduce the severity and onset of allergies.
In one study, bee pollen significantly reduced mast cell activation. Mast cells, when activated, release chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction.
Also, several test-tube studies have confirmed that bee pollen has strong antimicrobial properties.
Bee pollen extract was found to kill potentially harmful bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and those that cause staph infections.
4. May Improve Nutrient Utilization, Metabolism and Longevity
Some evidence suggests bee pollen may improve your body’s utilisation of nutrients.
For instance, iron-deficient rats absorbed 66% more iron when pollen was added to their diet. This uptick is likely because pollen contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which boost iron absorption.
Bee Pollen is safe for most people and easy to add to your diet. The granules can be added to your favourite foods, such as breakfast or smoothies. However, people with pollen or bee sting allergies should avoid pollen products, as they may cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, shortness of breath or anaphylaxis. We would suggest that you introduce it slowly to your diet. Start with just a few granules as a beginning and increase with time. To check if you have a pollen allergy, place 1-2 granules under your tongue and wait for any itching or pinching-like feeling.
The Bottom Line
Bee pollen contains many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, making it incredibly healthy. You can add it to your yoghurt or granola, blend it in a smoothie or incorporate it into protein bars.
Our bee pollen comes from our farm, which is the only way to guarantee the quality and source. Bees are collecting it from all the flowers, herbs and trees in our area free of pesticides. Order some today and start your healthier diet!