What Are the Benefits of Bee Pollen

Bee pollen has been a controversial nutritional supplement for decades. In fact, its use for health and nutritional purposes is recorded as early as 2735 BC. It is mentioned in ancient manuscripts such as the Bible, Torah, and the Koran as well in almost every other ancient civilization from Rome to China.

With increased technology researchers are learning more about the benefits of bee pollen than ever before. Are the benefits really worth the expense of the bee pollen supplements?

As bees travel from flower to flower they gather pollen and compress it into a single mass of pollen from the different flowers that they have visited. At each flower it scrapes the pollen granules from the stamen with its jaws and legs. The pollen is mixed with a drop of honey and then, as the bee flies to the next flower, special combs on its legs are used to scrape the pollen into special sacks attached to its legs. As the sacks are filled the compressed globe of pollen grows larger.

This is taken back to the hive and used to feed the developing bees.

Nutritional Make-up of Bee Pollen

While bee pollen contains all of the nutrients necessary to sustain life it can’t be reproduced in a laboratory.

It contains the following nutrients, according to researchers at Vanderbilt University:

• Amino acids
• B complex vitamins
• Carotenoids
• Enzymes
• Essential fatty acids
• Folic Aacid
• Minerals
• Rutin
• Trace elements
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E

It is made up of 35% protein, 55% carbohydrate, 2% fatty acids, and 3% vitamins and minerals.

Proponents of bee pollen as a nutritional supplement state that taking it regularly can benefit health in numerous ways. A daily dose of 3,000 mgs is suggested.

• Anemia
• Arthritis
• Chronic fatigue
• Decreases allergy symptoms
• Eliminates acne
• Improves energy
• Increases fertility
• Lessons the side effects of chemotherapy
• Normalizes cholesterol
• Protects against breast tumors in those genetically at risk
• Regulates the metabolism
• Reverses the signs of aging including wrinkles, dull skin, and dark spots
• Strengthens the immune system
• Strengthens memory and concentration
• Strengthens the respiratory system

While many, many people tout the benefits of a daily dose of bee pollen researchers warn that there really are not any studies that prove any of the claims. In addition, the nutritional content of the pollen can change drastically from day to day and from location to location. There is no way to regulate how much of any one nutrient is in the bee pollen.

Bee pollen has no known side effects but it may also have little, if any, effect on the human body. It is important to note that if you have hay-fever and allergies to weeds and grasses you should take bee pollen in very small doses at first. Some people do have allergic reactions (sometimes severe) to bee pollen. If you experience any swelling, dizziness, headaches, or other signs of allergy discontinue use and speak with your doctor.

Is it something that you should consider adding to your diet?

Millions of people who take this supplement on a daily basis swear that their health is better, their energy level higher, and their overall quality of life has improved since beginning a regimen of taking bee pollen on a daily basis. If you are interested in natural health, and you can afford to give it a try there is really no good reason not to. No matter what researchers say it really boils down to whether or not the product works for you personally.

Always talk to your health care provider before changing or adding anything to your diet.

Health Benefits of Stevia Sweetener

Health Benefits of Cinnamon