When a bee collects nectar, some of the pollens from the flowers are picked up by them. These pollens come in the form of tiny little golden-colored powder that is sweet to taste. Bee pollen is used as a popular supplement for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and enlarged prostate, as well as in many skin care products for its health properties. Here are great reasons to add fresh bee pollen to your daily diet!
Rich source of protein, vitamins and antioxidants
Did you know that the bees feed their young ones with bee pollens? 40% of bee pollen is protein. It also has all the nutrients required by humans. The proteins in bee pollen are easier to digest because they are under the form of amino acids that are ready to be used as soon as getting ingested.
Bee pollen also has the highest level of vitamins of all food found in nature, according to a research from the Institute of Apiculture, Taranov, Russia: “Even if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients,… Pollen is extremely rich in rutin and may have the highest content of any source.”
Antibiotic properties
As mentioned, bee pollen has been used in ancient medicine in many cultures around the world for its antibiotic properties.
In fact, researchers discovered that enzymes in bee pollen could kill some harmful bacteria including Listeria, Staph, Salmonella, and E. coli.
Heart and blood health
Consuming bee pollens is found to improve heart and blood health by increasing the production of red and white blood cells. Bee pollen balances the level of cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Rutin in bee pollen helps strengthen blood vessels, improves blood circulation and prevents heart attack and stroke.
Immune strengthening
A research showed that when given bee pollen, test subjects show an improvement in blood lymphocytes, gamma globulins, and proteins. Out of these levels, lymphocytes level and gamma globulin, also called immunoglobulin, are antibodies responsible for fighting infections, bacteria, viruses, mutated cells – are found to improve most significantly.
Allergies
Similar to honey, people who take bee pollen at least 6 weeks before their allergy season begins can improve their symptoms drastically. This technique is called desensitization. It exposes you to a small amount of allergen so that your body can get used to it gradually. Leo Conway, M.D. of Denver, Colorado reported that 94% of his 900,000 patients were completely free from allergy symptoms once treated.
Dr. Mercola, osteopathic physician, and web entrepreneur of Mercola.com, stated that many of his coaches and athletes improve their performance and strength by taking bee pollen due to its high levels of nutrients and protein. Along with daily training, they can achieve tremendous result within a much shorter time.
Moreover, British Sports Council recorded increases in strength from 40% to 50% in those taking bee pollen regularly.
Fertility
Bee pollen has the ability to up your serotonin levels, thereby helping control your mood. Serotonin helps regulate your mood naturally. When your serotonin levels are normal, you feel happier, calmer, more focused, less anxious and more emotionally stable. Bee pollen also stimulates ovarian function and assists in safe pregnancy.
Skin health
Bee products in general can prevent or treat many skin conditions, such as acne, blemishes, eczema and psoriasis. Like honey, bee pollen is an anti-inflammatory and a circulation-increaser. Added with your favorite skin oil, it can be a great moisturizer, protecting your skin against dehydration.