Health Benefits of Bee Pollen

Early Egyptian and Chinese civilizations both recognized its power and used it in the treatment of many ailments. Hippocrates, a Greek doctor, considered one of the most astounding figures in modern medicine, known as the father of western medicine, used bee pollen to heal people more than 2,500 years ago. In the 21st century, it is referred to by health practitioners as the fountain of youth. Many believe it can be used for everything, from losing weight to avoiding cancer.

So What is Bee pollen?

Bee pollen is food for young bee's. It's called bee bread and is a tiny granule of pollen formed by bees to feed the hive and consists of nectar and bee saliva. The most fascinating thing about bee pollen is that it can't be reproduced in a lab. When researchers try to feed bees man-made pollen, the bees die. As much as science has progressed, it still cannot identify some key elements contained in bee pollen. The makeup of bee pollen has to do with the location and the specific plants from which bee pollen is collected. Bee pollen consists of 40% of highly absorbable protein making it ideal for anyone looking to increase their protein intake. Considered one of the most complete natural foods, Bee pollen is also the most abundant known source of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, natural antibiotics, hormones, enzymes and fats.

Researchers at the Institute of Apiculture, Taranov, Russia, have been quoted “Honeybee pollen is the richest source of vitamins found in nature in a single food. Even if bee pollen had none of its other vital ingredients, its content of rutin alone would justify taking at least a teaspoon daily, if for no other reason than strengthening the capillaries. Pollen is extremely rich in rutin and may have the highest content of any source, plus it provides a high content of the nucleics RNA [ribonucleic acid] and DNA [deoxyribonucleic acid].”

Some additional benefits?

• Boosts Energy. Bee pollen consists of 55 % carbohydrates and almost 40 % protein, making it a great source of energy making it ideal for bodybuilders, vegetarians or anyone wanting to increase energy, carbohydrates and protein.

• May aid Infertility problems. Some research suggests that bee pollen stimulates and restores ovarian functions which boosts fertility and also acts as aphrodisiac!

• Treats allergies. Bee pollen contains quercetin which is known for its ability to minimize or neutralize histamine responses.

• Weight loss. Bee pollen can stimulate the metabolism and promotes an increase in energy and weight loss. As it is loaded with enzymes, it also helps promote digestion.

• Builds muscle. Along with increasing energy, bee pollen can also help build muscle. It boosts your immune capabilities, and contains a high amount of antioxidants.

• Improves skin. According to Dr. Lars-Erik Essen, a Swedish dermatologist who first started using bee products for skin issues, “[Bee pollen] seems to prevent premature aging of the cells and stimulates growth of new skin tissue,” says Dr. Essen. “It offers effective protection against dehydration and injects new life into dry cells. It smooths away wrinkles and stimulates a life-giving blood supply to all skin cells. The skin becomes younger looking, less vulnerable to wrinkles, smoother, and healthier with the use of honeybee pollen.”

• Immune system booster. Due to its high protein count, mono and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins B, C, D, E, and beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, selenium, nucleic acids, lecithin, and cysteine in been pollen, it is very effective in strengthening the immune system.

• Improves cardiovascular system. Bee Pollen contains vast amounts of Rutin; an antioxidant that helps strengthen blood vessels and capillaries. It has anti-clotting properties that can help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

• Regulates blood pressure

• Helps with Nervous system issues

• Improves Digestion

• Fights depression. Russian researchers report bee pollen has given good results in the treatment of depression.

Nutrients?

• Cartenoids (which convert to vitamin A)

• Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12

• Vitamin C

• Vitamin E

• Calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorous, potassium, silicon, sulphur and 59 other trace minerals

• 22 amino acids, which contain five to seven times the amino acids found in equal weights of beef, milk, eggs or cheese

• Enzymes including amylase, catalase, cozymase, cytochrome, dehydrogenase, diaphorase, diastase, lactic acids, pectase and phosphatas.

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