Bee pollen: health benefits and harms

Bee pollen is one of the most nutritious foods in the world. An interesting fact is that the protein content in it is so high that 2 tablespoons of pollen are commensurate with pork steak in the amount of protein. It has a pleasant taste (sweetish) and is universal in use, so its consumption very quickly becomes a habit.

7-10 days after the start of pollen consumption, you can feel a significant surge of energy. By taking pollen, you can reduce the amount of regular food, because it is very nutritious, and also helps to suppress appetite. But, despite its usefulness, it is not recommended to use this product in large quantities, since there is a risk of an allergic reaction.

What is bee pollen?

Bee pollen is a product obtained by bees as a result of collecting and processing particles of pollen from honey plants - they feed on this food raw material. Insects collect dust particles and then process them into small balls.

Multi-colored pollen balls are similar in appearance to buckwheat. Their color can vary from yellow to violet, the smell of peas is honey-floral. They have almost no taste, they are quite easy to flatten with a little pressure from the fingers.

What is the difference between bee pollen and bee pollen

Both pollen and bee bread are products that are directly related to the vital activity of bees and the processing of plant pollen. Pollen is collected from plants and transferred to the hive. In order not to lose the collected pollen along the way, the insect moistens it with its saliva, resulting in small yellow peas. Pollen lumps have increased hygroscopicity (the ability to absorb moisture), and they cannot be stored for long. Therefore, bees "can" pollen with saliva and honey, clogging these granules with a film of wax. After clogging, fermentation begins. After 3 weeks, a new substance appears, which is called bee bread.

Products can be distinguished in appearance. Pollen is presented in the form of small yellowish-brown grains that have a pleasant floral-honey aroma. Perga are larger brownish granules with a denser consistency. The smell of bee bread is similar to the aroma of bee nectar. Products also differ in nutrient content. Pollen, sometimes called “pollen”, consists of 24% protein, 3% fat, 18.5% sugar substances, 2.55% minerals and 0.56% milk acids. Purga contains 20–21% protein, 0.6–1.5% fat, 24–34% sugar substances, 2.4–2.6% minerals, and 3% lactic acid. It is also worth noting that the bee bread has a longer shelf life in contrast to pollen grains.

How to collect bee pollen

As a rule, the collection of bee pollen begins in mid-spring. During this period, the bees are actively collecting food, folding it in the comb and sealing with wax. The beekeeper needs to “take” part of the pollen from the insects before they can bring it to the hive. To do this, there are special devices called dust collectors. During the season, one bee family manages to collect about 50 kg of pollen grains. It is worth noting that the bees need only half of the collected pollen for their life, therefore, the insects will not be particularly affected by the “selection” procedure.

A dust collector is a box with grates in the form of a pan. The front grill is needed to trap pollen grains. The second is a filter that prevents garbage collection.After 4–5 days, the right amount of pollen is collected in the boxes. As a rule, raw materials are collected at night so as not to disturb the bees.

Composition and calorie content

Pollen is a fairly nutritious product rich in biologically active substances. Pollen grains contain about 200 different substances. The main chemical constituents include proteins, amino acids, carbohydrates, lipids and fatty acids, phenolic compounds, enzymes and coenzymes, as well as vitamins and bioelements.

Pollen consists of 24% protein and 10.4% amino acids, such as methionine, lysine, threonine, histidine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. These elements are vital to the human body, while he cannot synthesize them on his own. In addition, pollen contains a significant amount of nucleic acids, especially ribonucleic acids.

Pollen also contains lipids (5.1%). Acids such as linoleic, gamma-linoleic and arachidonic, account for 0.4%. Phospholipids - 1.5%, while phytosterols, P-sitosterol, are present in an amount of 1.1%.

Phenolic compounds average 1.6%. This group includes flavonoids, leukotrienes and catechins. Among the flavonoids (1.4%) found in pollen, kempferol, quercetin and isoramnetin are mainly present, and in the group of phenolic acids (0.2%) - mainly chlorogenic acid.

Pollen is a source of fat-soluble vitamins (0.1%), such as provitamin A and vitamins E, D and water-soluble (0.6%), such as B1, B2, B6 and C, as well as acids: pantothenic, nicotinic and folic, biotin, rutin and inositol.

Bioelements: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium, as well as trace elements: iron, copper, zinc, manganese, silicon and selenium are also present in pollen.

Useful properties of bee pollen

General benefit

1. It is rich in antioxidants. Bee pollen is a source of antioxidants: glutathione, quercetin, carotenoids and flavonoids. Antioxidants help the body fight inflammation as well as damage caused by free radicals. If the body does not have protection against such an effect, then it is susceptible to oxidative damage in cells and tissues, which can lead to chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, cancer and type 2 diabetes.
2. Strengthens natural immunity. Eating pollen helps strengthen natural immunity, which helps prevent and reduce the severity of colds, flu-like illnesses, and other viral infections. This product is also an antimicrobial agent and can help fight bacterial infections, as well as dangerous bacteria such as E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella.
3. Benefits during the menopause. Menopause is quite exhausting for a woman. During this period, unpleasant symptoms appear, such as hot flashes, headaches, excessive sweating, mood disorders, and insomnia. Studies show that bee pollen can help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flashes, joint pain, and eating it can have a beneficial effect on mood, energy level, and sleep quality.
4. Controls the balance of cholesterol. Excessively high cholesterol can cause problems associated with heart disease, which is still the most common cause of death worldwide. Cholesterol itself is not bad, but its extreme imbalance can affect the formation of plaques in the arteries and, consequently, lead to heart problems. Bee pollen can balance cholesterol by lowering LDL levels and increasing HDL.
5. Increases life expectancy. Since bee pollen is rich in nutrients, its regular use helps the body better absorb and digest the substances that enter the body. This helps to improve the general condition of the cells, which directly affects the life expectancy.
6. It speeds up the metabolism. Bee pollen contains a large amount of nutrients, the use of which affects the metabolic function of the body and its maintenance at the cellular level. Pollen is rich in calcium, phosphorus, iron, vitamin C and flavonoids, which are very useful for the thyroid gland - a metabolic regulator. It contains the entire set of nutrients that the thyroid gland needs to do its job well.
7. Helps the liver. The liver is the largest internal organ, and it faces many tasks: cleansing the body of harmful substances, breaking down hormones, producing vitamin D, cholesterol, and much more. Without a healthy liver, we cannot be healthy people. Bee pollen can support the natural function of this organ and improve its ability to remove toxins from the body. Bee pollen can also help eliminate the harm caused by toxic substances.
8. Helps fight stress. Stress, situational or long-term, can cause numerous health problems. Bee pollen supports the nervous system and improves blood flow to the brain, which contributes to a more effective fight against stress. Bee pollen is one of the few natural products that perform this function. It is worth noting that it also helps to increase energy levels in stressful situations. Even small irregular doses of bee pollen can help balance your mood and increase energy levels. Using this product also helps to alleviate some of the pain associated with stress.
9. Promotes weight loss. Bee pollen helps speed up the metabolism and reduce the amount of fat in the body. It is rich in beneficial nutrients, enzymes, amino acids that help in the natural process of losing weight.
10. Improves eyesight. Bee pollen is also good for the eyes. As you know, over time, arteries and blood vessels, including in the eyes, become clogged, and this leads to visual impairment. The nutrients contained in bee pollen help regulate cholesterol balance, which directly affects the functioning of arteries. Healthy arteries can provide proper blood flow to the eye vessels.
11. Helps increase natural fertility. Bee pollen can increase natural fertility, helping to stimulate ovarian function and ovulation. Using this product increases the chances of getting pregnant.
12. Supports bone health. Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose their density and do not have enough calcium and phosphorus to recover. Bee pollen is rich in both of these minerals and can help bone tissue.
13. Cleanses the skin and fights acne. Raw honey is a popular acne remedy, and when combined with pollen, efficiency increases significantly. Bee pollen calms irritated, reddened skin and helps restore a natural complexion.

For women

Eating bee pollen helps make up for the nutrient deficiency that occurs due to unhealthy foods or a specific lifestyle. Pollen also helps to reduce the intensity and severity of menopausal symptoms in women, and supports the health and elasticity of the skin.

In addition, pollen has a positive effect on metabolism, which leads to an increase in the amount of energy due to burning fat. It contains lecithin - a substance that helps control appetite, therefore, contributes to natural weight loss. Some women may experience increased sexual desire after taking bee pollen.

For men

Bee pollen has a very beneficial effect on the male body. Many men at some point in life are faced with a problem such as erectile dysfunction. In an effort to rectify the situation, they resort to medications, which very often do more harm than good. Fortunately, there is a product like bee pollen. Studies show that it helps to increase the libido and sexual activity of men, and also helps to increase sperm count, thereby playing an important role in increasing fertility.

Bee pollen also helps improve prostate health. In some cases, this product is useful during the treatment of prostate cancer, since the antioxidants contained in pollen inhibit the growth and development of cancer cells. Pollen helps to reduce swelling of the prostate, as it has anti-inflammatory properties.

The vital nutrients contained in pollen: protein, amino acids, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and enzymes - contribute to increasing energy levels and stamina. It is worth noting that very often pollen is included in the diet of men who are engaged in bodybuilding, since proteins and amino acids help them build and strengthen muscles.

During pregnancy

There are varying opinions among nutritionists about whether bee pollen is beneficial for pregnant and lactating women. This topic caused a lot of controversy, because the research results are rather mixed. Some women who took bee pollen during pregnancy did not feel any side effects, but spoke only about the positive effects, while others experienced some discomfort, and in some cases, additional tests for allergies were necessary.

The most common fear of pregnant women when taking bee pollen is the effect of this product on the baby. Studies prove the fact that consuming moderate amounts of the product during pregnancy can be beneficial to the health of both the mother and her baby.

Here are some useful properties of bee pollen for women in position:

1. Reduces the risk of hypertension. Bee pollen helps cleanse blood and supply oxygen to brain cells. This reduces the risk of high blood pressure and hypertension in women throughout pregnancy. Hypertension can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby in her womb.
2. Helps in the development of the child. Substances contained in pollen stimulate the development of the brain and nervous system of the fetus.
3. Replenishes nutritional deficiencies. One of the main benefits of using bee pollen for pregnant women is that it makes up for the deficiency of minerals and vitamins.
4. Strengthens the immune system. A high level of antioxidants in bee pollen strengthens the mother’s immune system without affecting fetal development. It also protects pregnant women from colds, flu and other diseases.

For kids

Pollen is good for both adults and children. It can be included in the children's diet, but only if the child does not have allergies or intolerance to bee products.

The daily dose is usually indicated on the product labels. Adults are advised to take 1-3 tablespoons of bee pollen.

1. Children aged 3 to 6 years are given half a teaspoon
2. At the age of 6 to 12 years - 1 teaspoon during the day.
3. Children over 12 years old - daily dosage up to 2 teaspoons.

Important: Before giving pollen to children, check that the child is not allergic to it. If even the slightest reaction is manifested, you must immediately stop taking!

What is useful bee pollen for weight loss

Bee pollen is very useful for people who want to get rid of extra pounds. Here are some reasons why pollen is recommended for weight loss:

1. It helps stimulate metabolic processes, which in turn accelerate calorie burning.
2. It acts as a stabilizer of appetite and at the same time is a natural energetic.
3. Low-calorie, tasty and easy to eat food.
4. Pollen is rich in lecithin, which helps digestion and metabolism. It lowers LDL levels and increases the level of beneficial HDL cholesterol.

The healing properties of bee pollen

Bee pollen has the following medicinal properties:

1. Helps to heal wounds. Due to its antioxidant properties, bee pollen can help in the fight against inflammation caused by burns or various kinds of damage. It works as efficiently as some anti-burn remedies, has fewer side effects and actually reduces the time it takes to fully recover. Since bee pollen also fights bacteria and infections, it can help reduce the likelihood of infection from injuries or burns.
2. Relieves seasonal allergies. Bee pollen can be used to combat seasonal allergies, such as hay fever. Please note that pollen itself can sometimes cause allergic reactions, so if you are allergic to bees, you should consult your doctor before using bee pollen. If you are not allergic to bee products, then using bee pollen will increase your body's resistance to plant allergens with which bees can come into contact, thereby reducing the overall seasonal allergic reaction. This will be effective only if you use local bee pollen, as you are trying to deal with allergies in the area where you live. Bee pollen can also help slow down mast cell activity. Inhibition of these cells leads to a decrease in allergy symptoms.
3. Struggling with the development of cancer. Oncology occurs due to improper cell multiplication, and bee pollen can interfere with this process. Since it can stimulate cell death in tumors, pollen prevents the development and spread of cancer, especially in cases of colon and prostate cancer, as well as in leukemia. Bee pollen can help reduce systemic inflammation, lower the risk of contracting an infection, and counteract the development, growth, and spread of tumors.

Bee pollen in cosmetology

Bee pollen has many useful properties that can be used in the field of cosmetology.

1. Heals acne. Bee pollen contains natural antibiotics that prevent acne.
2. Benefits for hair. Pollen strengthens the roots, gives the hair a natural shine and prevents hair loss. It can be added to shampoos by dissolving 1 teaspoon of bee pollen in 1 tablespoon of shampoo.
3. Supports nail health. The use of pollen helps to strengthen and improve nails.
4. Improves the appearance of the skin. Bee pollen contains carotenoids, flavonoids and phytosterols, which contribute to cell regeneration.

It can also be noted the benefits of pollen for facial skin. Masks based on it are suitable for any type of skin.

Face Mask Recipes

1. For rejuvenation. We need - 1/2 tsp. pollen, 1 tsp natural honey, 1 tbsp mineral water (still). Pollen should be well dissolved in warm water, and then honey should be placed there. After this, you need to mix thoroughly the resulting mixture. The product should be applied to the face and gently massage the skin for 4-5 minutes.After 30 minutes, wash your face with warm water.
2. From wrinkles. You need to take 0.5 tsp. pollen, 1 tsp honey and 1 tsp store sour cream (20%) and mix the ingredients until smooth. Apply the mixture to the skin for 15 minutes.
3. To nourish the skin. Take 2 tsp. pollen, 10 g of beeswax, 10 g of glycerin and 25 g of oil (vegetable). The ingredients must be thoroughly mixed to a uniform consistency and applied to the face. The mask should be covered with a napkin and kept for about 7-8 hours, therefore it is better to do the procedure at night.

How to take bee pollen

Bee pollen can be in capsules, powders, raw granules, it can be mixed with drinks, salads, various dishes or used as an additive between meals. The most popular method is to take 1 tablespoon 30 minutes before a meal. It can also be used as a substitute for regular food. To do this, take a few tablespoons of pollen, dissolve it in water and drink it. Since this product causes a surge of energy, it is not recommended to take it before bedtime, it is better to do this in the morning or at lunch.

When using, it is worth adhering to some rules:

1. It is not recommended to swallow pollen immediately. After getting into the mouth, you need to chew it well and mix it with saliva.
2. It should be consumed in 2-3 doses. The first meal in the morning on an empty stomach, the last - no later than 18:00.

For prophylaxis
The preventive course should last about 30 days, it is advisable to conduct the course 3 times a year (in late autumn, winter and early spring).

Harm and contraindications

Despite the fact that pollen has many useful properties, it is not recommended for use by people who suffer from allergies, with intolerance to this product, as well as with bleeding disorders and diabetes mellitus. Pregnant and lactating women can use bee pollen, but in small doses and only after consulting a doctor.

How to store bee pollen

Keep bee pollen dry. It must be well processed in an oven at a temperature of about 40 ° C, then pour it into a tightly closed container (for example, in a glass jar) and send to the refrigerator. In this form, it can be stored for 22-24 months.

There is an even more interesting storage method for this product. It lies in the fact that pollen is mixed with honey (in a 1 to 2 ratio) and stored in this form in a cool place (shelf life - up to 5 years).

Photo of Bee Pollen