Bee pollen is considered one of the healthiest nutrients that nature can provide. It has been used for thousands of years as a nutritional supplement, medicine, invigorator, and most nutritionists speak of it as a true miracle for maintaining youth and vitality, for stimulating the body to fight disease and for conferring a general well-being.
What is bee pollen?
Pollen is a substance found in flowers that have bloomed or are blooming, but about to open. It gathers on bees’ feet, and they carry it from flower to flower as they search for nectar. The bees then secrete nectar and special enzymes in the pollen collected from the flowers, forming what we know as ‘bee pollen’. Pollen contains a very high amount of vitamins, minerals and amino acids, enzymes, coenzymes and even hormones.
It is very rich especially in B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12), antioxidants, including beta-carotene, vitamin C and vitamin E, folic acid, provitamin A. The most important minerals (but not the only ones) that are found in the composition of pollen are calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium, iodine. Pollen is composed of about 55% carbohydrates, 35% protein, 3% vitamins and minerals, 2% fatty acids and 5% other nutrients. It contains twice as much protein as beef and manages to have a very low fat content.
It can be considered an excellent source of protein for vegetarians, being very rich in essential amino acids. From the point of view of nutrient analysis, pollen is one, if not the most complete natural nutrient. 30 grams of pollen bring the body about 28 calories. Of these 30 grams, 7 grams are carbohydrates, 15% is lecithin, 25% is the best quality protein. Bee pollen should not be confused with bee honey, bee venom or other such products. They do not contain pollen.
What are the beneficial effects of pollen?
Bee pollen is available in many plafare and even pharmacies, both in natural form, powder, and in various combinations, food supplements or even drugs and body care products. For example, some lotions indicated in the dermal treatment of diapers or baby rashes contain bee pollen.
It can also be indicated as an adjunct treatment in therapies for asthma, allergies, gastrointestinal disorders or alcoholism.
Possible beneficial effects of pollen on the body include:
– Improves digestion – regulates intestinal transit, especially in cases of chronic constipation or diarrhea, stimulates fat burning and helps control weight;
– Improving the functioning of the immune system and stimulating the detoxification of the body;
– Improving systemic blood circulation;
– Asthma relief;
– Increasing the effort capacity and improving the athletes’ performance;
– Reducing cholesterol levels;
– Reducing the side effects of chemotherapy;
– Improving potency and increasing libido; Pollen is found in a wide range of forms: powder, powder, granules or even tablets. The capsules and tablets also contain other compounds besides pollen, most often propolis and honey. The richest in vitamins and nutrients is polyfloral pollen, which comes from several sources.
