A variety of producers have started selling pollen for human consumption, often marketed as a food (rather than a dietary supplement). The largest constituent is carbohydrates, with protein content ranging from 7 to 35 percent depending on the plant species collected by bees.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not found any harmful effects of pollen consumption, except from the usual allergies. However, FDA does not allow pollen marketers in the United States to make health claims about their produce, as no scientific basis for these has ever been proven. Furthermore, there are possible dangers not only from allergic reactions but also from contaminants such as pesticides and from fungi and bacteria growth related to poor storage procedures. A manufacturers's claim that pollen collecting helps the bee colonies is also controversial.
Bee Pollen has been called nature's perfect food because it is rich in vitamins and contains almost all known minerals, trace elements, enzymes, and amino acids. This is possible because bee pollen captures the essence of every plant from which it collects pollen. In addition, Bee Pollen contains digestive enzymes from the bees.
Clinical studies have shown that a certain pollen extract, has anti-inflammatory properties, is capable of relaxing the muscles that surround the urethra, and may also be able to slow or inhibit the growth of prostate cells. Trial studies have also shown that this pollen extract may improve symptoms for people with chronic prostatitis.
Bee pollen is believed to rejuvenate the body, stimulate organs and glands, enhance vitality, and bring about a longer life span. Bee pollen's purported ability to consistently and noticeably increase energy levels also makes it a popular substance among many world class athletes and those interested in sustaining and enhancing quality performance.
Bee pollen as a nutritional supplement may build the immune system and provide energy for the entire body. It contains 35 protein, 55 carbohydrate, 2 fatty acids, and 3 minerals and vitamins. It is high in B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E. It is high in B-complex and vitamins A, C, D, and E, and contains lecithin and seleniumbeta-carotene.
Because of its diverse makeup of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and amino acids bee pollen is believed by some experts to be a good source of anti-oxidants. Research studies and tests indicate that bee pollen plays a part in immunizing the body, enhancing vitality, and can possibly counteract the effects of radiation and certain harmful toxins. When used to build the immune system.
It is considered to have the ability to eliminate toxins and poisonous materials from the body. Chemical pollutants are known as the most severe stressors to your immune system. Many believe that bee pollen can be quickly absorbed into the blood stream and inspire immunological responses.
Notwithstanding the many suggested benefits of bee pollen, to date, there is insufficient clinical research to suggest that bee pollen is an effective remedy for many health conditions. A few in vitro and animal studies suggest that bee pollen might actually protect against some forms of radiation damage, that it might have some immunomodulating effects and that it might be of benefit to pregnant women.
Bee pollen has been considered to have the following nutrients:
Vitamins: Provitamin A, B-1 Thiamin, B-2 Riboflavin, B-3 Nancin, B-5, B-6 Pyridoxine, B-12 (cyanocobalamine), Pantothenic acid, Vitamin C, F, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin H, Vitamin K, Vitamin PP, Folic Acid, Choline, Inositol, Rutin.
Minerals: Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Copper, Iodine, Zinc, Sulfur, Sodium, Chlorine, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Selenium, Boron, Silica, and Titanium.
Other: Amino Acid, Carbohydrates, Fatty Acids, Enzymes & Co-Enzymes, Fats.
Bee Pollen contains at least 22 amino acids, 18 vitamins, 25 minerals, 59 trace elements, 11 enzymes or co-enzymes, 14 fatty acids, 11 carbohydrates and approximately 25 % protein. Bee pollen is extremely rich in carotenes, which are metabolic precursors of vitamin A. It is also high In B complex and vitamins C, D, E and Lecithin. Bee pollen contains over 50 % more protein than beef, yet its fat content is very low. It is also an excellent vegetarian source of protein typically possessing more of the essential amino acids, pound for pound, than animal proteins like meat, eggs, and dairy products.
Daily use of pollen also ensures an intake of the more obscure, yet essential trace minerals that may be lacking from commercially grown produce and are often not included in vitamin mineral supplements. Most of us are unaware that the nutrients supplied by cooked fruits, vegetables and meats are not considered fresh because their enzymes have been exposed to high heat. Even taking a multivitamin can't offer the superior nutrient array of raw and fresh food.
Besides the obvious, though, there are specific health benefits of bee pollen.
- Bee pollen benefits your immune system. Bee pollen contains proteins, mono and polyunsaturated fats, vitamins B, C, D, E, and beta-carotene, calcium, magnesium, selenium, nucleic acids, lecithin, and cysteine, all of which have been proven effective in strengthening the immune system.
- Bee pollen helps build resistance to allergies. Because bee pollen contains traces of the substances that can trigger allergic hay fever, some allergists prescribe it to help lower sensitivity to local plant pollens.
- Bee pollen helps you to cope more easily with stress. Because it has a full complement of amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins that help regulate mood, taking bee pollen supplements can help you control the stress in your life.
- Athletes have used bee pollen for centuries to help them increase their energy and endurance. While studies have yet to bear this out, it makes logical sense that the long-term effects of using a bee pollen supplement are extremely beneficial to athletes. Considering the full spectrum of nutrients that bee pollen provides, it only makes sense that long-term bee pollen supplements would help athletes - who deplete their bodies of necessary nutrients on a regular basis.
