This amazing nutrient known as bee
pollen is esteemed by many health experts as a complete food.
It has been used as a supplement for thousands of years by many
cultures all over the world.
It is mentioned, along with other bee products, in the Bible,
the Talmud, the Koran, the Book of Mormon, and has even been
referred to in ancient Oriental scrolls of the Far East.
A full colony of bees can actually pull in as many as 50,000
loads of pollen a day. The vital pollen is taken from the stamen of
flowers. It is the male reproductive part of the flower that the
bees collect.
The bees pack the powder into granules, adding
honey or nectar from honey sacs where it is then transported back
to the hive.
Finally, an enzyme is added to prevent germination, metabolizing
the pollen for food, thus preserving the bee pollen benefit
nutritionally.
It is gathered for human consumption and use with a special
device that is placed at the entrance of the hive through which the
bees pass.
As the bees pass through the device, it causes the pollen to
come off the bee's legs, trapping it.
Bee Pollen Benefits
Bee Pollen Facts
Is there a main bee pollen benefit? In
truth, there are many health benefits to this incredible nutrient.
Years ago, we read a book on Bee Pollen benefits by Carlson Wade, a
recognized nutrition expert.
Wade asserted that this humble bee pollen herb has all vitamins,
minerals, amino acids, trace elements, and protein needed to
sustain life. Wade is not alone in his belief. Dr. Betty Lee
Morales has said,
"Bee pollen is the only food which contains every
essential nutrient needed by mankind for perfect health. This fact
can hardly be disputed since it has been proved by analysis in the
laboratories of the world many times."
We've now been using this remarkable compound for over 24 years
and can testify to its benefits in this bee pollen benefits
web page. Along with ginseng, goji berries, and wheatgrass juice,
it is among the most nutritious foods on the planet.
Bee pollen is rich in the B vitamin complex (which gives
energy), carotenes, including vitamins C and E, two potent
antioxidants, and is made up of approximately 55%
carbohydrates.
There are many health benefits attributed to bee pollen which
have been verified in independent clinical tests all over the
world. In Europe, especially Germany, it is very popular as a
supplement.
The Chinese too have used it for centuries. Its benefits include
increasing energy, increased libido, helps eliminate acne, aids
indigestion, eliminating depression, improving blood pressure.
It also used as a topically applied salve (which is good
for skin problems).
It's also helpful in lessening the effects of diabetes, and
as a weight loss supplement as well.
Perhaps the most noted Bee Pollen benefit is its ability to
increase endurance, strength, and even increase mental function.
Not surprisingly, for its stamina-giving capabilities, it is much
sought after by athletes.
What about the Bee Pollen prostate link, bee pollen
high blood pressure help, the popular bee pollen and weight
loss connection; what about diabetes and bee pollen and the acne
and bee pollen association?
I will discuss them in separate pages on this site, but not on
this bee pollen benefit page.
However, like many supplements, bee pollen is almost looked upon
as a panacea -- a cure all -- for almost every problem imaginable.
(I've never read anything where it can cure disease. Anyone saying
that is exaggerating.)
Don't misunderstand, bee pollen is a superstar but good health
is not found in only one supplement ingredient, but in keeping the
intestinal tract clean, in getting adequate amounts of rest, by
eating a diet rich in vegetables and fruits, and in taking a good,
assimilable multivitamin.
Bee Pollen Benefit
Bee Pollen and Weight Loss
As fat loss is important to so many, let's discuss bee pollen
and weight loss for a moment. Among its impressive array of
nutrients is lecithin, which we believe is largely responsible for
its fat-loss properties. A main bee pollen benefit is found in
lecithin.
Lecithin helps to remove fat stores from the body and stimulates
the metabolism. Lecithin also helps in the assimilation of
nutrients in the digestive process.
Undoubtedly, a key bee pollen benefit is that it helps to
regulate the metabolism, evening out chemical imbalance so it can
function properly. When this happens, one of the side benefits is
weight loss. According to Carlson Wade referred to earlier,
"Bee pollen is a natural way to improve
metabolism and help control and take weight
off."
Another bee pollen benefit is that it possesses diuretic
capabilities and is believed to reduce unwanted hunger pangs and
cravings.
So, yes there is a link between bee pollen and weight loss.
However, it should not be viewed as a solitary aid in the fight for
weight loss but as a complementary member of a fat-loss team for
weight loss is not dependent upon one thing but a combination of
factors.
In reality, one bee pollen benefit study conducted in 1994 by
Chinese doctors Y Xie, B. Wan, and W. Li actually showed bee pollen
inducing weight gain.
In truth, most of the evidence between bee pollen and weight
loss is mostly anecdotal. There are contradictory statements made
that cancel each other out. We personally have used bee pollen as a
general health tonic, not for weight loss.
Bee Pollen Allergic Side Effects
Bee Pollen Benefit Precautions &
Guidelines
No page entitled bee pollen benefit would be complete wihtout
needed comments on some basic guidelines. While there are no known
negative drug or nutrient interactions, there are a few bee
pollen side effects you should be aware of.
Some possible side effects are skin flushing, which
usually signals an allergy to bee products, wheezing, headache,
itchy throat, hives, and dizziness.
It should also be noted that severe allergic reactions such as
anaphylactic shock is possible if you are already sensitive or
allergic to bee products.
Anaphylactic shock can cause death so if you have any
reservations at all, and just to be safe, please consult with your doctor before beginning any new
supplement.
Bee pollen comes in many forms, in a natural powder form,
tablet, cream, lozenge, cream, capsule, and as fresh bee pollen
herb (although it's not an herb per se).
How To Choose A Quality Bee Pollen
Supplement
In the US, a lot of our pollen is not from local bee hives but
is imported. In order to obtain the healthiest bee pollen, make
sure the source is as pristine as possible with the product being
produced at GMP compliant
facilities.
Facilities that are GMP registered comply with the most
rigid standards so as to minimize the possibility of product
contaminants.
These are the same standards pharmaceutical companies in the
United States are required to operate under as mandated by the
FDA.
Ideally, make sure the bee pollen benefit or product rather does
not contain any fillers or additives such as sucrose (sugar),
starch, gluten, silica (sand) or any other artificial colors, dyes,
or flavors.
Next, only get freeze-dried Bee Pollen. This preserves
the nutrients in the bee pollen. Avoid processed or heat dried
pollen as this kills the sensitive enzymes.
Incidentally, if you're buying raw bee pollen herb or powder,
one naturopathic doctor recommends soaking it for 12 hours in
orange juice or water in preparation for consumption as this
improves nutrient assimilation from 7 to 12% to 80 to 90%.
(This will obviously increase the bee benefit benefit you wish
to obtain through supplementation.)
Lastly, like most supplements, bee pollen's effectiveness (at
least in tablet or capsule form) is heightened when combined with
other nutrients.
Ideally, make sure the supplement have royal jelly and
bee pollen health propolis for maximum effectiveness.
Bee Pollen Benefit Web Page Recommendation
A company in New Zealand offers GMP compliant products, and
meets all the above criteria and more. Their bee pollen comes from
one of the most pristine sources on earth in New Zealand that is
made in facilities that surpass even U.S. FDA standards.
Their bee pollen supplement product bee pollen supplement product has Bee
Propolis, Royal Jelly, plus other powerful nutrients that
complement its effectiveness.
I've been taking bee pollen for 24 years and have been using
this bee pollen supplement in capsule form for
over two years and can report superb results including increased
energy and improved all-around good health.