Bee Pollen: Superfood March 14, 2011

Bee pollen: most complete food source on earth.

I first became aware of bee pollen when one of my children was prescribed it to treat allergies by our holistic health practitioner. Bee pollen works as an antihistamine and so is beneficial for almost any type of allergy, especially seasonal allergies such as hay fever. A dark vial contained the tiny yellow balls, which were delicious.

Benefits of bee pollen have been cited in ancient Egyptian and Chinese tribal texts as a cure all, health fortifier, anti-aging compound, used to enhance physical and mental well-being.

The most famous report of extreme longevity has been among the Abkhazians, in the Caucasus Mountain Range of Georgia. While claims of living to ages 125-150 appear erroneous and undocumented, it is true that a great deal of the population live to over 100. A major staple of their diet is honey, many descend from generations of beekeepers.

Because bee pollen is assimilated into the body naturally at the cellular level, benefits are noticed after just a brief period of regular use. Men aged 40-45 can benefit from bee pollen by greatly reducing their symptoms or risk of developing prostate cancer, and both men and women find it supports sexual and reproductive health.

Nutritional Properties

• Bee pollen is 40% protein
• Contains high proportions of B-Complex vitamins, as well as vitamins A, C, D, E
• Contains 22 amino acids, 27 mineral salts, and over 5,000 enzymes necessary for digestion and healing
• It is 15% lecithin which increases weight loss and improves cholesterol counts
• Contains 96 known nutrients

Other Benefits

• It is rich in the bioflavonoid rutin, which strengthens capillaries
• Improves complexion
• Provides an increase in natural energy with a build-up over time
• Can improve developmental problems in children
• It’s natural phenylalanine curbs appetite
• May be taken daily

Tips & Warnings

• Production of pollen in the hive includes a fermentation process which allows it to last forever within the hive. Once removed from the hive, it should be stored in the refrigerator as heat destroys many of the enzymes.
  
• Severe allergic responses including anaphylactic shock may occur. Test with one pollen grain, and if you suffer no adverse reaction, increase dosage to an optimum amount of 1 tablespoon per day. Check with your doctor before taking bee pollen.

Interestingly, honey is the only existing compound which scientists have not been able to reproduce in the laboratory.