Index
Collector bees collect pollen from plants and transport it to the hive, where it is stored and used as food for the colony.
Bee pollen is a mixture of flower pollen, nectar, enzymes, honey , wax, and bee secretions.
Bee pollen should not be confused with other bee products, such as honey, royal jelly, or honeycomb. These products may not contain pollen or may contain other substances.
Recently, bee pollen has gained traction in the health community because it is loaded with nutrients , amino acids, vitamins, lipids and more than 250 active substances.
In fact, the German Federal Ministry of Health recognizes bee pollen as a medicine.
Many studies have examined the health effects of bee pollen and found promising results.
Here are 11 science-backed health benefits of bee pollen
1. An impressive nutritional profile with more than 250 active substances
Bee pollen has an impressive nutritional profile.
It contains more than 250 biologically active substances, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants.
Bee pollen granules consist of approximately:
- Carbohydrates: 40%.
- Protein: 35%.
- Water: 4-10%.
- Fat: 5%.
- Other substances: 5-15%.
The last category includes:
- Vitamins
- Minerals
- Antibiotics
- Antioxidants
However, the nutritional content of pollen depends on the source of the plant and the season collected.
For example, studies have shown that bee pollen collected from pine plants has about 7% protein, while pollen collected from date palm bundles comes close to 35% protein.
Furthermore, bee pollen harvested during the spring season in some countries has a significantly different amino acid composition than pollen harvested during the summer.
Summary
Bee pollen contains more than 250 biological substances, including proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and antioxidants. The exact nutrient composition depends on the source of the plant and the season harvested.
2. It has a high antioxidant content that protects against free radicals and chronic diseases
Bee pollen is loaded with a wide variety of antioxidants, including:
- Flavonoids.
- Carotenoids.
- Quercetin.
- Kaempferol.
- Glutathione
Antioxidants protect your body against potentially harmful molecules called free radicals. Free radical damage is linked to chronic diseases like cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Some studies in test tubes, animals and some studies in humans have shown that the antioxidants in bee pollen can reduce:
- Chronic inflammation.
- Eliminate harmful bacteria.
- Fight infections.
- Fight the growth and spread of tumors.
However, the antioxidant content of bee pollen also depends on the source of your plant.
Unless a plant source is specifically listed on the label, it can be difficult to determine where your bee pollen came from.
Summary
Bee pollen contains a wide variety of antioxidants, which can protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases, such as cancer and type 2 diabetes.
3. May lower risk factors for heart disease such as high blood lipids and cholesterol
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the world.
Both high blood lipids and high cholesterol are linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Fortunately, bee pollen can reduce these risk factors.
For example, animal studies have shown that bee pollen extracts can lower blood cholesterol levels, especially the “bad” LDL cholesterol.
In people with myopia caused by clogged arteries, bee pollen supplements lowered blood cholesterol levels, increasing their field of vision.
Additionally, the antioxidants in bee pollen can protect lipids from oxidation. When lipids are oxidized they can clump together, constrict blood vessels and increase the risk of heart disease.
Summary
Bee pollen can help reduce risk factors for heart disease, such as “bad” LDL cholesterol and lipid oxidation.
4. It can increase liver function and protect your liver from toxic substances
Your liver is a vital organ that breaks down and removes toxins from your blood.
Animal studies have found that bee pollen can enhance your detoxifying abilities.
In older animals, bee pollen increased the liver’s antioxidant defense and removed more waste products, such as malondialdehyde and urea, from the blood.
Other animal studies show that the antioxidants in bee pollen protect the liver against damage from various toxic substances, including drug overdoses. Bee pollen also promotes liver healing.
However, few human studies have evaluated the effects of bee pollen on liver function. More human studies are needed to establish health recommendations.
Summary
Animal studies suggest that bee pollen can stimulate liver function and protect this organ from harmful substances. However, more high-quality human studies are needed.
5. Contains various compounds with anti-inflammatory properties
Bee pollen has traditionally been used to reduce inflammation and swelling.
An animal study showed that bee pollen extract reduced the swelling of rats’ paws by 75%.
In fact, its anti-inflammatory effects have been compared to several non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as:
- Phenylbutazone.
- Indomethacin.
- El analgin.
- The naproxen .
Bee pollen contains several compounds that can reduce inflammation and swelling, including the antioxidant quercetin, which reduces the production of inflammatory omega-6 fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid.
Similarly, plant compounds in bee pollen can suppress biological processes that stimulate the production of inflammatory hormones such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF).
Summary
Based on animal and test-tube studies, the antioxidants in bee pollen may have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
6. It can help you avoid illness by boosting immunity and killing bacteria
Bee pollen can boost your immune system and help you avoid illnesses and unwanted reactions.
For one thing, research has shown that it can reduce the severity and onset of allergies.
In one study, bee pollen was shown to significantly reduce mast cell activation. Mast cells, when activated, release chemicals that trigger an allergic reaction.
Additionally, several test tube studies confirmed that bee pollen has strong antimicrobial properties.
Bee pollen extract was found to kill potentially harmful bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as those that cause staph infections.
Summary
Animal and test-tube studies show that the antioxidants in bee pollen can reduce the severity and onset of allergies and kill various harmful bacteria.
7. It can help heal wounds and prevent infections
Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help your body heal wounds.
For example, animal research found that bee pollen extract was just as effective in treating burns as silver sulfadiazine, a gold standard in treating burns, and caused far fewer side effects.
Another animal study showed that applying a balm containing bee pollen to a burn significantly accelerated the healing of standard medications.
The antimicrobial properties of bee pollen can also prevent infection, a major risk factor that can compromise the healing process for scrapes, cuts, abrasions, and burns.
Summary
Bee pollen has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can promote wound healing. Its antimicrobial properties can also prevent wound infections.
8. May have anticancer properties
Bee pollen may have applications to treat and prevent cancers, which occur when cells proliferate abnormally.
Test tube studies discovered extracts of bee pollen to inhibit:
- Tumor growth and stimulate apoptosis, the programmed death of cells, in cancers of the prostate, colon and leukemia.
- Cistus (Cistus incanus L.) and white willow (Salix alba L) bee pollen may have anti-estrogen properties, which could reduce the risk of breast, prostate, and uterine cancer.
However, more human-based research is needed.
Summary
Test-tube studies suggest that bee pollen reduces the risk of several cancers, although more human studies are needed.
9. It can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes or hot flashes.
Menopause, which marks the cessation of menstruation in women, is often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms, such as hot flashes (hot flashes or hot flashes), night sweats, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
Studies show that bee pollen can alleviate various symptoms of menopause.
In one study, 71% of women felt that their menopausal symptoms improved when taking bee pollen.
In another study, 65% of women who took a pollen supplement experienced fewer hot flashes. These women also reported other health improvements, such as better sleep, less irritability, less joint pain, and better mood and energy.
Furthermore, a three-month study showed that women taking bee pollen supplements experienced significantly fewer menopausal symptoms. Additionally, these supplements helped lower “bad” LDL cholesterol and raise “good” HDL cholesterol.
Summary
Studies have shown that bee pollen can relieve various menopausal complaints, including hot flashes. It can also improve cholesterol levels.
10. Can improve nutrient utilization, metabolism and longevity
Some evidence suggests that bee pollen can improve your body’s utilization of nutrients.
For example, iron-deficient rats absorbed 66% more iron when pollen was added to their diet.
This spike is likely due to the fact that pollen contains vitamin C and bioflavonoids, which increase iron absorption.
Additionally, healthy pollen-fed rats absorbed more calcium and phosphorus from their diet. Pollen contains high-quality proteins and amino acids that can aid in such absorption.
Other animal studies have shown that bee pollen can improve muscle growth, speed up metabolism, and promote longevity.
Although animal studies are promising, it is unclear whether humans experience the same benefits.
Summary
Animal studies have shown that bee pollen can improve the absorption and utilization of nutrients such as iron, calcium, and phosphorus. It can also speed up metabolism and promote longevity, although human research is needed to confirm these benefits.
11. Safe for most people and easy to add to your diet
Bee pollen comes in granule or supplement form and is safe for most people. You can buy it at health stores or your local beekeeper.
The granules can be added to your favorite foods, such as breakfast or smoothies.
However, people with an allergy to pollen or bee stings should avoid pollen products, as they can cause symptoms such as itching, swelling, shortness of breath, or anaphylaxis.
These products can also interact negatively with blood thinners, such as warfarin.
Pregnant or nursing women should avoid bee pollen products, as evidence is lacking that they are completely safe for babies.
Summary
Bee pollen supplements are generally safe to consume. However, people with an allergy to pollen or bee stings, pregnant or nursing women, and people taking blood thinners, such as warfarin, should avoid it.
The bottom line
Bee pollen contains many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it incredibly healthy.
Studies have linked bee pollen and its compounds to health benefits, such as decreased inflammation, as well as improved immunity, menopausal symptoms, and wound healing.
However, most of the evidence surrounding bee pollen and its constituents comes from test tube and animal studies. More human research is needed to clarify its health benefits.
All in all, bee pollen is a great addition to your diet and can be easily purchased from health stores or your local beekeeper.
