Bee Pollen

The Benefits Of Bee Pollen

We all know that bees collect pollen as they go round drinking nectar from flowers. But not many of us know what happens next and as is often the case with bees, they done something amazing. They turn it into bread

The exact nutritional breakdown for bee pollen varies greatly, from day to day even in the same hive, depending on which flowers are in season and being visited by the bees. However an average sample will contain something like 55% carbohydrates, 35% proteins, 3% minerals and vitamins, 2% fatty acids, and 5% of diverse other components'.

Pollen functions as a natural energizer for the body, high in b-vitamins, vital for energy production at a cellular level.

High concentration of lecithin helps with dissolving and flushing fat cells, as well as nourishing the cells of the brain.
Helps to reduce food cravings thanks, in part, to the natural phenylalanine (an amino acid), which acts as a natural appetite suppressant.
Helpful in restoring the health the reproductive system and promotes relief from the discomfort of PMS
It helps speed up caloric burn by stimulating the metabolic system.
Bee pollen benefits the immune system. It 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 you to cope more easily with stress thanks to the full profile of amino acids, essential fatty acids and vitamins. This sweet and dense combo helps regulate mood.
The amino acids within bee pollen are precursors to human growth hormone (HGH). Bee Pollen also contains a gonadotropic hormone very similar to the human pituitary hormone, gonadotropin, which functions as a sex gland hormone. (Research conducted at various European Universities have shown in trials conducted with impotent men that more than half of those given bee pollen experienced a dramatic improvement of sperm and most gained a higher level of self-confidence, and were able to perform better sexually… after just one month of taking bee pollen!!!)

Taking bee pollen as a nutritional supplement

Since there is no established market for bee pollen in India, the majority of beekeepers do not have ready stocks of bee pollen with them. A handful of beekeepers are ready to supply customers with bee pollen upon demand. In north India, beekeepers collect bee pollen from hives during the monsoon season. The bees collect this pollen from maize flowers and pearl millet (bajra) , as maize and pearl millet are sown during the monsoons and flower profusely, producing flower spikes laden with yellow pollen. During the winter months the bees collect pollen from mustard flowers as mustard is sown during the winter months in north India and flowers profusely in the fields. Apart from these field crops, bees also collect pollen from several other wild flowers and flowering grasses.

Two types of bee pollen are available in north India: apiary pollen and wild bee pollen. Apiary pollen is collected from wooden bee boxes (hives) placed in an apiary. Wild bee pollen is collected from the hives of wild forest bees. Beekeepers have to place a pollen trap at the entrance of the wooden bee box so that the bees shed their pollen load upon entry into the hive. However, this also leads to a significant reduction in the amount of honey produced by the bees. Hence most beekeepers are reluctant to collect pollen from hives placed in an apiary.

For general health purposes it is recommended that one take 5 grams or one tablespoon of bee pollen each day. Those who suffer from allergies can begin by taking 2 grams or one teaspoon of bee pollen each day. Gradually the body will adjust to the bee pollen, and it may also help in overcoming allergies over a period of several months.

Bee pollen has a sweet- sour taste. It can be taken on its own or with a cup of milk, yogurt, a glass of fresh fruit juice or a cup of green tea.. In India’s hot, tropical climate it is essential to refrigerate the bee pollen, otherwise it will soon ferment and become unfit for human consumption.