Top 8 Bee Pollen Benefits

1. Reduces Inflammation

The anti-inflammatory activity of bee pollen has been compared to drugs, such
as naproxen, analgin, phenylbutazone and indomethacin. Researchers suggest that
it can be used in acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, initial degenerative
conditions, and liver disease or toxicity. A 2010 study published in Pharmaceutical
Biology found that honeybee pollen displayed significant anti-inflammatory
activities when given to mice with acetaminophen-induced liver necrosis. (2)

Another study conducted in 2010 investigated the anti-inflammatory effect of bee pollen
bulk, its water extract and its ethanol extract by a method of carrageenan-induced paw
edema in rats. The results indicate the bulk mildly suppressed the paw edema while the
water extract showed almost no inhibitory activity. The ethanol extract showed potent
anti-inflammatory activity, and researchers suggest that it can used as a dietary
supplement and as a functional food. (3)

2. Acts as an Antioxidant

Recent studies have revealed that enzymatic hydrolysates from bee pollen are
beneficial for patients undergoing various diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular
diseases, diabetes and hypertension. The antioxidant properties were measured in a
2005 study, and researchers found that it has remarkable antioxidant activity. They
witnessed high scavenging activities against active oxidative stress. Researchers even
suggested that the inhibitory activities of bee pollen were similar to those found
in fermented foods, such as natto, miso, cheese and vinegar. (4)

3. Protects Against Liver Toxicity

One 2013 study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative

Medicine found that chestnut bee pollen protects hepatocytes from the oxidative stress
and promotes the healing of liver damage caused by toxicity. Rats with carbon
tetrachloride-induced liver damage were separated into two groups — one group took
two different concentrations of chestnut bee pollen orally (200–400 milligrams per
kilogram a day), and one group was given silibinin, a medication that
contains flavonoids.

The researchers detected that both treatments reversed the liver damage, but silibinin
caused significant weight loss and death due to severe diarrhea when given to rats.
These findings suggest that bee pollen is a safe alternative to the silibinin in the
treatment of liver injuries and can be part of a liver cleanse. (5)

4. Boosts the Immune System

Bee pollen has antimicrobial and antiviral properties. A 2014 study published in Food
and Chemical Toxicology evaluated the biological actives of eight commercial bee
pollen purchased from the market. All of the samples exhibited antimicrobial
activity. Staphylococcus aureus was the most sensitive to bee pollen,
and candida glabrata was the most resistant. (6)

Bee pollen may also be a natural allergy fighter. A 2008 study conducted in Japan
investigated the effect of bee pollen on mast cell activation, which plays a central role in
various allergic diseases. The researchers performed in vivo and in vitro experiments
and found that bee pollen does have anti-allergic action because of its ability to inhibit
the activation of mast cells, which plays an important role in the early and late phases of
allergic reactions. (7)

5. Serves as a Dietary Supplement

Animal studies suggest that bee pollen can be used as a valuable dietary supplement.
Studies have proved that mice and rats fed with pollen showed a higher vitamin C and
magnesium content in the thymus, heart muscle and skeletal muscles. They also had a
higher hemoglobin content and greater number of red blood cells after pollen
consumption. Bee pollen has actually lengthened the life span of experimental animals.

An interesting study published in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal

Nutrition evaluated the effects of bee pollen on 40 New Zealand white rabbits. The
rabbits were equally divided among four groups that received the same commercial diet.
Each group was given a water solution containing no bee pollen or 100, 200 or 300
milligrams of bee pollen per kilogram of body weight. The female rabbits were mated
with non-treated male rabbits from October to February and May to September.

For each season, 80 weaned rabbits originated from the females of the control group,
and they were divided into the same four groups to begin treatment. Bee pollen
treatment for the female rabbits at 200 milligrams significantly increased body weight,
conception rate, milk yield and litter size. It also improved biochemical profiles of blood.
The same dose of bee pollen also significantly increased the growth of baby rabbits and
their survival rate until weaning. Similar bee pollen benefits were displayed in a 1994
study that involved pregnant rats and fetal growth. (8, 9)

These animal studies suggest that bee pollen has a high nutritional value and works as
a supplement for animals with nutritional deficiencies. Researchers suggest that it can
be helpful when given to children who have a lack of appetite or experience a
developmental delay. It may also help malnourished children and adults, especially
before and after surgery, when recovering from an addiction to alcohol, or when they’re
under physical or mental stress.

6. Relieves Menopausal Symptoms

A 2015 study conducted in Germany found that both honey and bee pollen honey
improved menopausal complaints in breast cancer patients on antihormonal treatment.
Over two-thirds of the patients who completed the study reported an improvement in
their symptoms.

Researchers suggest that bee pollen and honey may be offered to women who have
failed to respond to other alternatives to cope with postmenopausal symptoms. They
also note that the flavonoids found in honey and pollen have been found to prevent
breast cancer, supporting the use of these products in women with menopause
symptoms and problems with or without a history of breast cancer. (10)

7. Helps Relieve Stress

Because of bee pollen’s nutritional and tonic properties, it improves blood supply to
nervous tissue, boosting mental capacity and strengthening the nervous system that
may be weakened by stress. That makes it one of the most effective natural stress
relievers. It may be particularly useful for people with a lack of energy, especially the
elderly. Even small doses of bee pollen over an extended period of time can improve
mood and physical endurance, thereby strengthening one’s desire to live.

It also serves as a local analgesic, giving it the ability to relieve pain that can be brought
on by stress or injury. (11)

8. Promotes Healing

Bee pollen can be used as a topical ointment to speed up the healing process,
especially useful as a home remedy for burn relief. The pollen includes kaempferol,
which inhibits the activity of enzymes after a burn and decreases inflammatory reactions
and swelling.

Pollen helps improve blood circulation in the vessels, and it moistens the skin. The anti-
inflammatory and analgesic action of flavonoids in bee pollen helps relieve pain and
prevent platelet aggregation. Pollen also helps prevent infection because of its
antimicrobial activity, allowing a wound or burn to heal quickly. (12, 13)

Because bee pollen is a great source of many vitamins and minerals, it can also help
keep your skin looking younger and glowing. It stimulates blood supply to all skin cells,
helps detoxify the body, reduces the appearance of wrinkles and speeds up the healing
process.

Bee Pollen for Weight Loss?

Studies have shown that pollen helps in the recovery of muscle protein and energy
metabolism in old rats exposed to severe food restriction, proving that it’s useful in the
prevention or recovery of malnutrition. (14) But what about weight loss? Is bee pollen
a metabolism booster?

Bee pollen helps regulate hormones, and it possesses metabolic activity — containing
amino acids that help increase your metabolism by dissolving fat cells in the body. We
also know thatpollen contains an enormous amount of essential vitamins and minerals,
helping nourish the body of people with poor eating habits. It only takes a small amount
to receive these nutrients, and an ounce of bee pollen is only about 90 calories.

Many manufacturers make bee pollen pills or supplements that claim to help you lose
weight fast, but there is little scientific evidence proving this to be true. In fact, the FDA
had to recall Zi Xiu Tang bee pollen capsules because they found it contained
undeclared sibutramine and phenolphthalein, weight-loss drugs that are no longer used
in the U.S. because they may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. The FDA
reported that it received more than 50 adverse event reports associated with the use of
tainted bee pollen weight loss products from customers and health care providers. (15)

Without scientific evidence, it’s hard to label bee pollen as the “miracle weight-loss
product.” But we do know that it can reduce inflammation, boost energy, and provide a
range of important vitamins and minerals. It also has the power to support skin health
and speed up the healing process, and for these reasons pollen is a useful supplement.

How to Find & Use Bee Pollen

Buy bee pollen from a reputable company or local beekeeper that you trust. Make sure
that the pollen is free from pesticides and that the bee colonies are not treated with
chemicals. You can find pollen in most health food stores and farmers’ markets,
especially since it’s becoming more popular.

The most common way to use bee pollen is when it’s ground and mixed with foods.
Ground pollen can be mixed with honey, cottage cheese or yogurt in a 1:1 to 1:4 ratio —
this creates a mixed pollen solution that can be ingested throughout the day. If you’re
trying to combat a nutrient deficiency, allergies, inflammation, stress or illness, take one
teaspoon of mixed pollen three times a day.

Bee pollen granules are also available. They can be added to yogurt, cereal and baked
goods. Granules can be blended to create ground pollen, which can be added to
smoothies or sprinkled over salad. Because of bee pollen’s detoxifying properties, it
makes a great addition to this Secret Detox Drink.
Pollen grains or granules can be added to warm water for two to three hours. They then
crack and release their nutritional value. This can also be done with milk, fruit and
vegetable juices. You then can drink the liquid or add it to a smoothie to get these
awesome bee pollen benefits.
Potential Side Effects of Bee Pollen

It’s safe for most people to take bee pollen by mouth for a 30- to 60-day period,
depending on the dose. A lower dose can be consumed with a bee pollen mixture and is
deemed safer.

The biggest safety concerns are allergic reactions, which may be an issue for people
who are allergic to pollen. If you notice itching, swelling, shortness of breath or light-
headedness after consuming bee pollen supplements, discontinue use until you’ve
spoken to your health care provider.

There is some concern that bee pollen may stimulate the uterus and threaten
pregnancy, which is why women who are pregnant should avoid using pollen or use it
with the guidance of a health care provider.

Bee Pollen Takeaways

 Bee pollen is rich in vitamins, minerals, proteins, lipids and fatty acids, enzymes,
carotenoids and bioflavonoids.
 It has powerful antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties that strengthen
the capillaries, reduce inflammation, stimulate the immune system and lower
cholesterol levels naturally.
 Use bee pollen to boost your nutrient intake naturally. Studies have shown that
it’s effective in preventing and reversing malnourishment and poor nutrition.
 You can buy already ground bee pollen or granules. Add it is smoothies, yogurt,
cottage cheese, cereal, baked goods and salads. Or let the nutrients infuse in
warm water and drink it for a boost of vitamins and minerals.

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